Match Summary
Houston Dynamo defeated Portland Timbers 1:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by E. Ponce 44′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Houston Dynamo had 55% possession while Portland Timbers held 45%. Houston Dynamo had 21 shots (7 on target) compared to 7 (3 on target) for Portland Timbers. Expected goals: Houston Dynamo 1.88 — Portland Timbers 0.65. Houston Dynamo made 4 substitutions, Portland Timbers made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Houston Dynamo and Portland Timbers — 1 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. McGlynn
Match Statistics
Houston Dynamo had 55% possession against Portland Timbers's 45%. Houston Dynamo registered 21 shots (7 on target) while Portland Timbers managed 7 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 11–4. Fouls committed: 11–10.
Lineups
Houston Dynamo lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero, while Portland Timbers deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Philip John Neville.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Houston Dynamo is 6.80, compared to 6.87 for Portland Timbers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Houston Dynamo's highest-rated starter is G. Dorsey (6.97), while Portland Timbers's best-rated player is J. Pantemis (7.30).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Houston Dynamo have contributed 4 goals and 5 assists this season, led by G. Dorsey (2G). Portland Timbers's starters account for 10 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by F. Mora (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Houston Dynamo deploy 4 defenders rated 6.79 on average, against Portland Timbers's 4-man backline averaging 6.73. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Houston Dynamo field 5 midfielders averaging 6.82, versus Portland Timbers's 5 rated 6.90. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Houston Dynamo start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Portland Timbers averaging 6.80. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for Houston Dynamo and 47% for Portland Timbers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Houston Dynamo's starters have collected 26 yellow cards this season, compared to 22 for Portland Timbers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Houston Dynamo's starting XI is 26.8 (youngest: B. Raines (20), oldest: Junior Urso (36)), while Portland Timbers average 28.6 (youngest: I. Smith (23), oldest: D. Zuparic (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Houston Dynamo's starters average 23 league appearances each, versus 25 for Portland Timbers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Houston Dynamo have recorded 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Portland Timbers show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Houston Dynamo
Portland Timbers
Head to Head
Houston Dynamo and Portland Timbers have met 1 times — Houston Dynamo won 0, Portland Timbers won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Portland Timbers leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 4 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (1 for the home side, 3 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2025.
0
Houston Dynamo
0
Drawn
1
Portland Timbers
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026