Houston Dynamo vs D.C. United player ratings

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo picked up one point after a 1-1 draw against D.C. United. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.

Starters

Jonathan Bond - 6

Bond didn’t have a busy night and was rarely called into action. He distributed the ball well and looked comfortable playing out from the back. He had little chance on D.C. United’s equalizer as Houston completely lost its defensive shape on the set piece.

Lawrence Ennali - 6.5

Ennali never stopped working and constantly looked to drive at defenders. Unfortunately, he struggled to beat players off the dribble and wasn’t able to create the dangerous moments Houston needed in the final third.

Lucas Halter - 6

Halter looked a little rusty in his first match back after a lengthy injury layoff, which was to be expected. Still, he defended well and looked composed before being forced off after failing concussion protocol, cutting his return short.

Agustin Resch - 7

Resch continues to dominate in the air, winning nearly every aerial duel that comes his way. He was one of Houston’s most reliable defenders throughout the night. Perhaps he could have done more on the equalizer, but the entire back line was caught out of position on the play.

Felipe Andrade - 6.5

Andrade was solid defensively and won his share of duels, but he wasn’t able to make his trademark overlapping runs and provide much going forward. Houston missed his attacking presence down the right side, something that has become one of his biggest strengths.

Artur - 7.5

Artur was once again the engine in midfield. He finished with the most touches on the team, constantly making himself available and keeping possession moving. His defensive work rate and ability to break up play remain invaluable.

Hector Herrera - 7.5

Herrera looked sharp from the opening whistle and appeared much fitter than in previous outings. He capped off his performance with a well-taken goal and controlled the midfield for long stretches. Coincidentally, D.C. United found their equalizer just moments after he was substituted.

Jack McGlynn - 8

McGlynn was Houston’s most dangerous player with his passing and vision. He created the most chances on the night, dictated the tempo in possession, and continues to look more comfortable every match. He’s beginning to find his rhythm in this team.

Guilherme - 6.5

Guilherme helped kickstart several attacks, often dropping deep to collect the ball before driving play forward. His movement and work rate were positive, although he couldn’t produce the decisive moment in the final third.

Mateusz Bogusz - 6.5

It was a frustrating evening for Bogusz. He found good pockets of space and worked hard off the ball, but his final pass and decision-making in the attacking third just weren’t quite there.

Duncan McGuire - 6

McGuire made his first start for Houston and put in an honest shift. He battled with the center backs, made several good runs, and pressed well, but service into the box was limited and he never found many clear scoring opportunities.

Substitutes

Ezequiel Ponce - 5

Ponce was unable to make much of an impact after coming on. He struggled to get involved and never really threatened the D.C. United defense.

Erik Sviatchenko - 5.5

Called into action after Halter’s injury, Sviatchenko brought experience to the back line. However, the defense looked disorganized late in the match, including on the set piece that resulted in the equalizer.

Franco Negri - 5.5

Negri added fresh legs on the left side but wasn’t able to influence the attack or help Houston regain control during the closing stages.

Diadie Samassekou - 5.5

Samassekou provided energy in midfield but couldn’t slow D.C. United’s late momentum. He helped recycle possession but wasn’t able to close out the match.

Duane Holmes and Ondrej Lingr - N/A

Neither player was on the field long enough to earn a rating. They had limited opportunities to influence the outcome in the closing minutes.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen - 6

Another game in which Ben Olsen set up his team for success, but once again his players couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities to put the match away. The biggest question mark came on the substitutions before D.C. United’s equalizing set piece. The defensive assignments looked completely disorganized, with multiple players appearing unsure of who they were marking. Whether it’s communication or preparation, that’s ultimately on the coaching staff. Houston controlled much of the match but once again left points on the table because they couldn’t finish the job.