HOUSTON (April 20, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC fell to Austin FC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium tonight, losing their first league match at home since March 2. The Dynamo hold a 4-3-1 (WLD) record with 13 points in MLS play this season.
Notably, captain Héctor Herrera made his season debut in the 62nd minute, returning from a knee injury that had sidelined him for the start of the season.
Austin scored the match-winning goal in the 86th minute when a long ball fell to the feet of Emiliano Rigoni, who put the ball into the far corner.
Houston had the first shot on target in the seventh minute when midfielder Artur took his chances on a loose ball outside of the box, but his attempt was corralled by goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Seconds later forward Amine Bassi slipped a ball into the box to midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk, but his shot was blocked just in time by the Austin back line.
Goalkeeper Steve Clark was called into action in the 14th minute when a loose ball fell to Sebastian Driussi, whose low shot was scooped up by the veteran goalkeeper for his first of three saves on the night.
Clark was called into action again in the 22nd minute after Alexander Ring fired a shot with pace from the middle of the penalty box, and his quick reaction save kept the match scoreless.
In the 43rd minute, Bassi flicked a ball to Kowalczyk who tapped it on to defender Griffin Dorsey running into the box, but his quick turn shot was blocked by the Austin back line.
Forward Aliyu Ibrahim saw Houston’s best chance of the first half come his way in stoppage time when Kowalczyk played a ball to the 22-year-old at the back post, but his volley shot was blocked by Stuver. The rebound fell to midfielder Latif Blessing, but his attempt was also blocked, this time by the Austin back line.
Bassi took his chances from outside the box in the 68th minute, forcing a full stretch save to keep Houston off the board.
Minutes later, Hererra fired a shot goalwards from the left corner of the penalty box, forcing another quick reaction save from Stuver.
In the 72nd minute, Ibrahim also took a shot from outside the box which was saved.
The Dynamo attempted 17 shots tonight, which is the highest total in a league match this season.
Houston remains in Texas but next hits the road to face FC Dallas in the first leg of the Texas Derby on Saturday, April 27 before returning to Shell Energy Stadium on May 4 to host St. Louis CITY SC. Tickets for that home match are available HERE.
