In the opening week of the MLS, Houston managed to secure a crucial win against Chicago Fire this Saturday. The home team found themselves trailing after an early goal from Hugo Cuypers, who struck the net in the 30th minute, putting Chicago in the lead at 1-0.
However, Houston showcased their resilience, with Guilherme stepping up to deliver a remarkable performance. The forward scored two goals in quick succession, netting at the 66th and 76th minutes of the match, turning the tide in favor of the Dynamo and sealing the comeback win at 2-1.
Houston almost extended their lead further when Mateusz Bogusz hit the post with a powerful shot in the 69th minute.
Guilherme stood out as the man of the match, contributing two goals and taking shots on goal twice. Moreover, Ezequiel Ponce was noteworthy with four attempts on target, showing a strong offensive presence.
Houston’s head coach, Benjamin Olsen, opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Jonathan Bond in goal, supported by Duane Holmes, Antônio Carlos, Erik Sviatchenko, and Lucas Halter in defense. The midfield was composed of Jack McGlynn, Agustín Bouzat, and Lawrence Ennali, while Mateusz Bogusz, Ezequiel Ponce, and Guilherme formed the attacking trio.
On the other hand, Chicago Fire, managed by Gregg Berhalter, deployed a more defensive 5-4-1 setup, with Christopher Brady in goal and a backline comprising Leonardo Barroso, Samuel Rogers, Joel Waterman, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Maren Haile-Selassie. Their midfield featured Robin Lod, Dje D Avilla, Anton Salétros, and Philip Zinckernagel, with Hugo Cuypers leading the attack.
The referee for the match was Filip Dujic, who oversaw the action on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Houston will face Los Angeles FC in their next match, while Chicago Fire will host CF Montréal at Soldier Field.
Substitutions for Houston
78’ 2T – Duane Holmes off for Ondrej Lingr
86’ 2T – Jack McGlynn off for Diadie Samassekou and Guilherme off for Franco Negri
92’ 2T – Lawrence Ennali off for Nick Markanich
Yellow Cards for Houston
12’ 1T Duane Holmes (Unsporting Behavior), 29’ 2T Lucas Halter (Unsporting Behavior) and 39’ 2T Erik Sviatchenko (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
75’ 2T – Robin Lod off for Chris Mueller and Samuel Rogers off for Christopher Cupps
87’ 2T – Dje D Avilla off for Sergio Oregel and Mbekezeli Mbokazi off for Puso Dithejane
Yellow Cards for Chicago Fire
25’ 1T Joel Waterman (Unsporting Behavior) and 38’ 2T Chris Mueller (Unsporting Behavior)