Houston Dynamo FC Triumphs 2-1 Over El Salvador in Historic Friendly Match

HOUSTON (March 19, 2025) – In a thrilling night at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the El Salvador National Team. The match marked Houston’s first-ever official contest against a national team, and it did not disappoint, showcasing goals from midfielder Diego Gonzalez and defender Franco Escobar.

This friendly encounter also provided an opportunity for six players to make their Dynamo debuts, adding excitement to an already memorable occasion. Let’s dive into the details of this historic clash.

A Night of Firsts: Six Debutants Shine for Houston

The match was notable not only for its outcome but also for the debut appearances of six new additions to the Dynamo squad. Defender Felipe Andrade, forwards Exon Arzú and Andy Batioja, midfielders Diego Gonzalez and Júnior Urso, and defender Michael Halliday all made their first competitive appearances for the club. Additionally, goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer earned his maiden start in goal for Houston.

These fresh faces brought energy and enthusiasm to the pitch, setting the stage for an entertaining showdown against the Salvadoran side.

El Salvador Takes an Early Lead

El Salvador wasted no time making their presence felt, taking the lead in the fifth minute. Midfielder Jairo Ferrufino delivered a stunning right-footed curler from outside the box, leaving Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer with little chance. The early goal set the tone for what would be a fiercely contested match.

Gonzalez Levels the Score Within Minutes

However, the Dynamo responded almost immediately. Just one minute later, Diego Gonzalez showcased his skill by scoring a remarkable equalizer. After controlling the ball off his chest, Gonzalez unleashed a powerful volley that found the top-right corner of the net. This moment not only leveled the score but also ignited the home crowd, who were treated to a display of technical brilliance.

Escobar Secures the Victory

The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Franco Escobar put Houston ahead. A perfectly delivered set piece from near the right corner flag by substitute Nico Lodeiro caused chaos in El Salvador’s defense. The ball ricocheted off a Salvadoran player before landing perfectly for Escobar, who headed it home to secure the lead for the Dynamo.

Lineups and Substitutions

Houston Dynamo FC

• Starting XI: Jimmy Maurer; Daniel Steres (Femi Awodesu 46’), Felipe Andrade (Franco Escobar 57’), Erik Sviatchenko (Ethan Bartlow 46’), Michael Halliday (Griffin Dorsey 57’); Júnior Urso (Sebastian Kowalczyk 46’), Erik Dueñas (Artur 57’), Diego Gonzalez; Andy Batioja (Amine Bassi 57’), Gabe Segal (Exon Arzú 82’), Aliyu Ibrahim (Nico Lodeiro 57’)
• Unused Substitutes: Blake Gillingham

El Salvador

• Starting XI: Tomas Romero; Bryan Tamacas, Jorge Cruz, Julio Sibrian, Alexander Larin; Narciso Orellana (Francis Castillo 82’), Melvin Cartagena, Jose Santos (Harold Osorio 67’); Jairo Ferrufino, Darwin Ceren, Nathan Ordaz (Leonardo Menjivar 83’)
• Unused Substitutes: Mario Gonzalez, Henry Romero, Jeferson Valladares, Josue Rivera, Rafael Tejada, Emerson Mauricio, Brayan Landaverde, Diego Flores, Ronald Rodriguez

Discipline and Weather Conditions

Both teams played with intensity, resulting in two yellow cards issued during the match:

• El Salvador: Hernan Gomez (caution; dissent) 67’
• Houston Dynamo FC: Franco Escobar (caution; dissent) 83’

The weather was favorable for football, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit under partly cloudy skies.

Looking Ahead: Back to MLS Action

With this confidence-boosting victory under their belts, the Houston Dynamo now turn their focus back to Major League Soccer (MLS). Their next challenge comes on Saturday, March 22, when they travel to the Pacific Northwest to face Seattle Sounders FC. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if the momentum from this friendly carries over into league play.

First goal of the year for Franco 👏 pic.twitter.com/gFE6GGc1x7

— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 20, 2025

Why This Match Matters

While friendly matches often serve as tune-ups rather than high-stakes contests, this game held special significance for the Dynamo organization. It marked the first time the club faced a national team, providing valuable experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Furthermore, the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition allowed the coaching staff to evaluate their squad depth ahead of the busy MLS season.

For El Salvador, the match offered a chance to prepare for upcoming competitive fixtures while experimenting with different tactical setups. Despite the loss, they demonstrated resilience and attacking flair, qualities that will serve them well moving forward.

A Memorable Night for Houston

In front of a passionate crowd at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC celebrated a hard-fought victory over El Salvador. Goals from Diego Gonzalez and Franco Escobar highlighted the evening, while the debuts of six players added another layer of excitement. As the Dynamo gear up for their next MLS matchup, fans can look forward to seeing how these performances translate into league action.

For El Salvador, the match served as a learning experience as they continue building toward future campaigns. Ultimately, nights like these remind us why international friendlies remain an integral part of the global football calendar—a chance to showcase talent, build chemistry, and entertain fans worldwide.