Houston Dynamo FC earn first MLS win of 2024 season

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 16, 2024) Houston Dynamo FC clinched their first win of the 2024 Major League Soccer season in a thrilling match against the Portland Timbers, securing a 1-0 victory at Shell Energy Stadium. This win marked their third consecutive triumph over the Timbers, who had previously stood undefeated and perched at the top of the Western Conference.

The decisive moment arrived in the 43rd minute when midfielder Coco Carrasquilla orchestrated a magnificent cross with the outside of his foot, which a Portland defender attempted to clear but inadvertently redirected towards the goal. Seizing the opportunity, forward Ibrahim Aliyu swooped in to slot home his second goal of the season, sending the Dynamo faithful into raptures.

Goalkeeper Steve Clark proved to be a solid presence for the Dynamo, making crucial saves throughout the match, including a spectacular double save early on to deny Portland's Santiago Moreno and Cristhian Paredes.

Ibrahim continued to impress, forcing Timbers goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau into action with a potent effort in the 10th minute. The dynamic forward has already notched up two goals and two assists across all competitions this season for the Dynamo.

Defender Franco Escobar and forward Gabe Segal came close to extending the Dynamo's lead in the latter stages of the match, but Crepeau blocked both attempts.

Looking ahead, the Dynamo will embark on their first road test of the MLS season as they face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, March 23. before returning to Shell Energy Stadium to host the San Jose Earthquakes on March 30.