HOUSTON (March 16, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadiumtonight to earn their first MLS win of the season and their third consecutive victory versus the Timbers. Portland entered tonight undefeated and at the top of the Western Conference.
Houston scored the winner in the 43rd minute following midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla’s spectacular cross with the outside of his foot that was brought down by a Portland defender. Forward Aliyu Ibrahim was well positioned to capitalize on the loose ball for his second goal of the season.
In the third minute, Portland’s Santiago Moreno dribbled into the right side of the penalty box, but his cross attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Steve Clark. The rebound fell back to Moreno, who found Cristhian Paredes in the middle of the box, but Clark was again able to block the half-volley shot and send it behind the goal off the crossbar.
The Dynamo shot stopper was recognized before the match for reaching 250 starts in league play, reaching the milestone on March 2 against the New York Red Bulls at Shell Energy Stadium.
Houston’s first shot on target came in the 10th minute after Ibrahimforced a save from Timbers goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The Dynamo forward has scored two goals and tallied two assists in all competitions to start the year.
Defender Franco Escobar drove down the middle of the pitch with the ball in the 79th minute, finding forward Gabe Segal on the edge of the penalty box. The 22-year-old managed an attempt on goal through three defenders, but his shot was corralled by Crepeau at the near post.
Defender Micael came up with an important interception in the 82nd minute, beating Nathan Fogaca to a pass from Antony inside the six-yard box to keep Houston in the lead.
Forward Amine Bassi played a short corner to Carrasquilla in the 86th minute, who then chipped the ball over the defender back to Bassi. The 26-year-old then delivered the ball to the head of Micael in the middle of the box, whose attempt went just wide of the right post.
The Dynamo next travel to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, March 23, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT for their first road test of the MLS season.
