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.

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. 

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.

Ben Olsen: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Post match press conference. February 21, 2026

Video by Robert H Kelly. TexSport Publications

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Messi and Alba skip MLS All-Star Game

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 23, 2025)  Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, two top players for Inter Miami, did not show up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. They were both chosen by fans to play against the best from Mexico’s Liga MX, but they skipped all events including the skills challenge. 

MLS rules say that if a player skips the All-Star Game without being hurt, they must sit out the next league match. That means Messi and Alba could miss Inter Miami’s game against FC Cincinnati this Saturday. MLS is talking with the team and will decide soon if the players will be suspended.

Some fans are upset, saying Messi and Alba should have at least played a little, while others feel the players need a break after recently playing a tough schedule.  A similar situation happened in 2018 with Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was suspended when he skipped the event.  Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, said he’d rather they rest than play mid-season.

Houston Dynamo FC set to celebrate H-Town Night against Philadelphia Union

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 18, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, July 19, for a cross-conference clash against the Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT as the club wraps up the second of a three-match homestand.

The match marks a special occasion as the Dynamo celebrate H-Town Night. The night will be packed with local flair, including a halftime performance by Houston rap legend Mike Jones.

Before the match, fans can enjoy a custom car show on the north side of the stadium at HDFC Headquarters and take photos in front of a 713-themed backdrop on the concourse. Local artists involved in the Free Walls project will also be recognized during the match, showcasing the city’s deep connection to art and culture.

On the pitch, Houston will look to build momentum as they face a Union squad that hasn’t visited Shell Energy Stadium since their last meeting in 2018. That match ended in a 3-0 Dynamo victory in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, with Mauro Manotas scoring twice and a Philadelphia own goal sealing the result.

The Dynamo close out the homestand next week when they host LA Galaxy on Friday, July 25, for Military Appreciation Night.

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.

MLS All-Stars ready for big match against LIGA MX

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 13, 2025) The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is almost here, and fans are getting excited. This year, 26 of the league’s best players will face off against top stars from Mexico’s LIGA MX. The big game will take place on July 23 at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. CT, and it will be shown on MLS Season Pass.

The roster was picked in three ways. Twelve players were voted in by fans, media, and players. Another 12 were picked by MLS All-Star coach Nico Estévez. Two final players were selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Some of the biggest names on the list include Lionel Messi from Inter Miami and Denis Bouanga from LAFC. Messi, who was voted in, is one of the most successful soccer players in the world. Bouanga also had a strong season and brings speed and goal-scoring power.

In goal, Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United was voted in, while Brad Stuver of Austin FC and Yohei Takaoka of Vancouver were chosen by the coach.

The defense includes top players like Jordi Alba of Inter Miami and Michael Boxall of Minnesota, both voted in. Coach Estévez also picked players like Jakob Glesnes of Philadelphia and Andy Najar of Nashville.

The midfield is filled with talent too. Diego Luna from Real Salt Lake and Evander from FC Cincinnati were voted in. Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver also made it in by vote. Other picks include Jeppe Tverskov from San Diego FC and David Da Costa from Portland.

The forwards are full of firepower. Along with Messi and Bouanga, voters picked Brian White of Vancouver and Tai Baribo from Philadelphia. Commissioner Don Garber added Patrick Agyemang of Charlotte FC and Chucky Lozano of San Diego FC.

Houston Dynamo fall 1-0 to Real Salt Lake

Photo Credit: Houston Dynamo FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

SANDY, UTAH (July 12, 2025)  

Houston Dynamo FC dropped a tight match on the road Saturday night, losing 1-0 to Real Salt Lake at America First Field. Both teams had 17 shots in the game, but a first-half goal from William Agada made the difference.

Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made four big saves to keep Houston in the game. In the 7th minute, defender Ethan Bartlow (shown right above) cleared a shot off the goal line, and Bond followed it up with a diving stop seconds later. Bond also made key saves in the 24th, 41st, and late in stoppage time to stop a bicycle kick.

Houston had several chances to tie the game. Felipe Andrade had the team’s first shot on goal in the 18th minute. Jack McGlynn, who just returned from helping the U.S. in the Gold Cup, set up multiple chances, including headers from Ezequiel Ponce and shots from Franco Escobar.

Houston wore black armbands to honor lives lost in recent Texas floods. The club also helped donate $500,000 toward relief efforts, teaming up with MLS and Texas teams.

The Dynamo will now return home to Shell Energy Stadium for two matches next week, facing Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 16 and the Philadelphia Union on July 19.

Houston Dynamo FC drop 2-0 decision to LAFC

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LOS ANGELES,  CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC lost 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at MBO Stadium in Los Angeles. This game ended a five-game streak where the Dynamo had not lost to LAFC.

LAFC scored their first goal in the 10th minute. Nathan Ordaz kicked in a loose ball in the box. Their second goal came late in the 79th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse scored with a strong left-footed shot.

Even though Houston lost, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond had a big night. He made six saves in the first half, tying a team record. He finished with eight saves total.

Captain José Artur de Lima Junior made his 200th regular season start in MLS. It was a special moment for the veteran midfielder.

Defender Franco Escobar got a red card in stoppage time after receiving his second yellow. He will miss the Dynamo’s next MLS match.

Houston had a few chances to score. In the 65th minute, Escobar crossed the ball to Ondřej Lingr, who headed it just wide of the goal.

The Dynamo now turn their focus to the U.S. Open Cup. They’ll face Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 7, in Arizona. The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. CT.

Ondřej Lingr scores late equalizer in Dynamo debut to secure 2-2 draw

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 (April 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a dramatic 2-2 draw over the Colorado Rapids at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, thanks to a last-minute goal from new midfielder Ondřej Lingr.

Lingr, who joined the Dynamo from SK Slavia Prague last month, made his debut in the 75th minute, making an instant impact by scoring in the 96th minute to tie the game. The play started with midfielder Jack McGlynn sending a deep ball into the box. Defender Franco Escobar headed it across goal to Lingr, who dove to head the ball into the far corner.

Forward Amine Bassi (shown above) gave Houston the lead earlier in the night with a goal in the 42nd minute. The play began with defender Griffin Dorsey and midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk working a quick passing move to find Bassi in the middle of the box. It was Bassi’s second goal of the season. Kowalczyk now has assists in back-to-back matches.

The Rapids tied the game in the 59th minute after a penalty was called against Houston defender Femi Awodesu. Djordje Mihailovic scored from the spot to make it 1-1. Mihailovic helped Colorado take the lead again in the 77th minute, setting up Rafael Navarro for a goal to the far post.

The match also marked the debut of goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who recently joined from Watford FC. Bond made a key save in the 20th minute, stopping a close-range shot from Mihailovic.

Kowalczyk nearly scored early in the game after a pass from Bassi, but his low shot was saved by Rapids keeper Zach Steffen. McGlynn also had a good chance in the 24th minute, but Steffen was there to block it.

Houston head coach Ben Olsen stated after the match:

“It was a great moment for him (Ondřej Lingr) to score the equalizer at theend. The substitutes came in and gave us really good energy. We played at a high level for large portions of the match tonight. We are growing, creating chances and looking more like us in the way we want to play. We are just making it hard for ourselves, but it sure beats losing. But it doesn't beat winning.”

The Dynamo will stay home next week to face in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.