Austin FC v Houston Dynamo: Olsen desires more balance between attack and defence

Houston Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen wants his side to find more balance between attack and defence as they look to extend their winning run at Austin FC on Saturday.

The Dynamo defeated 10-man San Diego FC 1-0 last time out, though Houston also ended with a red card, as they extended their win streak to three games in all competitions.

It was the second consecutive game in which they kept a clean sheet (also a 1-0 win over Orlando City) after conceding 16 goals in their opening six MLS games of the season.

Houston finished their win over San Diego with 28.42% of possession. It was the seventh time over the last seven seasons that the Dynamo have had sub-30% possession in an MLS match, but they have won four of those (D1 L2).

Although Olsen has urged more balance from his side, he believes they are heading in the right direction as a team.

“From a win-loss standpoint, we are [heading in the right direction],” said Olsen.

“I think in terms of out of possession and defensive resiliency, we are moving in the right direction.

“And I think now we have to find the right balance between that and our offence. Putting up some attacking numbers and I think we have the chances to do that.

“We have switched to a 4-4-2 and that has shrunk us a little bit, and it will take a little time to adjust but we are moving forward.”

Looking good, even from orbit https://t.co/NqrDBme6rS pic.twitter.com/Uhkt30sNA2

— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) April 23, 2026

Austin, meanwhile, have struggled in 2026, winning just one of their opening nine MLS games (D4 L4), while also losing to Louisville City in the US Open Cup.

The Verde and Black were also thrashed 5-1 by the San Jose Earthquakes during the week, leaving them 13th in the Western Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Brad Stuver

Brad Stuver faced 16 shots on target against the Earthquakes on Wednesday, making a career-high 11 saves.

Stuver became the first MLS goalkeeper to face 16 or more shots on goal in a single regular-season match since Maxime Crepeau with Vancouver (also against San Jose) in August 2019.

Houston Dynamo – Guilherme

Guilherme leads the Dynamo in both goals (five) and assists (four) in MLS this season.

He is only one of three players to contribute with 3+ goals and 3+ assists in the competition in 2026, alongside Pep Biel and Prince Owusu.

MATCH PREDICTION – AUSTIN FC WIN

The home team has won 10 of 14 all-time meetings between Austin FC and Houston Dynamo, with Austin winning six of eight at Q2 Stadium (D1 L1).

The 2-2 draw in the last meeting between the teams in August 2025 was the first draw in the history of the series (all competitions).

The Dynamo have won consecutive MLS matches for the first time since June-July 2025, with each of their last two wins coming by a score of 1-0.

It’s the fourth time Houston have won consecutive MLS matches, each by a 1-0 scoreline, but the Dynamo have never had three straight such matches.

Austin allowed 37 shots to San Jose, the most ever allowed by Austin in an MLS match.

It was the Verde’s third time this season allowing 25 or more shots in an MLS match while all other MLS teams combined have allowed 25+ shots in a league match twice this season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 44.9%

Draw – 26.9%

Houston Dynamo – 28.2%