Match Summary
Houston Dynamo defeated San Diego 4:3. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by M. Iloski 25′, L. Ennali 36′, F. Escobar 45′, L. Bombino 54′, O. Valakari 67′, E. Ponce 87′ (pen.), E. Ponce 90′. 7 yellow cards were shown. San Diego had 59% possession while Houston Dynamo held 41%. San Diego had 14 shots (7 on target) compared to 7 (5 on target) for Houston Dynamo. Expected goals: San Diego 1.67 — Houston Dynamo 1.55. San Diego made 3 substitutions, Houston Dynamo made 3. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Ezequiel Ponce 74′).
Match Events
Key match events between San Diego and Houston Dynamo — 7 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: E. Bartlow
Match Statistics
San Diego had 59% possession against Houston Dynamo's 41%. San Diego registered 14 shots (7 on target) while Houston Dynamo managed 7 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 5–2. Fouls committed: 8–15.
Lineups
San Diego lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Michael Anthony Varas, while Houston Dynamo deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for San Diego is 7.08, compared to 6.68 for Houston Dynamo. 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. San Diego's highest-rated starter is J. Tverskov (7.55), while Houston Dynamo's best-rated player is B. Raines (6.77).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of San Diego have contributed 12 goals and 20 assists this season, led by O. Valakari (5G). Houston Dynamo's starters account for 1 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by P. Ortiz (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
San Diego deploy 4 defenders rated 7.03 on average, against Houston Dynamo's 4-man backline averaging 6.60. 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
San Diego field 3 midfielders averaging 7.27, versus Houston Dynamo's 5 rated 6.77. 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
San Diego start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.69, compared to 1 for Houston Dynamo averaging —. 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 64% for San Diego and —% for Houston Dynamo. 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
San Diego's starters have collected 32 yellow cards this season, compared to 13 for Houston Dynamo. 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 San Diego's starting XI is 26.9 (youngest: L. Bombino (19), oldest: A. Godoy (35)), while Houston Dynamo average 22.5 (youngest: B. Raines (20), oldest: P. Ortiz (25)). 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
San Diego's starters average 32 league appearances each, versus 21 for Houston Dynamo. 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, San Diego have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Houston Dynamo show 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
San Diego
Houston Dynamo
Head to Head
San Diego and Houston Dynamo have met 1 times — San Diego won 1, Houston Dynamo won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. San Diego leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 6 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 6.00 per match (4 for the home side, 2 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 2–4 in 2025.
1
San Diego
0
Drawn
0
Houston Dynamo
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026