Portland Timbers answered Houston Dynamo FC’s second-half challenge with a decisive response, securing a 3-1 MLS victory at Providence Park on Sunday, November 1. David Da Costa opened the scoring in the 25th minute, Kristoffer Velde doubled the advantage in the 65th, and Vincent Janssen’s 78th-minute header settled the contest after Agustín Bouzat had pulled Houston back into contention in the 71st.

Da Costa gives Portland the edge

Da Costa provided the first breakthrough after 25 minutes, putting the Timbers ahead in a first half that ended with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead. Ian Smith had already entered the referee’s book in the 18th minute, while Houston midfielder Diadie Samassekou was cautioned in the 40th.

Houston finished the fixture with more possession, but Portland’s attacking output told the more consequential story. The Timbers registered 16 shots to the visitors’ seven and put six attempts on target, compared with just one for the Dynamo.

Three goals in 13 minutes decide the contest

Velde made it 2-0 in the 65th minute, giving Portland breathing room as the match moved into its final half-hour. Houston, however, were not finished: Bouzat struck in the 71st minute to reduce the deficit to a single goal and reopen the contest.

The Timbers needed only seven minutes to restore their two-goal cushion. Janssen headed home in the 78th minute for 3-1, delivering the decisive answer to Houston’s comeback bid and leaving the visitors with too much to recover.

Portland saw out the remaining minutes, including nine minutes of second-half stoppage time, to claim all three points. Diego Chará received a yellow card in the third minute of added time; Houston’s Agustín Resch had also been booked in the 61st minute.

Portland turn less possession into greater threat

Houston’s 54.6 percent share of possession did not translate into sustained end product. Bouzat’s goal in the 71st minute came from their only attempt on target, while Portland generated the greater volume of chances despite having 45.4 percent of the ball. Both sides earned six corners.

The defining passage was Portland’s response after their lead was cut. Rather than allowing Houston’s goal to become the start of a recovery, the hosts restored their advantage through Janssen’s 78th-minute header and protected it through the final whistle.

Next fixtures

Both clubs return to MLS action on Saturday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. PST. Portland face Austin FC, while Houston take on St. Louis CITY SC.