The Houston Dynamo will aim to bounce back from an unexpected break when they host the Portland Timbers on Saturday in a Western Conference matchup.
The Dynamo (1-1-0, 3 points) are returning for their third consecutive home game after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC on February 28. Houston played the entire second half with one fewer player and finished the match with only nine players on the field for the last 14 minutes.
Houston’s scheduled game on March 7 against the New England Revolution was postponed due to delays in field installation.
They kicked off the season with a 2-1 victory over Chicago on February 21, with both goals scored by Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos, a new player the team signed during the offseason.
Coach Ben Olsen noted that early-season games are crucial for adjustment and building team chemistry.
“We’ve only been part of this for a few weeks, and it’s new for some players who have been around,” Olsen said. “But our core principles haven’t changed much, and the coaching staff is doing well in providing sufficient information.”
On Thursday, the Dynamo strengthened their attack by acquiring forward Aliyu Ibrahim from the Columbus Crew. Ibrahim returns to Houston after previously playing there from 2023-25, where he made 90 appearances and scored 12 goals with nine assists.
Portland (1-2-0, 3 points) arrives in Houston after a tough 4-1 loss to Vancouver on March 7.
In that match, 18-year-old rookie Eric Izoita scored a late goal in his MLS debut, but the team’s defense struggled.
The Timbers have lost two consecutive games after winning against Columbus in their season opener, and they’ve allowed two or more goals in six straight matches since last year’s playoff series against San Diego.
“The main focus is on us and our performance, ensuring it improves from the last two games,” Timbers coach Phil Neville stated. “We are looking to regain consistency and improve our tactical shape. This past week of training has been positive as we head into the weekend game.”
Additionally, on Thursday, Portland announced signing Colombian midfielder Jose Caicedo from Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM. Caicedo is expected to play a key role and will enhance Portland’s midfield.
The two teams split their meetings in 2025, with each side winning on home turf. Houston holds a 3-1-1 record against Portland in their last five matchups.