Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC

While all of the world’s attention is on the Euros and Copa America, Ben Olsen’s side have won two straight games in MLS play, with their most recent win coming against Charlotte, who currently sit 6th in the Eastern Conference. 

Like many of their recent games, Houston started off very well. The first half performance was akin to their recent game against Portland. Both first halves showed how Houston can perform when they’re able to control the tempo and find space. 

Houston’s dominance was eventually rewarded thanks to an early goal from Ibrahim Aliyu. The former u-20 Nigeria international received a nice ball from Sebastian Ferreira in the fifth minute, and Aliyu was able to smash the ball into the top of the net. So far this season, Aliyu has had nine goal contributions, putting him one away from reaching the pivotal ten mark. 

Not to be forgotten, Ferreira was involved in yet another goal for Houston. Ever since making his return to the starting eleven, Ferreira has finally started to show flashes of his 2022 self. Now, Ben Olsen has a great problem regarding the in-form Paraguayan and Ezequiel Ponce, who will have his introductory press conference on July 3. 

The second half was much different from the first. Houston was forced to drop back and take wave after wave of pressure from Charlotte. Thankfully, none of those chances amounted to much. Houston was able to continue their unbeaten streak which has now reached six games. 

A big reason why was Steve Clark, who notched another clean sheet in his stellar 2024 campaign, including some massive saves towards the end. 

“Steve (Clark) was great tonight, especially with the big save in the second half,” Ben Olsen said after the match. “He was sharp all night long with the ball. It’s nice to have him back there and give us that confidence.” 

Another player who delivered a good performance was Brooklyn Raines, who came off the bench in the second half. The Dynamo manager has used his USYNT player more frequently as the season has gone along, leading many to wonder if Raines is the player who’ll eventually take up Hector Herrera’s place when he retires or leaves Houston. 

“He’s been fantastic,” Ben Olsen said of his star youngster. “I think he’s in a much better place, (and) I think going away with the national team has really helped him. He’s starting to grow and really has the faith of the players now and the staff.” 

Now, the men in orange will face one of their toughest challenges yet against Real Salt Lake on July 3 with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. CT at America First Field.