HOUSTON (May 29, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC defeated the Colorado Rapids 3-1 at Shell Energy Stadium tonight behind goals from forward Amine Bassi, midfielder Latif Blessing and forward Sebastian Kowalczyk. The result marked the first time Houston has netted three goals this season.
It was also an historic night in goal, as goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell tallied 10 saves to tie current general manager Pat Onstad’s single-match club record. Tarbell made his second start of the season tonight in relief of an injured Steve Clark.
The Dynamo took the lead in the 40th minute when Bassi tapped home a brilliant cross from defender Griffin Dorsey. The play marked the second goal and second assist for Bassi and Dorsey, respectively.
Colorado was awarded a penalty in the 48th minute when Tarbell was deemed to have tripped Kévin Cabral in the penalty box. The veteran shot stopper saved the initial penalty kick from Rafael Navarro, but Djordje Mihailovic found the back of the net with the rebound to equalize the score.
Houston retook the lead in the 70th minute when Blessing netted a volley goal from outside of the box after a punch away from goalkeeper Zack Steffen. The score marked his second MLS goal for the Dynamo after scoring his first last week at the LA Galaxy.
Kowalczyk extended Houston’s lead in the 80th minute after forward Aliyu Ibrahim laid a ball off to the Polish international on the edge of the box. Kowalczyk fired the ball into the bottom left corner of the net for his first goal in front of the home crowd.
The Dynamo had their first shot on target in the 21st minute when a corner delivery made its way to defender Micael, but the Brazilian could not manage enough power to beat goalkeeper Keegan Rosenberry.
Minutes later, midfielder Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla managed a volley shot that sliced just wide of the far post after Ibrahim played a ball across the box to the Panamanian international.
Tarbell stepped up to make a double save in the 26th minute, diving to block the initial attempt from Navarro before diving again to stop a shot from Cabral at the near post.
Midfielder Artur managed a shot on target in the 47th minute, but his low, powerful attempt at the right post was met by Steffen.
Ibrahim missed the target by inches in the 66th minute with a one-touch shot after a quick delivery from Carrasquilla from the right side.
Before the June international break, the Dynamo travel to face Portland Timbers FC on Saturday, June 1, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT. Houston defeated Portland 1-0 at home earlier this season.
