Dynamo lose third straight with 3-1 loss to Minnesota
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo returned from a brief break for a midweek match on the road against Minnesota United. Houston lost its last two matches, both at home, and were looking to turn things around as they began a busy stretch of the schedule.
Head coach Ben Olsen hinted at changes in the starting eleven and he made a few. Erik Sviatchenko returned from injury to slot in at center back. Franco Escobar returned at left back and Nico Lodeiro started in the midfield, as he looks close to sealing a move back to South America.
The first half was very uneventful right until the final moments. Sebastian Kowalczyk looked to have a step on Michael Boxall and was taken down on the edge of the box. The referee pointed to the spot for a penalty kick for the Dynamo. However, VAR wanted to have a look and a lengthy delay followed. Ultimately, the foul was judged to occur outside the box and the penalty was waved off with Boxall receiving a yellow card, not a red for a DOGSO foul.
Minnesota looked the more lively side in the second half and they stormed to victory with three goals in a ten minute span. The scoring opened in the 60th minute with a long throw into the box. The ball was headed toward goal where Bongokuhle Hlongwane stuck a foot up to flick it past Jonathan Bond and make the score 1-0.
Just three minutes later, Hlongwane got his brace to double the advantage. Anthony Markanich beat Franco Escobar down the right side and played a ball right in front of goal. Hlongwane was the first one there and the South African put the chance away to make it 2-0 in the 63rd minute,
The home side sealed the match in the 70th minute. Julian Gressel played a world-class ball from the right side all the way Houston’s back line to Robin Lod. The Finland international smashed a shot past Bond to put Minnesota ahead 3-0.
Houston got a consolation goal in stoppage time to spoil Minnesota’s clean sheet. A Griffin Dorsey cross into the box was fired back in front by Escobar. Felipe Andrade was in front of goal and stabbed it home to make it 3-1 in the 4th minute of second half stoppage time.
With the final whistle blowing, the Dynamo lost their third straight match, the first time that has happened in the 2025 season. There is no time to dwell on this result as the Dynamo are right back at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday to take on St. Louis CITY SC.
