MATCH PREVIEW: Houston Dynamo FC conclude two-match road stretch against Minnesota United FC

HOUSTON (April 12, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC close a two-match road stretch at Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 13, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at Allianz Field.

The Dynamo boast one of the best defensive records so far this season, allowing only six goals across six matches and recording two clean sheets. Six goals allowed is tied for the least in the Western Conference, despite a shuffling back line that has seen six players start due to injuries. Additionally, Houston leads the league with 61 percent possession across their six matches this season, allowing the Dynamo to control matches and dictate pace of play.

Houston currently sits sixth in the Western Conference with 10 points and enters Saturday’s match after snapping their three-match winning streak, falling 2-1 in a tight match at Chicago Fire FC last weekend. The Dynamo found the back of the net in the 65^th minute when forward Aliyu Ibrahim capitalized on a loose ball from outside the box, burying his shot into the top right corner past goalkeeper Chris Brady. However, an early penalty conversion by Chicago’s Xherdan Shaqiri and a 78^th-minute match-winning goal from Swiss international saw the result go the way of the home side.

Ibrahim will be looking for his fourth goal in league play on Saturday, including the match-winner versus Portland at Shell Energy Stadium earlier this month. The Nigerian 22-year-old also tallied an assist in Houston’s season-opening draw and leads the team with nine shots on target this season.

Minnesota currently sits fourth in the Western Conference just one point ahead of the Dynamo and enters Saturday's match after a 1-1 home draw versus Real Salt Lake. The Loons earned a late point versus RSL after Tani Oluwaseyi finished off a loose ball in the box that bounced in off the post. However, the visiting team’s 24^th minute opener from Chicho Arango assured the points would be split last weekend.

Four Minnesota players have tallied multiple goals this season, as Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Robin Lod, Oluwaseyi and Teemu Pukki have each found the back of the net twice. The Loons could prove to be another strong test for the trusty Dynamo back line.

Although Houston has found victory four times over Minnesota at Shell Energy Stadium, the Dynamo are still looking for their first road victory since the Loons entered the league in 2017. The two teams met three times last year, including a 4-0 home victory for Houston in the Round of 16 on the way to winning the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Ibrahim scored the third goal of the match for Houston, while forward Corey Baird tallied his first-career hat trick.

The Dynamo next host in-state rivals Austin FC at Shell Energy Stadium on April 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for that match are available HERE.