Houston Dynamo FC earned a vital 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, as Ezequiel Ponce scored his 10th goal of the season in front of more than 18,000 fans. The win secured the Dynamo’s ninth clean sheet of the year and moved them within one point of the playoff line with three matches remaining.
The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Jack McGlynn’s corner found Ponce, who rose above the defense to head home the winner. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond kept the shutout intact with four key saves, including a first-half stop on Antony and a second-half denial of Kristoffer Velde’s free kick.
The night also featured milestones for Houston: Júnior Urso made his 100th MLS start, while Diadié Samassékou debuted late in the match.
Next, the Dynamo travel to Nashville SC on Sept. 27 as they continue their push toward the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
