New England vs Houston Dynamo preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Boston Stadium
Major League Soccer
New EnglandNER
0 2
Houston DynamoHOU
Full Time
Regular Season
|
Goal
Guilherme - 45+1'

CONTEXT

New England hosted Houston Dynamo in a match that concluded with a 0-2 final score after trailing 0-1 at halftime. Houston Dynamo controlled the game effectively despite New England holding 48 percent possession compared to their 52 percent. The visitors generated an expected goals total of 1.11 while limiting the hosts to just 0.42. This performance aligned with the stronger team prevailing on the day. No red cards were issued to either side throughout the contest. The outcome reflected the underlying metrics without notable interruptions from disciplinary actions or other major events. Houston Dynamo secured the victory through consistent pressure and clinical finishing in both halves.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Houston Dynamo produced a significant deviation from pre-match expectations in securing the result.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with the overall performance metrics for both teams.
  • xG alignment: The final outcome proved consistent with the xG figures of 0.42 for New England and 1.11 for Houston Dynamo.
  • Market alignment: The result showed true alignment with the projected market direction for the stronger side.
  • xG expectations: Houston Dynamo exceeded xG expectations by converting limited chances into two goals.
  • Event impact: No major events altered the flow beyond the halftime score of 0-1.
  • Red card distortion: The absence of red cards meant zero distortion to the match dynamics or final 0-2 scoreline.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
M. Badawi
M. Badawi
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
C. Parker
C. Parker
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
K. Atkins
K. Atkins
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
R. Montero
R. Montero
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
New England M. Mitrovic
M. Mitrovic
VS
Houston Dynamo B. Olsen
B. Olsen
1.76
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.71
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
CF Montréal Rank: 60 D
Atlanta United Rank: 55 W
Toronto Rank: 57 D
Charlotte Rank: 65 L
Minnesota United Rank: 66 W
Nashville SC Rank: 72 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.83 i
Last 6 Opponents
Sporting KC Rank: 55 W
Austin Rank: 59 W
DC United Rank: 55 D
LA Galaxy Rank: 62 D
Vancouver Whitecaps Rank: W
Real Salt Lake Rank: 65 L
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 1
1

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
61.32
66.16
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
New England
Houston Dynamo
Power Score
61.32
66.16
League Position
3
4
Global Rank
546
384

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
New England — Opponent-weighted form score
Houston Dynamo — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) New England Houston Dynamo

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

New England

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Houston Dynamo

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

New England ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Houston Dynamo
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
25.52
27.79
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
27.79
25.52
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
New England -0.16 Efficiency Index
vs
Houston Dynamo +0.16 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
New England
Houston Dynamo
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

New England
vs
Houston Dynamo
Created Set-piece attacking threat
New England Houston Dynamo
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
20%
12%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.09 vs -0.13
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
New England Houston Dynamo
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
12%
20%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.13 vs -0.09
New England
Houston Dynamo
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
New England
vs
Houston Dynamo
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
New England Houston Dynamo
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
New England 0.14
Houston Dynamo 0.45
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
New England Houston Dynamo
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
New England 0.07
Houston Dynamo 0.00
New England
Houston Dynamo
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • HOU had peak pressure around 73'.
  • NER started the game with stronger pressure.
NER Pressure HOU Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: HOU reached the top pressure at 73' (64.43).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 1 match between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

New England NER Home
1 matches
Houston Dynamo HOU Away
Match Record
0
Wins
1
0
Draws
0
1
Losses
0
Goals
1
Goals Scored
2
2
Goals Conceded
1
-1
Goal Difference
+1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-09T00:36:16+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-3-3
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Boston Stadium
Capacity
66829
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Malik Badawi
Corey Parker
Kyle Atkins
Ricardo Montero

Statistics

Possession
NER
49%
HOU
51%

Top Statistics

0 Goals 2
0 Big Chances Created 1
0 Shots 4
65 Dangerous attacks 29
48 Possession 52
9 Corners 4
10 Free kicks 10
0 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

61 Ball Safe 67
5 Goal Attempts 11
5 Substitutions 5
19 Throwins 11
5 Successful Headers 7
0 Assists 1
2 Injuries 0
8 Dribble Attempts 8
8 Successful Dribbles 8
62 Successful Dribbles Percentage 67

Attacking

120 Attacks 89

Possession

28 Long Passes 28
495 Passes 553
430 Successful Passes 495
86 Successful Passes Percentage 90
8 Key Passes 9

Defensive

3 Saves 1
8 Tackles 8
5 Interceptions 10
37 Duels Won 34

Build-up

17 Total Crosses 3

Discipline

0 Offsides 1
10 Fouls 10

Lineup

Referee : Malik Badawi

Starting XI ▼

30
Matt Turner
Matt Turner Goalkeeper
6.97
2
Mamadou Fofana
Mamadou Fofana Defender
6.76
8
Matt Polster
Matt Polster Defender
6.56
15
Cody Baker
Cody Baker
Defender54'
6.31
22
Ethan Kohler
Ethan Kohler Defender
6.87
23
Will Sands
Will Sands Defender
5.95
27
Wilson Harris
Wilson Harris
Attacker87'
10
Carles Gil
Carles Gil (C) Midfielder
7.19
21
Brooklyn Raines
Brooklyn Raines Midfielder
6.95
80
Alhassan Yusuf
Alhassan Yusuf Midfielder
7.04
77
Diego Fagúndez
Diego Fagúndez
Midfielder79'
6.48
17
Marcos Zambrano
Marcos Zambrano Attacker
6.42
11
Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison
Midfielder55'
7.19
25
Peyton Miller
Peyton Miller Attacker
6.69
7
Griffin Yow
Griffin Yow
Attacker79'
6.53
99
Dor Turgeman
Dor Turgeman Attacker
6.51
Referee : Malik Badawi

Starting XI ▼

31
Jonathan Bond
Jonathan Bond Goalkeeper
7.27
5
Lucas Halter
Lucas Halter Defender
7.09
11
Lawrence Ennali
Lawrence Ennali Defender
6.97
34
Agustin Resch
Agustin Resch Defender
8.2
36
Felipe Andrade
Felipe Andrade Defender
6.97
6
Artur
Artur (C) Midfielder
7.49
8
Jack McGlynn
Jack McGlynn Midfielder
7.61
30
Agustín Bouzat
Agustín Bouzat
Midfielder72'
6.69
16
Héctor Herrera
Héctor Herrera Midfielder
6.91
18
Diadié Samassékou
Diadié Samassékou
Midfielder89'
10
Ezequiel Ponce
Ezequiel Ponce Attacker
6.72
23
Duncan McGuire
Duncan McGuire
Attacker80'
6.57
19
Mateusz Bogusz
Mateusz Bogusz Attacker
7.58
24
Ibrahim Aliyu
Ibrahim Aliyu
Attacker80'
6.56
20
Guilherme
Guilherme Attacker
7.67
9
Ondrej Lingr
Ondrej Lingr
Midfielder89'

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Brooklyn Raines
2nd Yellowcard
90+6'
89'
Event
Ondrej Lingr → Guilherme
9th Substitution
89'
Event
Diadié Samassékou → Héctor Herrera
10th Substitution
Event
Wilson Harris → Will Sands
8th Substitution
87'
80'
Event
Ibrahim Aliyu → Mateusz Bogusz
6th Substitution
80'
Event
Duncan McGuire → Ezequiel Ponce
7th Substitution
Event
Diego Fagúndez → Alhassan Yusuf
4th Substitution
79'
Event
Griffin Yow → Peyton Miller
5th Substitution
79'
72'
Event
Agustín Bouzat → Jack McGlynn
3rd Substitution
63'
Event
Agustin Resch
Header / 2nd Goal
Event
Jack Harrison → Marcos Zambrano
2nd Substitution
55'
Event
Cody Baker → Matt Polster
1st Substitution
54'
54'
Event
Lawrence Ennali
1st Yellowcard
1ST-HALF
45+1'
Event
Guilherme
Right foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Jack Harrison takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Brooklyn Raines receives a yellow card.
89
Update Update
Ondrej Lingr comes on for Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos.
89
Update Update
Diadie Samassekou comes on for Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez.
87
Substitution Substitution
Wilson Harris is substituted off for Will Sands.
81
Substitution Substitution
Duncan McGuire is substituted off for Ezequiel Ponce.
81
Update Update
Ibrahim Aliyu comes on for Mateusz Bogusz.
79
Update Update
Griffin Yow is on, and Peyton Miller is off.
79
Update Update
Diego Fagundez comes on for Alhassan Yusuf.
72
Update Update
Agustin Bouzat comes on for Jack McGlynn.
70
Attempt Attempt
Jack Harrison's right-footed shot is blocked.
70
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
69
Attempt Attempt
Dor Turgeman takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
67
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
66
Attempt Attempt
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
63
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Agustín Resch scores with a header.
63
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Agustín Resch scores to make it 0-2, assisted by Jack McGlynn.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
60
Attempt Attempt
Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez takes a shot with his right foot, but it is saved.
59
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
54
Update Update
Cody Baker replaces Matt Polster.
54
Update Update
Jack Harrison is on, and Marcos Zambrano is off.
54
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Lawrence Ennali receives a yellow card.
53
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
51
Update Update
Offside.
48
Attempt Attempt
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
45
Attempt Attempt
Ezequiel Ponce takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos scores, making it 0-1.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos scores, making it 0-1.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
44
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
44
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
43
Attempt Attempt
Artur takes a shot with his right foot, but it is saved.
43
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
38
Attempt Attempt
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a right-footed shot but misses.
38
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
37
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
37
Attempt Attempt
Mateusz Bogusz takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
31
Attempt Attempt
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a right-footed shot but misses.
28
Attempt Attempt
Peyton Miller takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
16
Attempt Attempt
Ezequiel Ponce takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
10
Attempt Attempt
Carles Gil de Pareja Vicent takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
5
Attempt Attempt
Felipe de Andrade Vieira takes a right-footed shot but misses.
3
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
2
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
2
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Malik Badawi.

CONCLUSION

Houston Dynamo delivered a composed display to overcome New England 0-2 on the road. They established an early advantage before the break and maintained control through the second period without conceding ground. The expected goals data supported their superiority while New England struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Possession remained relatively even yet the visitors made better use of their share. With no red cards or other disruptions the contest stayed true to its underlying patterns. This result reinforces Houston Dynamo's position as the more effective side in this fixture and highlights their ability to perform under the required structure.