Back to Business: Dynamo Return to MLS Play Against D.C. United
After nearly two months away from league play, the Houston Dynamo are back tonight for a Major League Soccer match as they host D.C. United. Houston resumes play in 7th place in the Western Conference, looking to climb the table and earn a berth in the playoffs. D.C. are currently 9th in the Eastern Conference, just on the inside of the playoff line.
When: Wednesday, July 22 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Apple TV
They’re Back
The Dynamo last played a MLS game on May 23, almost two months ago. Since then we had plenty of soccer to keep us occupied, with the World Cup taking over our lives. Now league play is back and the Dynamo will look to hit the ground running. They used the break as a second preseason, preparing like they did back in January when the season began. Antonio Carlos will miss some time after having what Ben Olsen called a minor procedure on his knee, but the rest of the core of the team is healthy and ready to go. Tonight is the first of two home matches in the next four days that could get the restart off on the right foot.
A New Option Up Top
It’s no secret that Ezequiel Ponce has been disappointing this season, as far as goal scoring. He hasn’t had a bad season, all things considered, but he has yet to score in league play and as a Designated Player striker, that just isn’t good enough. Enter Duncan McGuire. Houston acquired the young striker from Orlando City during the break and he hit the ground running, scoring in his first start for the club in a friendly against America de Cali. McGuire is still just 25-years-old and scored 23 goals in his first two seasons in MLS. A failed transfer to England and injuries hampered him the last two years but he is healthy again and if the Dynamo can get McGuire to regain that form of his early days in Orlando, they may have solved their problem at the number nine position.
District’s Talismans
D.C. United have played much better in 2026 and a lot of that is because of the play of their two strikers, Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu. The two have combined for 13 league goals this season with Baribo bagging 8. The Israeli international came over from Philadelphia Union this offseason and has continued scoring in bunches in Major League Soccer. With Antonio Carlos out, look for Lucas Halter to return to the lineup and partner rookie Agustin Resch in the center back duo that will be tasked with containing the firepower of Baribo and Munteanu.
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Jimmy Maurer (head), Antonio Carlos (lower body)
D.C. United – Out: Gabe Segal (lower leg), Jordan Farr (shoulder), Connor Antley (lower leg)
Predicted Lineup
