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Major League SoccerSeason 2025

Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers

21 September 2025 at 01:30Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
Referee: Allen Chapman

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 goal and 7 cards recorded during the match.

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.

Shots on Goal
7
3
Shots Off Goal
7
3
Total Shots
21
7
Blocked Shots
7
1
Shots inside the Box
15
3
Shots outside the Box
6
4
Fouls
11
10
Corner Kicks
11
4
Offsides
0
3
Ball Possession
55%
45%
Yellow Cards
5
2
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
3
6
Total Passes
483
417
Accurate Passes
437
368
Pass Accuracy
90%
88%
Expected Goals (xG)
1.88
0.65
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

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 6.75, compared to 6.88 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 J. McGlynn (7.41), while Portland Timbers's best-rated player is J. Pantemis (7.36).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Houston Dynamo have contributed 7 goals and 6 assists this season, led by L. Ennali (3G). Portland Timbers's starters account for 8 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by K. Velde (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 6.52 on average, against Portland Timbers's 4-man backline averaging 6.90. 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 6.99, versus Portland Timbers's 5 rated 6.83. 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 Portland Timbers averaging 6.59. 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 83% for Houston Dynamo and 85% 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 14 yellow cards this season, compared to 10 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 27.0 (youngest: J. McGlynn (22), oldest: E. Sviatchenko (34)), while Portland Timbers average 26.7 (youngest: F. Surman (22), oldest: E. Miller (32)). 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 12 league appearances each, versus 11 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.

Houston Dynamo4-2-3-14-2-3-1Portland Timbers
GKDEFMIDFWD
31Bond25Dorsey28Sviatch.22Ortiz36Andrade35Raines30Urso21McGlynn11Ennali9Lingr10Ponce41Pantemis15Miller20Surman13Zuparic23Smith80Ortiz24Ayala99Velde10Costa11Antony9Mora

Substitutes

Coach: Juan Francisco Guerra Piñero

Substitutes

Coach: Philip John Neville

Houston DynamoPosition StrengthPortland Timbers
6.75
Avg Rating
6.88
6.84Goalkeeper (1 v 1)7.36
0G 0A0G 0A
6.52Defender (4 v 4)6.90
2G 0A0G 1A
6.99Midfielder (5 v 5)6.83
5G 6A7G 6A
6.40Forward (1 v 1)6.59
0G 0A1G 0A
Houston Dynamo4-2-3-1
31GoalkeeperJ. Bond6.8
25DefenderG. Dorsey
28DefenderE. Sviatchenko6.51G
22DefenderP. Ortiz
36DefenderFelipe Andrade6.61G
35MidfielderB. Raines
30MidfielderJunior Urso
21MidfielderJ. McGlynn7.42G3A
11MidfielderL. Ennali6.93G2A
9MidfielderO. Lingr6.71A
10ForwardE. Ponce6.4
Portland Timbers4-2-3-1
41GoalkeeperJ. Pantemis7.4
15DefenderE. Miller
20DefenderF. Surman7.11A
13DefenderD. Zuparic
23DefenderI. Smith6.7
80MidfielderJ. Ortiz6.91A
24MidfielderD. Ayala
99MidfielderK. Velde7.04G1A
10MidfielderD. Pereira da Costa6.81G3A
11MidfielderAntony6.72G1A
9ForwardF. Mora6.61G

Rivalry since 2012

Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers Head to Head Results· 28

Houston Dynamo and Portland Timbers have met 28 times — Houston Dynamo won 8, Portland Timbers won 11, with 9 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Portland Timbers leads the head-to-head with 11 victories from 28 meetings. A combined 88 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.14 per match (43 for the home side, 45 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 19 matches (68%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 19 games (68%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–2 in 2017.

Total goals
88 · 3.1/match
Both scored
19/28 · 68%
Over 2.5
19/28 · 68%

Recent Meetings

Highest-scoring game: 42 v 2017

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Houston Dynamo have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat. Portland Timbers show 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.

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

API data: 11 May 2026