Houston Dynamo FC fall to New York Red Bulls to kickoff 2024 season

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 3, 2024) Houston Dynamo FC suffered a setback at Shell Energy Stadium last night as they fell 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls, ending their impressive home unbeaten streak in MLS matches that had stood since July 2023. The defeat marks the first loss under head coach Ben Olsen's leadership in nine home matches.

The Dynamo started strong, taking the lead in the seventh minute when midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla set up forward Aliyu Ibrahim for his first goal of the year. However, the Red Bulls fought back, with Elias Manoel finding the net in the 43rd minute to level the score before Lewis Morgan's strike in the 59th minute secured the victory for the visitors.

Despite the loss, there were moments of promise for Houston. Gabe Segal and Sebastian Kowalczyk came close to finding the net, with Kowalczyk’s effort hitting the post in the 61st minute. Carrasquilla was instrumental in midfield, assisting Ibrahim's goal and nearly scoring himself in the dying minutes of the match.

However, the Dynamo's efforts were not enough to overcome the Red Bulls' determined performance. The visitors capitalized on turnovers and defensive lapses to secure the crucial victory.

The match was not without its moments of tension, as a scuffle broke out in the 63rd minute, resulting in yellow cards for Griffin Dorsey and Frankie Amaya. Despite Houston's late attempts to salvage a point, including a close-range effort from Dorsey in the 89th minute, they were unable to find the equalizer.