Major League Soccer· Season 2025
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′).
Match Events
Key match events between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. McGlynn
assist: D. Marczuk
Match Statistics
Houston Dynamo had 52% possession against Real Salt Lake's 48%. Houston Dynamo registered 15 shots (2 on target) while Real Salt Lake managed 10 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 9–6. Fouls committed: 9–13.
Lineups
Houston Dynamo lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero, while Real Salt Lake deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Pablo Andrés Mastroeni.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Houston Dynamo is 6.83, compared to 6.92 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 (7.41), while Real Salt Lake's best-rated player is D. Luna (7.43).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Houston Dynamo have contributed 2 goals and 4 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 6.77. 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 7.05, versus Real Salt Lake's 5 rated 6.99. 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 6.40, 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 10 league appearances each, versus 10 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.
Substitutes
Coach: Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero
Substitutes
Coach: Pablo Andrés Mastroeni
Rivalry since 2012
Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake Head to Head Results· 27
Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake have met 27 times — Houston Dynamo won 8, Real Salt Lake won 13, with 6 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Real Salt Lake leads the head-to-head with 13 victories from 27 meetings. A combined 68 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.52 per match (32 for the home side, 36 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 13 matches (48%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 15 games (56%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–5 in 2014.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Houston Dynamo have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat. Real Salt Lake show 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026