Over the weekend at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC clinched their first MLS victory of the season with a 1-0 win over the previously undefeated Portland Timbers, marking their third consecutive triumph against the Timbers. Despite Portland’s undefeated status and their position at the top of the Western Conference, Houston managed to secure the win.
The decisive moment came in the 43rd minute when midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla delivered a remarkable cross with the outside of his foot, which was initially intercepted by a Portland defender but capitalized upon by forward Aliyu Ibrahim, securing his second goal of the season.
Portland had their chances, notably in the third minute when Santiago Moreno’s attempt was blocked by Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark, who also denied Cristhian Paredes’s subsequent shot off the rebound.
Clark himself was honored before the match for his 250 league starts, achieved on March 2 against the New York Red Bulls.
Houston’s attacking efforts intensified, with Ibrahim forcing a save from Timbers goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in the 10th minute. Defender Franco Escobar and forward Gabe Segal also came close to increasing the lead, but Crepeau thwarted their attempts.
In the 82nd minute, defender Micael made a crucial interception to deny Portland’s Nathan Fogaca a clear chance, preserving Houston’s lead.
Despite late efforts from Houston, including a near-miss header from Micael off a corner in the 86th minute, the score remained 1-0.
Houston’s next challenge is an away fixture against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, March 23, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. CT, marking their first road test of the MLS season.
