Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders player ratings

(image via Ricky Vega)

This was one of those matches that leaves you frustrated. The Houston Dynamo did a lot right. They created chances, controlled stretches of the match, and looked like the better team for long periods. But as it so often goes against the Seattle Sounders, one moment was enough. Seattle found their chance late, and Houston was left to wonder how they came away with nothing. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.

Starters

Jonathan Bond - 6.5

Bond came up with a big early save to keep things level and did his job throughout the night. On the winner, he had no chance as Paul Rothrock was left completely unmarked right in front of goal. A tough break for the goalkeeper.

Duane Holmes - 6.5

A serviceable night from Holmes. He did his job, stayed active, and helped keep things ticking without standing out too much in either direction.

Franco Negri - 6.5

Negri made his first start for Houston and showed some positive signs. It looked like his minutes were managed as he builds fitness, with a steady first-half performance before being subbed off.

Felipe Andrade - 7

Andrade had a solid performance overall, though he picked up a yellow in the first half for a careless foul. On the goal, he was caught facing away as the danger developed, with no help arriving to track the open runner.

Antonio Carlos - 6

Antonio Carlos was called into action multiple times and handled most situations well. The veteran defender stepped up when needed and kept things organized at the back for long stretches.

Lawrence Ennali - 6

Ennali was active out wide and showed his ability to beat defenders, but the final product just wasn’t there. The connection inside the box is still missing at times.

Diadie Samassékou - 7

Samassékou did what he’s asked to do, win the ball back and disrupt play. He was solid defensively and helped Houston stay competitive in midfield.

Agustin Bouzat - 7

Bouzat had a decent outing. He worked hard and stayed involved, though there were moments where he looked stretched and not as sharp on the ball as he would’ve liked.

Mateusz Bogusz - 6.5

Bogusz had a quiet night by his standards. He managed just one shot on target, and his best chance in the first half was blocked in a crowded box. It’s the type of opportunity you expect him to finish.

Guilherme - 7.5

This was another strong performance from Guilherme. He was dangerous, active, and involved throughout, even if it didn’t result in a goal. He continues to be one of Houston’s most reliable attacking threats.

Ezequiel Ponce - 6

Ponce continues to contribute with his hold-up play and link-up work, but the lack of end product is starting to stand out. He often feels just a step behind the play in the final third, and Houston needs more from him in front of goal.

Substitutes

Agustin Resch - 6.5

Resch came on for Negri and held his own. The rookie looked comfortable defensively, though he was later subbed off as Houston pushed numbers forward searching for an equalizer.

Ondrej Lingr - 6

Lingr came in for Holmes but had a tough moment defensively. He was caught out of position on the winning goal, leaving Rothrock open to finish. It was a costly lapse in an otherwise tight match.

Hector Herrera - N/A

Herrera came on late and immediately got involved, racking up touches and trying to dictate play. It did raise the question of whether he should have been brought on earlier.

Aliyu Ibrahim - N/A

Aliyu entered late for Ennali but had little time to make an impact as Houston chased the game.

Sam Vines - N/A

Vines made his debut in a desperate late push as Houston shifted shape looking for an equalizer. It was a tough situation to come into with little time left.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen - 6.5

Olsen set his team up well against a tough Seattle side, and for large parts of the match, Houston looked like the better team. But the lack of earlier substitutions stood out as the game wore on and players began to tire. By the time changes came, they felt more reactive than proactive. It’s not on Olsen for the missed chances, but the game management will raise some questions.