(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo posted a clean sheet and got a goal from Lucas Halter to beat the Seattle Sounders 1-0. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.
Starters
Jonathan Bond - 8.5
Bond is clearly feeling it. He came up with several spectacular, acrobatic saves in the closing minutes to preserve Houston’s 1-0 victory. His performance secured the Dynamo’s club record tying 13th clean sheet of the season and their first-ever win in Seattle.
Lawrence Ennali - 7
Ennali stuck to the defensive game plan and had limited opportunities to threaten on the counterattack. Still, he put in a disciplined shift, tracked back consistently, and did his part to help Houston protect its lead.
Lucas Halter - 8
Halter scored the decisive goal and nearly added another, but his defensive work was just as impressive. He was a monster at the back, using his physicality and positioning to keep Dejan Joveljić quiet and limit Seattle’s opportunities.
Agustin Resch - 7.5
Resch returned from injury like he never left. The towering defender dominated aerial duels, won important battles, and consistently kept the ball away from danger. His presence gave Houston another reliable force at the back.
Franco Negri - 8
An absolute masterclass from Negri, who made 20 defensive contributions to help keep Seattle’s attack at bay. He was relentless in his duels, read the game exceptionally well, and consistently put himself in the right position to disrupt the Sounders.
Artur - 7
Another strong performance from the captain. Artur brought composure and physicality to midfield, broke up Seattle’s attacks, and helped keep the Dynamo organized under pressure.
Diadie Samassekou - 7
Samassékou was strong and composed in the middle of the park, making it difficult for Seattle to build through the center. His defensive positioning and work rate helped limit the Sounders’ central attacking threat.
Aliyu Ibrahim - 7
Aliyu gave Seattle plenty to think about late in the match, using his pace and movement to threaten on the counter. He helped Houston relieve pressure and gave the defense some much-needed breathing room.
Agustin Bouzat - 6.5
The stats might not tell the whole story, but Bouzat worked tirelessly. He chased down loose balls, pressured Seattle’s midfielders, and made life uncomfortable for the Sounders throughout his shift.
Mateusz Bogusz - 7.5
Bogusz continues to grow within Houston’s system and showed his commitment on both sides of the ball. His defensive work was particularly important in a match that demanded discipline, while his set-piece delivery found Halter for the winning goal.
Lyle Foster - 6.5
Foster often found himself isolated up top, but he never stopped working. His ability to turn under pressure and carry the ball forward frustrated Seattle and helped Houston move up the field. One promising break with Bogusz could have produced a second goal.
Substitutes
Duncan McGuire - 6.5
McGuire continued Foster’s work up front, pressing defenders and making himself a nuisance. His movement forced Seattle to work quickly in possession and helped Houston manage the closing stages.
Antonio Carlos and Duane Holmes - N/A
Both players came on late to help close out the match. They followed the team’s defensive approach and helped see out a historic road victory.
Acting Head Coach
Juan Guerra - 8
With Ben Olsen suspended, Guerra stepped in and delivered a historic result. He kept Houston organized, emphasized defensive discipline, and helped the team execute a game plan that frustrated Seattle throughout the night. Even without Héctor Herrera and Guilherme, the Dynamo showed grit, commitment, and the ability to win ugly when necessary. When this team is clicking, it has the quality and collective mentality to compete with anyone.
