MLS Teams Clash: Houston Dynamo Faces Real Salt Lake in Key Matchup

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Dynamo will seek their first win of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign when they square off against Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium. The match is critical for both teams, as Real Salt Lake has struggled historically at this venue, failing to win any of their last ten visits since August 2018.

Following two disappointing home defeats in their opening matches, the Dynamo managed only a goalless draw against Columbus Crew last week. The team finished fifth in the Western Conference the previous season before losing in a penalty shootout to Seattle Sounders in the playoffs. Houston’s coach, Ben Olsen, is keen to turn things around and find success on their home turf.

“It has been a rough start for us, but we’re focused on improving and bringing our best game to the field this weekend,” Olsen stated during Thursday’s press conference. Houston Dynamo’s pre-season form mirrored their regular-season struggles, with only one win from five matches.

On the other side, Real Salt Lake is looking to rebound from a 3-1 defeat against MLS newcomers San Diego FC. After a promising start to their season, the Utah team hopes to reverse the trend against the Dynamo. Real Salt Lake, historically strong at home, seeks an elusive road victory.

As far as injuries are concerned, the Dynamo will again be without Colombian forward Hader Alvarado, currently working his way back from a knee injury suffered in February 2024. They will also miss defender Tim Parker due to ongoing recovery from a cruciate ligament tear.

Real Salt Lake’s injury woes include Jamaican forward Shamar Nicholson, who has been sidelined since October with a hamstring injury. First-choice goalkeeper Zac MacMath also remains unavailable due to a back issue.

Houston Dynamo’s probable starting lineup includes Tarbell in goal, with a defense comprised of Dorsey, Bartlow, Awodesu, and Escobar. The midfield will likely be anchored by Lodeiro and Artur, while Kowalczyk and Ponce will support strikers Bassi and Reyna leading the attack.

Real Salt Lake may start Cabral in goal, backed by Brown, Glad, and Katranis in defense. Ojeda and Eneli are expected to operate in midfield, while the forward line features Luna and Goncalves alongside Piol.

Despite their slow starts to the season, both teams hold hope for improvement. The Dynamo rely on their strong home record against Real Salt Lake to catalyze a turnaround, while Real Salt Lake looks to break their drought on the road to secure points in the tight early MLS standings.

With factors such as historical performances and current team conditions in play, this weekend’s showdown is expected to be closely contested, potentially leading to significant consequences in the early phases of the season.