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. 

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 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.

Houston Dynamo FC to clash with Portland Timbers

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC, Used with Permission

By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 16, 2024)The excitement is growing as the Houston Dynamo FC gear up to face off against the Western Conference leaders, Portland Timbers, in a regular season match at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

After a thrilling run in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they showcased their prowess, the Dynamo are raring to make their mark in the MLS once again. Despite a valiant effort in the recent Champions Cup, the team bowed out in the Round of 16 after a close encounter with the Columbus Crew. However, they remain determined to reclaim their winning form in the league.

The Dynamo's journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Notably, they are the only team in the U.S. competing for an impressive four trophies: MLS Cup, Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup. This ambitious pursuit underscores their commitment to excellence and their hunger for success.

Adding to the anticipation is the recent acquisition of midfielder Latif Blessing, a seasoned MLS veteran with a stellar track record. Blessing's arrival injects further talent and depth into an already formidable Dynamo lineup.

As the Dynamo prepare to take on the Portland Timbers, they'll be looking to continue their dominance over their rivals. Last season, Houston secured emphatic victories over Portland, including a resounding 5-0 win at Shell Energy Stadium. With the home advantage on their side, the Dynamo aim to replicate their past success and secure another crucial victory.

Houston Dynamo FC, Portland Timbers battle to scoreless draw

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 16, 2022) Playing a man down for the final 15 minutes, Houston Dynamo FC battled the Portland Timbers for ninety minutes, plus 11 minutes of added time, to a scoreless draw in front of 13,650 fans at PNC Stadium on Saturday evening.

The first half saw Houston take control of the pitch, with eight shots as opposed to three by the Timbers. The "Boys in Orange" were unable to find the back of the goal due to some good goalkeeping by Portland's Aljaz Ivacic, along with some aggressive defensive play by the Timbers. Many of the black and orange clad fans in the stands thought there should have been a few additional yellow cards issued, but the officials on the pitch thought otherwise, leading to an unscored tie at halftime.

The Timbers receive two yellow cards in the first half; the first in the 16th minute to midfielder Cristhian Paredes and the second to Sebastian Blanco in the 27th minute. Dynamo defender Teenage Hadebe was also carded in the 27th minute for a foul.

The second half saw the aggressive play continue with more yellow cards being shown. Hadeebe received his second yellow card, which resulted in a red card, and his removal from the game in the 76th minute. He took out Yimmi Chara on the counterattack and was shown the second yellow (red) card by the official. Portland received two additional yellow cards in the second half. They were shown to captain Diego Chara in the 49th minute and defender Bill Tulloma in the 81st minute.

Dynamo head coach Paulo Nagamur talked about the match in the postgame press conference.

“Yeah, difficult game considering everything that happened throughout the 90-plus minutes. I think we played a very good team, Portland, we knew they were going to bring a different challenge considering what happened in the game with the red card. You know the game for the last 15 minutes, I think we could say that we are happy with the point. Definitely created enough chances in the first half to go ahead in the game and to end the game. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish those but, again, pleased that we have points. Pleased with the fight of the group playing a man down, so just going to turn the page and go for the next one.”

The Dynamo had 14 shots for the game, as opposed to 11 by Portland. The Timbers led in corner kicks 12-4.

The draw give the Dynamo a 3-4-1 (W-D-L) record with 13 points after eight games. Portland increases their point total to 11, with a 2-5-2 record.

Next up for Houston and their MLS schedule is a Saturday, April 23 matchup against longtime rival FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Earlier in the week, the Dynamo will face Rio Grande Valley FC on Tuesday, April 19 at BBVA Stadium in the U.S. Open Cup.

Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers battle to 1-1 draw

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 15, 2019) The Houston Dynamo scored late in the first half and and kept the lead for the next 37 minutes, when the Portland Timbers tied the score. The score stayed the same for the remainder of the game. The 1-1 draw at BBVA Compass Stadium pushed Houston's season record to 6-2-2 (20 points) and placed them in fourth place in the Western Conference standings of Major League Soccer.

Mauro Manotas' goal in the 40th minute tied him with Brad Davis (41) for third on the club's regular-season goal list. The goal also increased his total for the season  to six, which leads the club this season. The goal was scored with assists by Alberth Elis and Memo Rodríguez. Elis' assist gives him six for the season, which also leads the team. The Timbers' goal came in the 77th minute when Brian Fernández score in the 77th minute, with an assist by  Sebastián Blanco.

Houston will have a scant three days to prepare for their next match; a Saturday, May 18 meeting with Wayne Rooney and DC United. The "Black-and-Red" top the Eastern Conference with a 7-3-3 record. Rooney lead DC United with six goals this season, with two of them from penalty kicks. He also leads his team in assists (4), shots (34), and shots on goal (13). Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. CDT. The game theme of the match is "Superhero Night" presented by Greater Houston Honda Dealers.

Houston Dynamo fall 4-2 to Portland Timbers

File photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

PORTLAND, OREGON (19 March 2017) The Houston Dynamo fell to the Portland Timbers by the score of 4-2 on the road on Saturday evening,  18 March 2017. The loss drops the Dynamo to 2-1-0 on the season. Houston trailed for the first time this season when Portland midfielder Diego Valeri converted a penalty in the 11th minute. The penalty was awarded when referee Allen Chapman ruled that Dynamo defender DaMarcus Beasley was guilty of a handball on the edge of the Houston penalty area. 

Forward Erick Torres scored on a penalty kick in the 38th minute, giving him three goals in as many games. Forward Alberth Elis registered his first assist as a member of the Dynamo and first in MLS play when he collected a ball near midfield and drove toward the Portland penalty area before laying off a pass to FW Romell Quioto, who was unmarked in front of the goal. Houston will next play on 1 April 2017 with a matchup against the New York Red Bulls.

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