Showing posts with label Major League Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Major League Soccer. Show all posts

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC draw 2-2 with FC Cincinnati

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 19, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC had control of the match for most of Saturday night, but a late penalty kept the team from earning all three points.

The Dynamo played FC Cincinnati to a 2-2 draw at Shell Energy Stadium after building a two-goal lead early in the second half.

Guilherme (shown left) gave Houston the lead in the 38th minute with a curling free kick that found the inside of the net. The goal was his 14th of the season and gave him 22 total goal contributions, a new single-season Dynamo record.

The 31-year-old Brazilian now has 14 goals and eight assists this season. His 22 goal contributions moved him past the previous club record of 21, set by Héctor Herrera in 2021 and Mauro Manotas in 2019.

Photo by 
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
Houston added to its lead in the 51st minute. After Agustin Bouzat (No. 19, right) was brought down inside the Cincinnati penalty area, Mateusz Bogusz stepped up and converted the penalty kick.

The goal was Bogusz's sixth of the season and marked his second straight home match with a goal.

Cincinnati began its comeback in the 73rd minute when Bryan Ramirez finished at the back post to make it 2-1.

The visitors completed the comeback in second-half stoppage time. Cincinnati was awarded a penalty after Bogusz was called for a foul on Kenji Mboma Dem inside the box. Kevin Denkey converted the chance to tie the match.

Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made six saves to keep the Dynamo in front for much of the night. Lucas Halter also made a key goal-line clearance in the second half.

The Dynamo remain second in the Western Conference at 13-8-5 with 44 points, the second-highest total through 26 matches in club history.

Houston returns home September 26 to host Sporting Kansas City for Noche de Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC blanks LA Galaxy 1-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 15, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC blanked the LA Galaxy 1-0 on Saturday night at a sold-out Shell Energy Stadium, stretching their shutout streak to four straight wins. 

It was the first time in club history the team has strung together that many consecutive clean-sheet victories. Guilherme (shown left) provided the only goal in the 21st minute, coolly converting from the penalty spot after Lawrence Ennali was fouled in the box. 

The Brazilian’s 12th goal of the season also marked his 19th goal contribution. He has now been involved in 67.9 percent of Houston’s goals this year, the highest mark in MLS, and sits within striking distance of Sebastien Le Toux’s single-season record of 71.4 percent set with the Philadelphia Union in 2010.

The Dynamo have not allowed a goal in 372 minutes, the second-longest such stretch for the club over the past decade. Over their last 13 matches they sit atop the Western Conference form table with a 9-2-2 record and 29 points, and they remain undefeated across the past seven matches.

Los Angeles went down to 10 men in the 58th minute when Emiro Garces received a straight red for denying Ennali a clear goal-scoring opportunity just outside the area. In stoppage time Dynamo forward Aliyu Ibrahim was shown two yellow cards in quick succession and also dismissed.

Midfielder Ondrej Lingr reached a personal milestone with his 50th appearance in orange across all competitions. Houston now hits the road for a two-game swing, beginning Wednesday at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC settles for 1-1 draw with D.C. United

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 22, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off their return to MLS action after the World Cup break with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against D.C. United on a sweltering Wednesday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, a season-high Wednesday crowd of 17,137 turned out to support the Dynamo, who maintained their strong home form with a 5-2-1 record this season.

The Dynamo seized the lead in the 40th minute through veteran midfielder Hector Herrera (shown above). A well-delivered free kick from Jack McGlynn was headed down into the path of the Mexican international, who showed superb control before firing a low shot past the keeper into the bottom right corner. It was Herrera’s second goal of the 2026 campaign.

D.C. United responded late, equalizing in the 78th minute when Tai Baribo rose to head home a delivery from Nathan Ordaz, denying Houston all three points

Making his Dynamo debut as a starter was new signing Duncan McGuire. The 25-year-old forward, acquired from Orlando City SC earlier this month, brought energy up front after a solid tenure with the Lions that included 32 goals across 109 appearances and three straight postseason appearances.

Both teams created dangerous moments throughout the contest. D.C. United’s Mateusz Bogusz tested goalkeeper Sean Johnson with sharp efforts in the first and second halves, while Houston threatened on set pieces.

The Dynamo now turn their attention to a Texas Derby showdown, continuing their homestand against in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Saturday, May 02, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC shuts out Colorado Rapids 1-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2026  All Rights Reserved





















By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 2, 2026)  Houston Dynamo FC continued their strong run of form Saturday night, earning a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Shell Energy Stadium. The result marks Houston’s fifth win in its last six matches across all competitions.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of Lawrence Ennali (shown above). After a Colorado clearance fell outside the box, the German forward controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from roughly 30 yards out. The shot found the back of the net, giving Houston the decisive edge and securing Ennali’s third goal of the season.

Defensively, Houston delivered a disciplined performance. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond recorded his third clean sheet of the year, finishing with two crucial saves. His most important moment came early in the second half, when he reacted quickly to deny a close-range header from Dante Sealy in the 51st minute, preserving the scoreless draw at the time.

Houston controlled much of the match, particularly in the opening half, where they held Colorado without a shot while generating several opportunities of their own. Midfielder Jack McGlynn tested goalkeeper Zack Steffen with a long-range effort in the 20th minute, while a well-worked attacking sequence minutes later forced Steffen into another save.

The Dynamo continued to press after halftime. Ezequiel Ponce and Mateusz Bogusz each found looks on goal, but Colorado’s defense managed to keep the match level until Ennali’s moment of brilliance.

With momentum building, Houston now turns its attention to a high-profile road matchup against Los Angeles FC on May 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT as the Dynamo look to extend their impressive run.

Sunday, April 05, 2026

Houston Dynamo fall 1-0 in rain-soaked battle against Seattle Sounders FC

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission


By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 4, 2026) The Houston Dynamo FC came up just short Saturday night, falling 1-0 to Seattle Sounders FC in a tough, rain-soaked battle at Shell Energy Stadium.

Heavy rain pushed kickoff back by 30 minutes, and the wet conditions stayed a factor all night. Still, Houston showed strong energy and created more chances than Seattle, even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it.

The Dynamo controlled much of the match offensively. They finished with 13 shots and nine corner kicks.

Houston nearly struck early in the ninth minute. Mateusz Bogusz found a loose ball inside the box and fired a right-footed shot, but Seattle’s defense stepped in to block it.

Seattle tested Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond in the 21st minute. Bond reacted quickly, diving low to his left to stop a shot from Jesús Ferreira and keep the match scoreless.

Houston kept pushing forward. In the 29th minute, Guilherme Biro dribbled into the box and fired a shot toward the near post, but Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made the save. Guilherme stayed active after halftime, putting another shot on target in the 47th minute, but Thomas again came through.

The Dynamo continued to apply pressure as the second half went on. In the 65th minute, Bogusz got another good look after a pass from Guilherme, but his shot was stopped by a diving save from Thomas.

Houston also saw key moments off the field. Defender Franco Negri made his first start for the club, while defender Sam Vines made his Dynamo debut after signing earlier in the week. Late in the match, forward Aliyu Ibrahim entered in the 88th minute to mark his 100th career MLS appearance.

Despite Houston’s strong effort, Seattle found the breakthrough late. In the 83rd minute, Paul Rothrock scored near the far post to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead. It was Seattle’s best chance of the night, and they made it count.

Houston pushed forward in the final minutes, but Seattle’s defense held firm to secure the win.

While the result was disappointing, the Dynamo showed signs of progress. They created chances, controlled possession at times, and kept pressure on one of the league’s top teams. Now, the focus turns to finishing those chances.

Houston will look to bounce back next weekend when they travel to face the Colorado Rapids on April 11 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC comes from behind to down Portland Timbers

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 14, 2026) The Houston Dynamo FC earned a dramatic 3–2 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, scoring three second-half goals to complete a thrilling comeback.

The winning moment came deep into stoppage time. In the 15th minute of second-half stoppage time, attacker Mateusz Bogusz fired a right-footed shot that struck the inside of the far post and rolled into the net. It was Bogusz’s first goal for Houston and one of the latest goals ever scored in Major League Soccer history.

Houston had to rally after falling behind late in the first half. Portland took a 1–0 lead in stoppage time when Gage Guerra scored on a rebound after Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathan Bond saved a penalty kick.

The Dynamo responded in the second half. In the 62nd minute, Bogusz delivered a cross to Guilherme (shown above right) at the far post, and the forward headed the ball into the net to tie the match.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
Houston took the lead in the 77th minute when defender Felipe Andrade (shown left) scored with a powerful long-range shot into the bottom corner. It marked Andrade’s first goal of the season in his 2026 debut.

Portland answered quickly, as Kristoffer Velde scored from inside the box in the 80th minute to even the match at 2–2.

The game grew even more tense late when Houston went down to 10 men. Defender Nick Markanich received a red card in the 94th minute after a foul on goalkeeper James Pantemis.

Despite being a man down, Houston found the winner moments later. Midfielder Jack McGlynn launched a long pass forward that set up Bogusz’s dramatic finish.

Bond finished the night with six saves to help secure the victory.

The Dynamo now turn their attention to a Texas rivalry match against FC Dallas on March 21 in their first road trip of the season. 

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC fall to LAFC 2-0 in heartbreaking loss

Dynamo MF Ondrej Lingr (9) and LAFC MF Mark Delgad0 (9) battle for the ball.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
 
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 28, 2026)  The Houston Dynamo FC fell by the score of 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston ended the match with just nine players after two red cards changed the game.

Defender and captain Antônio Carlos was sent off in first-half stoppage time. He was ruled to have fouled Son Heung-Min just outside the box. Down a man, Houston tried to hold off LAFC’s attack. In the 76th minute, midfielder Agustín Bouzat was also shown a red card after another foul on Son during a breakaway. That left the Dynamo with nine players for the final stretch.

LAFC broke through in the 56th minute. Marco Delgado scored with a strong shot from outside the box to make it 1-0. Stephen Eustaquio added a second goal in the 82nd minute, placing his shot into the bottom left corner.

Despite the loss, Houston had some bright moments. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made four saves, including two big stops in the 37th minute. He first denied Denis Bouanga and then quickly blocked a shot from Son. Bond also made a brave save early in the second half to keep the score close.

The Dynamo goalkeeper stated after the match:

We are disappointed with the result. It is always difficult when you go down to 10 players and even more difficult when you go down to nine. It is always disappointing to lose at home, but in these circumstances, I believe we put in a good effort to stay in the match and there were some plays we can be proud of.

Houston nearly scored in the 47th minute when Bouzat fired a shot from near midfield that hit the crossbar. Later, Lawrence Ennali forced a diving save from Hugo Lloris in the 86th minute.

The night also featured key debuts. Fifteen-year-old Matthew Arana became the youngest player in club history to appear in a match. Rookie defender Agustin Resch made his first-team debut as well. Club legend Héctor Herrera returned to action for the first time since 2024, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Houston Dynamo FC opens season with 2-1 win over Chicago Fire FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 21, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off the 2026 MLS season in style on Saturday night, earning a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Brazilian attacker Guilherme Santos stole the show with two second-half goals in his club debut.

The win improved Houston’s all-time MLS home opener record to 11-2-8.

Chicago struck first in the 31st minute when forward Hugo Cuypers scored from close range to give the Fire a 1-0 lead. Houston had chances before halftime but could not find the equalizer.

The Dynamo broke through in the 67th minute. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect pass into space for Guilherme, who dribbled into the box and calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner to tie the match.

Guilherme was not done. In the 78th minute, a rebound from forward Ezequiel Ponce fell kindly in front of goal. Guilherme reacted quickly and slid a left-footed shot between the goalkeeper’s legs for the game-winner.

With his two goals, Guilherme became just the third player in club history to score multiple goals in his Dynamo debut and the first since 2020.

Houston’s new-look roster was on full display. Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, midfielder Agustín Bouzat, defender Lucas Halter and fullback Franco Negri all made their club debuts. Defender Antônio Carlos wore the captain’s armband in place of injured Artur.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made two key saves to keep the Fire from extending their lead, including a strong stop in the first half.

The Dynamo will continue their season-opening homestand next Sunday against Los Angeles FC, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.

Saturday, October 04, 2025

Dynamo fall 4-2 to San Diego FC in home finale

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved















By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 4, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC dropped their final home match of the regular season on Saturday night, falling 4-2 to San Diego FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Defender Felipe Andrade and forward Sergio Santos scored for the Dynamo, with Santos netting his first goal for the club.

Houston grabbed the early lead in the 15th minute when Andrade found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season. Midfielder Júnior Urso set up the play, redirecting a low cross from Ondřej Lingr into the box, where Andrade finished from close range. The assist was Urso’s first of the year.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made several key saves in the first half, including a low stop on Hirving Lozano in the 11th minute and another diving save in the 28th to keep Houston ahead. Forward Ezequiel Ponce nearly doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a shot from distance that forced a save from San Diego’s CJ Dos Santos.

San Diego tied the match in the 53rd minute when Anders Dreyer converted a penalty following a VAR review. The visitors took the lead late in the match, with Luca De La Torre scoring in the 85th minute.

Houston responded quickly in the 87th minute when Santos capitalized on a San Diego mistake, collecting a loose ball near the top of the box and striking inside the far post for his first Dynamo goal.

However, San Diego finished strong, scoring twice more in the final minutes through Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino to seal the 4-2 result.

The Dynamo close out the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they visit Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CT.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Ponce goal lifts Houston Dynamo FC to crucial win

The Houston Dynamo FC had a 1-0 lead at the half
and it held the remainder of the match to earn the win.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 20, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC earned one of their biggest victories of the season on Saturday night, defeating the Portland Timbers 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Forward Ezequiel Ponce delivered the decisive moment in front of more than 18,000 fans, scoring his 10th goal of the season just before halftime.

The win came on Noche Latina and carried extra weight for Houston’s postseason hopes. With three games left in the regular season, the Dynamo are now just one place and one point shy of the playoff line, setting up a dramatic finish to the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs race.

The lone goal came in the 44th minute after midfielder Jack McGlynn swung in a curling corner kick. Ponce rose highest and headed the ball into the net, giving the Argentine forward double-digit goals for the campaign while McGlynn tallied his eighth assist.

Houston threatened early when Lawrence Ennali tested Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis just two minutes into the match, forcing a sharp save. Midfielder Júnior Urso also reached a personal milestone, making his 100th MLS regular season start. Meanwhile, new signing Diadié Samassékou made his league debut in second-half stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond anchored Houston’s defense with a composed performance, earning his ninth clean sheet of the season. The veteran produced four saves, including a crucial stop in the 19th minute when Portland’s Antony broke into the box, as well as a strong catch on Kristoffer Velde’s free kick in the 59th minute.

The Dynamo created several chances to extend the lead. In the 32nd minute, McGlynn found Ennali in the box, but the forward’s shot rolled just wide. Later, Griffin Dorsey linked with Ponce and McGlynn in the 66th minute to set up a dangerous strike that Pantemis pushed aside with a diving effort. Defender Felipe Andrade nearly doubled the score late, volleying a ball narrowly over the crossbar in the 86th minute.

Still, Ponce’s first-half finish proved enough. The Dynamo’s effort reflected their urgency as they continue to fight for a playoff spot, backed by an energetic home crowd on a special night celebrating Houston’s Latino community.

Houston (9-13-9, 36 points) now turns its attention to a road test against Nashville SC on Saturday, September 27, at GEODIS Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Saturday, September 06, 2025

Houston Dynamo FC settle for late match draw against LA Galaxy

, 
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La  Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All
Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 6, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC looked set for three points on Saturday night, but a late goal from the LA Galaxy forced a 1-1 draw at Shell Energy Stadium. The result leaves Houston just two points shy of the playoff line in the Western Conference.

The Dynamo grabbed the lead in the 35th minute thanks to a bit of class from Ezequiel Ponce (shown above right). Midfielder Ondřej Lingr floated a ball over the top, and the Argentine striker nodded it forward before calmly finishing into the bottom corner. The goal was Ponce’s ninth of the season and his second in back-to-back games.

Houston nearly doubled its advantage before halftime when Lawrence Ennali broke free in the box, but his two efforts were blocked by Galaxy defenders. After the break, Duane Holmes came close with a bending free kick from 30 yards that whistled just wide.

The Galaxy thought they had leveled late in the second half, but an offside flag canceled out Gabriel Pec’s finish. Houston’s defense held strong until stoppage time, when John Nelson met a cross at the far post and headed in the heartbreaking equalizer in the 99th minute.

Houston, now 8-12-9 (33 points), will look to rebound on the road next Saturday, September 13, against the Colorado Rapids. 

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Dynamo Fall 2-1 to San Jose despite Antonio Carlos goal

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 23, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC came up short on Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Shell Energy Stadium. The match was themed "Kids Night" with the mascots of Houston-area professional sports teams (shown right) in attendance to entertain the fans and support the Dynamo.

Defender Antonio Carlos scored his first goal Houston, but it wasn’t enough to secure needed team points. San Jose struck first in the 28th minute when DeJuan Jones whipped a ball into the box. After a couple of quick touches, Cristian Arango guided it into the net to give the Quakes the lead. They doubled that advantage in the 64th minute. A corner kick found Daniel Munie, who headed the ball across the box. Ian Harkes met it with a clean strike from just outside the area, making it 2-0.

Houston pulled one back in the 72nd minute. Midfielder Jack McGlynn, who leads the team in assists, delivered a perfect corner kick from the right side. Carlos rose above the defense and powered a header past San Jose goalkeeper Daniel de Sousa Britto. The goal marked his first for Houston since joining this summer and his fifth career goal overall.

The Dynamo had several chances to tie the game late. Ezequiel Ponce thought he had equalized in first-half stoppage time, but his header was ruled offside. In the second half, Griffin Dorsey and Ponce pushed the attack, while goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made key saves to keep Houston within reach.

Despite heavy pressure in the final minutes, the Dynamo couldn’t break through again.

Houston now looks ahead to a road trip against St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, August 30. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Energizer Park.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Houston Dynamo FC face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in playoff push

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (August 16, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC is gearing up for a big match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 p.m. CT at BC Place. This is the last of two road games for the Dynamo, who are fighting to make the playoffs with only nine games left in the regular season.

Last time these teams met at BC Place, Houston won a thrilling 4-3 game. Defender Griffin Dorsey scored twice, including the winning goal in the 87th minute. Former Dynamo players Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla and Brad Smith also scored, and forward Ezequiel Ponce made his debut that night. The Dynamo hope to repeat that exciting performance.

Head coach Ben Olsen is close to a huge milestone. He needs just one more win to reach 150 career MLS regular season victories. 

After this road trip, Houston returns home to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, August 23 to face the San Jose Earthquakes. 

Saturday, August 09, 2025

Houston Dynamo FC secures draw against Austin FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission.
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 9, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC showed true fight on Saturday night, coming back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against state rival Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. Midfielder Jack McGlynn was the hero for Houston, scoring both goals, while goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made big saves to keep Houston in the match.

Austin took the lead in the 31st minute after Bond made a quick save, but the rebound fell to Ilie Sanchez, who finished from close range. The home side doubled their advantage in the 41st minute when Guilherme Biro headed in a cross from Osman Bukari.

The Dynamo kept pushing and finally found a way back in the 80th minute. VAR confirmed a foul on defender Pablo Ortiz inside the box, and McGlynn stepped up to score the penalty with a left-footed shot to the right side of the net.

Houston’s persistence paid off again in the 89th minute. Forward Lawrence Ennali, making his first assist for the club, set up McGlynn at the top of the box. His shot deflected off an Austin defender and rolled into the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Defender Antonio Carlos made his Dynamo debut, coming on at halftime. The 32-year-old joined Houston last week from Brazilian club Fluminense FC and has years of MLS experience with Orlando City SC, including a key role in their 2022 U.S. Open Cup win.

Houston created chances throughout the match. In the 17th minute, McGlynn set up Felipe Andrade for a header that Brad Stuver saved. Andrade tried again from distance in the 21st minute but was stopped by the Austin goalkeeper. In the 73rd minute, Griffin Dorsey found Ondrej Lingr for a clever back-heel flick that forced another save.

Bond also came up big in the 85th minute, racing off his line to block a Bukari shot.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Houston Dynamo shut out 3-0 by Vancouver Whitecaps

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 16, 2025)  The Houston Dynamo FC fell 3-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite several promising chances, the Dynamo couldn’t find the back of the net and suffered a tough loss in front of their home crowd.

The match saw a special moment for forward Lawrence Ennali, who made his first home start since returning from a season-ending knee injury last September. The 23-year-old looked sharp and created a few chances, but the Dynamo came up short.

Vancouver opened the scoring early in the 4th minute. Emmanuel Sabbi took advantage of a rebound in the box after Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made an initial diving save. The Whitecaps added a second goal in the 42nd minute when Sebastian Berhalter fired in a long shot off a pass from Brian White.

The final goal came in the 56th minute. After Felipe Andrade was called for a foul inside the box, White stepped up to take the penalty. Bond saved the first shot, but White followed it up and scored on the rebound.

Bond had a busy night in goal, making four saves to keep Houston in the match. He stopped strong shots from Tate Johnson and Daniel Rios early in the first half, including a one-on-one play in the 13th minute.

Houston had chances to score. Ezequiel Ponce headed a cross just wide in the 26th minute. Ennali nearly scored twice in the first half, and Jack McGlynn also forced two diving saves from Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, one in the 67th minute and another in stoppage time.

Despite their efforts, Houston couldn’t close the gap.

The Dynamo will look to bounce back on Saturday, July 19, when they host the Philadelphia Union in another home match at Shell Energy Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.