Houston Dynamo falls 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC came up short in a tough 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the Dynamo couldn’t find a late equalizer.

Real Salt Lake struck early, scoring in the first minute when Emake Eneli set up Diego Goncalves for a quick goal. Houston responded in the 16th minute when Ezequiel Ponce scored his first goal of the season. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect free-kick to the back post, where Ponce’s strong header found the net.

Salt Lake regained the lead just before halftime. Diego Luna finished a cross from Dominik Marczuk with a header, making it 2-1.

The game saw a key moment in the 37th minute when Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell left with an injury. Jimmy Maurer made his club debut as a replacement and later made a big save in the 53rd minute to keep Houston in the match.

Houston nearly took the lead earlier in the game, but Amine Bassi’s 20th-minute goal was overturned by VAR for offside. In the 88th minute, Ethan Bartlow had a close chance to tie the game, but his header was saved and hit the post.

The Dynamo will next face the El Salvador National Team in a friendly on March 19 before returning to league action against the Seattle Sounders on March 22.