Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers: Dynamo continue road woes with 2-0 loss to the Timbers

The Houston Dynamo continue their poor road form with a 2-0 loss against the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field. Behind a second half brace by Timbers forward Ryan Johnson, Portland got their first win of the season.

It was a tale of two halves as Houston and Portland battled in the first half in a tough physical match. The Timbers ran into early problems after two players went down injured, forcing Caleb Porter to got to his bench earlier than any coach would like. In the 18th minute, David Horst suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury and Diego Valeri left after a collision with Jermaine Taylor in the 30th minute.

Both sides into hafltime with a blank scoreline. Portland had the best of possession in the first 45 minutes, but neither team had many clear chances to take control.

The second half was a different story. Portland had the Dynamo on their backs for nearly the entire half and were able to put two goals past Tally Hall for the win.

Ryan Johnson got his second and third goal of the season in the 55th and 73rd minute. The first was set up by a perfectly placed cross from Diego Chara, while the second one was assisted by Darlington Nagbe and sent to the top of the net passed an outstretched Hall.

In two road matches in the 2013 MLS season, Houston has lost both by a combined 5-2 score. It's hard to pinpoint what keeps Houston from getting results on the road in general, but tonight they were grossly outplayed by a better Portland team.

Next up for Houston is a meeting with the Chicago Fire at BBVA Compass Stadium next Sunday. With a draw or win, Houston would break the all time MLS home unbeaten streak record. It's nice to know Houston will come home for their next match, but one has to wonder when road results will come.

Was there good to take from this game? Anything that stood out?