Getting déjà vu? It’s not your imagination — the Loons are set to take on the Houston Dynamo for the second time in two weeks. (That’s two birthdays in one month for Dylan Wolpers.) Not much has changed for the Dynamo since we last saw them, but the Black and Blue have had a pretty big breakthrough, so never fear! This won’t be a copy-paste preview.
Run of Form
Minnesota United FC (8-12-10)
Run of Form: W-D-D-L-L
Look at that big, beautiful W. It’s happened, my friends — the Loons shattered their winless streak in truly inspirational fashion on Matchday 31, as they fought out a 3-2 win over a St. Louis side that hadn’t been beaten in 21 straight matches. Spirits were lifted, Wonderwall was sung, and now the Black and Blue have four games to capitalize on this much needed moment of victory and build enough momentum to capture a late playoff berth. Was it a fluke, or was it a sign of great things to come? Only time will tell, and it starts this Saturday in Houston.
Houston Dynamo (13-9-8)
Run of Form: D-D-D-L-D
Houston has hit a plateau since their early-season glory, now on a six-game winless streak including their 2-2 draw against the Loons earlier this month. They’ve done well enough to clinch their spot in the playoffs, though, and are now competing for a top four seed for home-pitch advantage. Currently, they’re fifth in the West, with a single point separating them from fourth-place San Jose as well as sixth-place LAFC. With their last two draws stemming from unfortunate late-goal concessions, this is a Dynamo side that’s going to be very hungry to get the last word.
Keys to the Match:
Meet Matty B
A MattyBRaps reference in 2026? It’s more likely than you think. When it comes to Houston’s biggest attacking threats, I’m not only looking at their strikers — though Guilherme is having quite the year, logging 16 goals and 10 assists in 29 appearances so far. He’s the obvious big name on the Dynamo’s roster, but we can’t overlook DP midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, who joined the Dynamo from Liga MX side Cruz Azul this year and has scored three goals in his last five matchups. Considering four of Houston’s last five results were draws, it’s not an exaggeration to say Bogusz is the primary reason Ben Olsen’s side has held onto their spot in the table. Overall, he’s 8g/4a on the year and the club’s second-leading goal-scorer, only behind Guilherme, and has proven a consistent contributor on both ends of the pitch. I could wax poetic about his quick reactions and opportunistic playstyle, but this goal speaks for itself. (And that’s on his non-dominant foot.)
The Sequel
Minnesota’s last meeting with Houston ended in a 2-2 tie, a result that is probably only ideal for the family of Anthony and Nick Markanich. It was a notably disappointing moment for the Loons, who conceded in stoppage time for the draw, but the entire game was surprisingly evenly matched, even outside of the scoreline. Possession was 45% (MIN) to 54% (HOU). Each side logged 14 shots and six on goal. Each side saw four goalkeeper saves. It was truly push and pull, and this weekend provides an opportunity for either side to break out of that equilibrium and assert dominance on Houston’s home turf. Nobody wants to settle for another draw. It’s the Lone Star vs. North Star battle, and this town’s ain’t big enough for the two of us. So what’s going to give us that leg up? Oh, look, a transition into Key #3.
Pereyra Points
It’s no secret that one of the Loons’ greatest assets is midfielder Joaquín Pereyra. He’s the club leader in assists and crosses and one of the most consistent, creative playmakers the Black and Blue have ever seen. His absence the first time Minnesota played Houston this month due to injury was sorely felt, and his impact in the Loons’ two subsequent matches was very clearly illustrated by his pair of late substitutions.
Against Colorado, Pereyra hit the pitch in the 82nd minute. Not even a full minute later, his long ball up to Kelvin Yeboah resulted in Colorado’s own goal to equalize for Minnesota. Against St. Louis, his 79th-minute entry was followed by a killer assist to Marcus Caldeira for the win. Every time Pereyra gets subbed on, magic happens. If Pereyra starts against Houston this weekend, or even subs in sooner than the final 10 minutes, it might just be the extra boon Minnesota needs to get a leg up on the Dynamo.
