Houston Dynamo at San Jose Earthquakes player ratings

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo were beaten 1-0 by the San Jose Easrthquakes this past weekend. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.

Starters

Jonathan Bond - 6

Bond didn’t have to make a single save, but unfortunately, the one shot on target from San Jose was a perfectly timed cherry-pick that decided the game. A frustrating clean-sheet opportunity lost.

Lawrence Ennali - 7

Worked hard on both sides of the ball and provided Houston with energy and width. Couldn’t quite turn that work into a decisive attacking moment.

Lucas Halter - 6.5

Solid performance from Halter. Stayed composed, defended well and helped limit San Jose’s opportunities throughout the match.

Agustin Resch - 7

Another strong defensive outing from Resch, particularly in the air. The only question is whether he could have done more on the goal or was simply caught ball-watching like the rest of the defense.

Felipe Andrade - 6

Had a quiet night defensively and wasn’t able to provide much of his usual attacking contribution. Did his job but never really influenced the game.

Artur - 7

Another steady performance from the captain. Covered plenty of ground, helped Houston control possession and continued to provide his usual defensive work rate.

Diadie Samassekou - 6

While his play didn’t necessarily hurt the team, Diadié looked lost at times and made things nervy in midfield. He struggled to consistently find his positioning and rhythm.

Aliyu Ibrahim - 6

Provided energy and pace but struggled to make a consistent impact in the final third. Houston needed more from its attacking players.

Guilherme - 6.5

Guilherme remained one of Houston’s more dangerous attacking outlets, but even he couldn’t find the decisive play. San Jose did a good job limiting his influence.

Mateusz Bogusz - 6

Given the opportunity to play in what he considers his best position at the No. 10, Bogusz struggled to create enough chances. Houston needed more from him in an attacking role.

Duncan McGuire - 5.5

Duncan is struggling. The chemistry with his teammates just isn’t there, and he’s missing simple connections that should lead to better opportunities. Only one shot on target in his last 11 games is a difficult trend for Houston’s striker.

Substitutes

Hector Herrera - 6.5

Brought experience and composure after coming on and helped Houston regain some control in midfield. Had a late opportunity to equalize with his left foot, but the shot went straight at the goalkeeper.

Matthew Arana - 6

Provided fresh legs and energy but couldn’t make a significant impact in the final third.

Nick Markanich - 5.5

Worked hard after coming on and nearly made the difference late. Markanich got a clean header on goal, but San Jose’s goalkeeper was there to make the save.

Franco Negri - N/A

Limited minutes and little opportunity to make an impact.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen - 7

Olsen continues to keep his team balanced, and Houston created enough chances to get something from this game. Defensively, however, the lone goal came from an underwhelming effort on a set piece—something very unusual for a Ben Olsen team. On the other end, Houston had plenty of opportunities, including point-blank chances that San Jose’s goalkeeper made himself massive to stop. The team didn’t lose its composure, but sometimes that’s soccer. Still, this team desperately needs a striker who can create and finish goals.