Houston Dynamo shut out Charlotte FC behind Ibrahim Aliyu's goal to continue unbeaten streak

By Perla Paredes Hernandez, Staff writer

June 29, 2024

Ibrahim Aliyu scored the game's only goal in the Dynamo's win over Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

Ibrahim Aliyu scored to to give the Dynamo a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC and keep Houston unbeaten in its last six matches.

Aliyu got the game’s only goal at 4:22 with a right-footed shot that touched the back of the net off an assist by Sebastián Ferreira. The forward hadn’t scored since May 11, when he tallied his fourth goal of the season in Houston’s 2-1 road victory at Kansas City.

“It was a great start, an early goal for us to keep a clean sheet,” Dynamo coach Ben Olsen said. “Overall, I thought it was an intelligent game, we didn’t take unnecessary risks.”

Houston, which leads the Western Conference in controlling the ball, ended the first half with 73.5% possession and finished at 68.8%. Charlotte’s frustration was apparent throughout the match with nine fouls. Defender Djibril Diani received a yellow card in the 27th minute.

“The group is really proud of (our ball possession),” Olsen said. “Understanding that offensive stuff is taking care of itself now… and just getting back to being one of the best defensive teams in the league.”

Houston's lead was threatened in the 71st minute when Iuri Tavares earned a free kick after a foul and yellow card on Franco Escobar. The crowd settled when Charlotte midfielder Brandt Bronico's shot from the center of the box was a few feet too high.

After that, the Dynamo defense was tested when Charlotte FC had four shots on goal in six minutes. Goalkeeper Steve Clark saved all four to get the shutout.

“I thought we played one of our best games on the ball,” Clark said. “Guys were performing well; it was a joy to watch — I had a good seat all night.”

The win was the Dynamo's first over Charlotte FC.