Houston Dynamo Beat Orlando City for For First Road Win of 2026
(image via Orlando City SC)
The Houston Dynamo traveled to central Florida for a match up with Orlando City SC. Both teams have struggled in league play this season and were looking to get things going in the right direction after they each won midweek in US Open Cup play.
Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen made some changes to the starting eleven for this contest. After a solid showing in the win over El Paso, Franco Negri got a start at center back over Erik Sviatchenko. Felipe Andrade moved to wing back in place of Duane Holmes and Hector Herrera earned another start in the center of midfield.
The first half wasn’t very eventful for either team. Orlando’s Tiago Carvalho hit the post in the 44th minute, from close range, amounting to the best chance of the half for either side.
Houston came out for the second half making a change at goalkeeper. Jimmy Maurer came on for Jonathan Bond. We will update Bond’s status once we hear anything.
Striker Ezequiel Ponce had a great chance to score in the 68th minute. A wonderful ball was floated into the box for Ponce to meet it with his head at the six yard box. However, he wasn’t able to get the shot on target and it floated harmlessly wide.
Another good chance for Ponce in the 75th minute did finally lead to the breakthrough. Lawrence Ennali took on multiple defenders and got into the box. He played the ball across for Ponce, right in front of goal, but his shot was denied. Orlando tried to clear the rebound but it landed, on a bounce to Hector Herrera. The Mexican international laced a volley from the penalty spot, past Maxime Crepeau, to put the Dynamo ahead 1-0.
Houston expertly saw out the remainder of the match to pick up the 1-0 victory. The win gives the Dynamo their first points of any kind of the road in 2026.
The Dynamo will now return home for another midweek match. Houston will host San Diego FC on Wednesday, April 22.
