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Dynamo Fall 3-1 to Portland Timbers After Five-Game Unbeaten Run
The Houston Dynamo suffered a 3-1 loss against the Portland Timbers on Sunday night at Providence Park. The defeat ended Houston’s five-game unbeaten run as the team now turns its attention to its final match of the regular season.
One of the biggest changes before kickoff was in goal. Jonathan Bond was originally expected to start, but he was replaced by Blake Gillingham during warmups, giving Gillingham the opportunity to make his first MLS start.
Portland opened the scoring in the 25th minute when David Da Costa found the back of the net to give the Timbers a 1-0 lead.
Houston had opportunities to respond before halftime, including a dangerous chance from Lawrence Ennali, but the Dynamo went into the break trailing.
In the second half, Portland extended its lead in the 65th minute when Kristoffer Velde scored off an assist from Vincent Janssen.
The Dynamo responded in the 71st minute. Diadié Samassékou recovered possession and found Duncan McGuire, who set up Agustín Bouzat. Bouzat finished with his left foot to make it 2-1 and give Houston some hope.
However, Portland answered in the 78th minute when Janssen headed home a corner kick from Da Costa to make it 3-1.
With Bond not starting, Gillingham stepped up for Houston and made three important saves throughout the match, including an early stop that kept the Dynamo in the game.
The loss leaves Houston with 51 points and in fifth place in the Western Conference, tied with St. Louis CITY SC. The Dynamo still have an opportunity to improve their playoff position.
Houston will now return home to face St. Louis CITY SC on November 7 at Shell Energy Stadium in its final regular-season match. With playoff positioning on the line, the Dynamo will need a strong performance in front of their home fans.
Game highlights and postgame remarks from Ben Olsen and Agustín Bouzat can be found below through Foxtrot TV.
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