Ibrahim Aliyu scores early as Dynamo beat Charlotte FC 1-0

Ibrahim Aliyu’s fifth-minute goal was the deciding score in Houston Dynamo FC’s 1-0 win over Charlotte FC on Saturday.

This victory extends Houston’s unbeaten streak to six matches (3-0-3). Dynamo is also 2-0-3 in their last five home games.

Charlotte FC’s four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1) ended with Saturday’s loss. It was just Charlotte’s second loss in its last 11 games (6-2-3).

Steve Clark made four saves for his fourth shutout of the season. Dynamo (8-6-6, 30 points) has allowed only 23 goals in 20 games played this season.

In a matchup between two of the league’s best defensive clubs, Houston needed just five minutes to break down Charlotte’s backline. It was the first time this season that Charlotte FC (9-7-5, 32 points) allowed a goal in the first 30 minutes of a match.

Amine Bassi and Sebastian Ferreira each received assists for their roles in Aliyu’s fifth goal of the season. Bassi’s cross found Ferreira in the middle of the box, and Ferreira’s nifty pass found Aliyu just in front of the net for the finish.

Dynamo held 69.9 percent possession in the first half, and that control led to several other decent scoring chances. Ferreira fired a shot just wide of the post in the 33rd minute, and two minutes later, the forward narrowly missed a final touch on Aliyu’s cross in front.

After dominating the first 45 minutes, Charlotte FC managed to maintain balance in the second half. Charlotte had its best chance to score in the 75th minute, thanks to a clever backheel from Iuri Tavares who set up Liel Abada for a dangerous shot blocked by Clark.

Sebastian Kowalczyk almost scored an insurance goal for Dynamo a minute into added time in the second half, but goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made a huge save to keep Charlotte’s chances alive.

Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood was unavailable due to a caution accumulation suspension. Westwood had played every minute of Charlotte’s previous 20 games.

–Field level media