Houston Dynamo 4-Portland Timbers 1

In a match were the Hispanic heritage was celebrated, the Houston Dynamo snapped their ten game losing streak, beating the Portland Timbers 4-1.

The match that was controlled the majority of time by the Timbers which saw the away team score the first one early in the match. Former Dynamo Alvas Powell’s cross was deflected by Houston defender Alejandro Fuenmayor for the partial 0-1 at the 9’.

After that goal, the Northwest team felt more comfortable in the field. However, the counterattacks by Houston created many problems for the Timbers, who have not been very efficient in defense throughout the year. Even though Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco were the most important players for the Green and Gold on offense in addition to Diego Chara, who was their key player at midfield, the team struggled to control the speed and pace that the Dynamo players exhibited when they attack.

Houston pressured Portland in all sectors of the field, complicating matters for the away team given that they looked tired due to the high temperatures and humidity that characterizes the space city in this time of the year. The pressure the Orange was applying to the Timbers created some opportunities for them to tie the score.

Set pieces were important for the Dynamo, who scored the equalizer when Albert Elis header beat goalkeeper Steve Clark for the 1-1 at the 32nd minute. Only seven minutes later, Mauro Manotas gave the Orange the 2-1 lead at the half.

For a moment it seemed that Portland tied up at the 44’ when Diego Chara shot beat goalkeeper Joe Willis. However, their goal was called back as referee Jair Marrufo reviewed the played using the VAR and called an offside violation.

During the second half, the Timbers were keeping possession of the ball, but did not created many opportunities to tie the score. The Dynamo, which has been having problems keeping the leads during the season, knew they needed to increase the lead to secure the much needed home win. The Orange, which seats in the 9th position in the west, keeps dreaming about qualifying to the playoffs. However, that task looks very improbable to happen as they are 13 points away of the last playoff spot with only 6 matches remaining in their schedule. In addition, four of those six matches will be played outside of Houston, which will make it even harder for coach Wilmer Cabrera and company.

The Dynamo secured their first win in over two months when Mauro Manotas scored his second of the night at the 71’. This goal also marked a record for the Colombian striker, who tied ‘El Cubo’ Torres, as the player with the most goals scored in league play in a season with 14.

To finish the night, Alejandro Fuenmayor scored his third of the year at the 81st minute to give his side the victory 4-1.

Now, Houston will visit Orlando City on Saturday, before coming home to face the Philadelphia Union in the US Open Cup.  Portland meanwhile will host the Columbus Crew on Wednesday at Providence Park.

 Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Jose Castellanos