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Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake

Shell Energy Stadium, Houston16 March 2025 at 00:30
Referee: Marcos de Oliveira

Match Events

Houston Dynamo
Real Salt Lake
Kick Off
E. Ponce

assist: J. McGlynn

16′
Goal cancelled23′
VAR
A. TarbellJ. Maurer
37′
45′
D. Luna

assist: D. Marczuk

Half Time
57′
D. MarczukT. Wolff
68′
B. OjedaN. Palacio
68′
A. PiolF. Ajago
N. LodeiroE. Duenas
75′
79′
D. LunaP. Ruiz
F. EscobarD. Steres
81′
S. KowalczykG. Segal
81′
Full Time

Match Statistics

2Shots on Goal5
9Shots off Goal3
15Total Shots10
4Blocked Shots2
13Shots insidebox7
2Shots outsidebox3
9Fouls13
9Corner Kicks6
4Offsides0
52%Ball Possession48%
3Yellow Cards1
0Red Cards0
3Goalkeeper Saves2
464Total passes440
398Passes accurate369
86%Passes %84%
2.15expected_goals0.94
0goals_prevented0

Lineups

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Houston Dynamo is 6.84, compared to 6.93 for Real Salt Lake. 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 J. McGlynn (7.49), while Real Salt Lake's best-rated player is D. Luna (7.58).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Houston Dynamo have contributed 2 goals and 2 assists this season, led by J. McGlynn (2G). Real Salt Lake's starters account for 5 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by D. Luna (4G). 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 — on average, against Real Salt Lake's 4-man backline averaging 6.75. 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 7.08, versus Real Salt Lake's 5 rated 7.02. 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 6.35, compared to 1 for Real Salt Lake 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 85% for Houston Dynamo and 79% for Real Salt Lake. 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 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 for Real Salt Lake. 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 26.3 (youngest: J. McGlynn (22), oldest: Artur (29)), while Real Salt Lake average 26.2 (youngest: A. Piol (21), oldest: Rafael Cabral (35)). 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 7 league appearances each, versus 8 for Real Salt Lake. 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.

Houston Dynamo4-2-3-14-2-3-1Real Salt Lake
GKDEFMIDFWD
13Tarbell25Dorsey4Bartlow24Awodesu2Escobar6Artur21McGlynn20Lodeiro8Bassi27Kowalcz.10Ponce1Cabral19Hidalgo15Glad4Vera29Junqua6Ojeda14Eneli11Marczuk10Goncalv.8Luna23Piol

Substitutes

Coach: Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero

Substitutes

Coach: Pablo Andrés Mastroeni

Houston DynamoPosition StrengthReal Salt Lake
6.84
Avg Rating
6.93
Goalkeeper (1 v 1)7.27
0G 0A0G 0A
Defender (4 v 4)6.75
0G 0A0G 1A
7.08Midfielder (5 v 5)7.02
2G 2A4G 1A
6.35Forward (1 v 1)6.80
0G 0A1G 0A
Houston Dynamo4-2-3-1
13GoalkeeperA. Tarbell
25DefenderG. Dorsey
4DefenderE. Bartlow
24DefenderF. Awodesu
2DefenderF. Escobar
6MidfielderArtur6.7
21MidfielderJ. McGlynn7.52G2A
20MidfielderN. Lodeiro
8MidfielderA. Bassi
27MidfielderS. Kowalczyk
10ForwardE. Ponce6.3
Real Salt Lake4-2-3-1
1GoalkeeperRafael Cabral7.3
19DefenderB. Hidalgo
15DefenderJ. Glad6.91A
4DefenderB. Vera
29DefenderS. Junqua6.6
6MidfielderB. Ojeda
14MidfielderE. Eneli
11MidfielderD. Marczuk6.5
10MidfielderD. Goncalves
8MidfielderD. Luna7.64G1A
23ForwardA. Piol6.81G

Match Summary

Real Salt Lake defeated Houston Dynamo 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by D. Goncalves 1′, E. Ponce 16′, D. Luna 45′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Houston Dynamo had 52% possession while Real Salt Lake held 48%. Houston Dynamo had 15 shots (2 on target) compared to 10 (5 on target) for Real Salt Lake. Expected goals: Houston Dynamo 2.15 — Real Salt Lake 0.94. Houston Dynamo made 4 substitutions, Real Salt Lake made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Amine Bassi 23′).

Rivalry since 2012

Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake Head to Head Results

27 stretnutí
Houston Dynamo
8
wins
Drawn
6
Real Salt Lake
13
wins
Total goals
68 · 2.5/match
Both scored
13/27 · 48%
Over 2.5
15/27 · 56%

Recent Meetings

Highest-scoring game: 25 v 2014

Recent Form

Houston Dynamo

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Real Salt Lake

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Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026