In a match that delivered non-stop action and drama, Houston Dynamo FC claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place, earning their first win at this venue. The win adds to Houston's impressive form, having lost just once in their last ten matches and netting 22 goals during this period.
The game-winning goal came in the 87th minute when Griffin Dorsey, after a chaotic scramble in the box, seized the moment to blast the ball into the net. This was Dorsey's second goal of the match and the season, sealing an unforgettable win for the Dynamo.
The scoring opened in the 29th minute when forward Aliyu Ibrahim delivered a precise ball from the left to midfielder Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla. Carrasquilla controlled it expertly and fired a shot that deflected into the goal, marking his second of the season with Ibrahim recording his fourth assist.
Houston doubled their advantage in the 36th minute as Dorsey curled a stunning left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty box into the far post, notching his first goal of the season.
However, Vancouver was far from finished. In the 48th minute, Fafa Picault brought the home side back into the game, heading in from close range after a deflected cross. The Whitecaps then equalized six minutes later through Ranko Veselinovic, who headed home from a Picault cross.
Vancouver took the lead in the 66th minute when Sam Adekugbe’s cross found Picault, who scored his second of the night. The match seemed to be slipping away from Houston until the 78th minute when defender Brad Smith, on a break, fired a shot across goal into the top corner, leveling the score once again. Forward Sebas Ferreira earned his third assist of the season with this play.
The night was also significant for forward Ezequiel Ponce, who made his Dynamo debut. Ponce, signed on a club-record transfer fee from AEK Athens, started the match and played the first half.
Goalkeeper Steve Clark was pivotal, making crucial saves to keep Houston in the game. He thwarted early attempts by Vancouver's Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vite and made a spectacular save in the 39th minute from another Picault effort.
Houston's victory sets them up for upcoming Leagues Cup matches, where they will host LIGA MX's Atlas FC on July 27 and MLS's Real Salt Lake on August 5. Tickets for these matches are on sale now, promising more excitement as Houston continues their strong run.
