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The first official preseason game for the Houston Dynamo is in the books and with it a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers. Each half had entirely new starting XI's for both teams and different results in each half.
Giles Barnes wore the captain's armband as part of the starting XI for Houston.
The first starting XI of 2016!
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) February 4, 2016
Kickoff at 7pm CT | Watch at https://t.co/yWCHaFmoyC #PORvHOU pic.twitter.com/34Z8xpDPmI
1st half lineup vs. Houston:
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) February 4, 2016
Kwarasey, Powell, Borchers, Taylor, Valentin, Zemanski, Chara, Asprilla, Valeri, Melano, Adi #RCTID
Portland seemed to have the better of the Dynamo in the first half coming out with more chances in front of the net. The Timbers got on the scoreboard in the first half thanks in part to poor defending by the Houston Dynamo. DaMarcus Beasley slipped and fell down leaving Dairon Asprilla to bury the ball into the back of the net in the 38th minute.
46' New XI out for the second half, which is underway. #PORvHOU pic.twitter.com/H3i4vM1EtA
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) February 4, 2016
2nd half lineup vs. Houston: Gleeson, Peay, Morley, Manning, Thoma, Idowu, Besler, Brett, Avila, Polk, McInerney #RCTID
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) February 4, 2016
Houston looked better in the second half, however, as their chances in front of the net increased. The Dynamo fought hard to win and keep possession of the ball and it eventually paid off in the 74th minute. Leonel Miranda found Mauro Manotas who got behind Portland's back line and beat Portland's goalkeeper to draw the game level at 1-1.
Houston play the San Jose Earthquakes on February 6 at 6 pm CT in their next preseason match.