KeyBank Scouting Report | Timbers off to face the Houston Dynamo

Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. On Friday, the Portland Timbers head out to take on the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium (5pm PT, FOX 12 PLUS).

Team Form

Houston are currently in last place in the Western Conference (3-9-10, 19 points) and are in the midst of a club-record 15 game winless streak following their 2-1 loss to Minnesota United FC last Saturday. The Dynamo are just the second team in MLS history to go 15 straight games in a single season without a win, along with the Earthquakes, who failed to win any of their last 15 matches of the 2014 campaign.

The Timbers last faced Houston on June 23 coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in Texas. In all-time regular season MLS play, the Timbers have a 8-5-6 record against Houston.

The Dynamo are coached by Tab Ramos who is in his third season with the team. On Monday, Houston parted ways with their senior vice president and general manager Matt Jordan.

In Attack

Former Portland striker Maxi Urruti is tied with Fafa Picault for the team lead in goals with six apiece while Picault leads the team in assists with four. Midfielder Tyler Pasher, who made his international debut for the Canada national team at this summer's Gold Cup, has four goals on the year.

Homegrown midfielder Maxi Rodríguez has two goals to go along with two assists on the year and the Dynamo acquired striker Corey Baird from LAFC in July. While Baird has three goals and two assists in 2021, he has yet to hit the mark for Houston.

In Defense

They Dynamo defense features another familiar face in former Timbers outside back Zarek Valentin who has appeared in all but one game for Houston this year. Another constant on the Dynamo backline is centerback Tim Parker who's featured in every minute for the team in 2021.

Also of interest is Zimbabwean Designated Player defender Teenage Hadebe who signed with the team in June and has appeared in nine games so far.

Goalkeeping duties have been the realm of Marko Maric who has started 21 of 22 games for the team earning three clean sheets.

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