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Futmetrix Verdict
75
FT
Sun, Aug 23
St. Louis City
2-1
Houston Dynamo
⚡ Intensity 63
⚖️ Balance 56
🏆 Stakes 67
🎲 Upset 0
Late Polvara magic stuns the Dynamo.

Win Probability

  • St. Louis City 44%
  • Draw 27%
  • Houston Dynamo 29%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Late Polvara Heroics Spark St. Louis Over Houston

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 75/100. A relentless back-and-forth battle culminated in late drama, proving St. Louis City's grit when crucial playoff positioning is on the line.

Early Sparks at Energizer Park

The atmosphere inside Energizer Park was electric as St. Louis City stepped onto the field for a vital regular season matchup. Facing a top-four opponent, the hosts understood the assignment and brought immediate Intensity to the opening exchanges. While Houston Dynamo edged possession early and dictated the tempo with slick midfield distribution, it was the home side that capitalized first. In the 23rd minute, the crowd erupted. A perfectly weighted pass from A. Matan sliced right through the Dynamo defense, teeing up S. Becher for a clinical finish. The breakthrough set the tone for a gritty performance. St. Louis demonstrated incredible tactical discipline, willingly absorbing pressure while remaining dangerous on the counter. Despite generating fewer overall attacks, their early efficiency forced Houston to completely rethink their game plan before the halftime whistle.

The VAR Rollercoaster and Equalizer

Coming out of the locker room, the Balance of power shifted dramatically as the visitors hunted for an equalizer. Houston cranked up the pressure, eventually unleashing 12 total shots on the night. The tension peaked in the 66th minute when M. Bogusz appeared to level the score. The Dynamo celebrations were cut brutally short, however, as a VAR review confirmed an offside infringement. It was a massive let-off for the hosts, but the warning signs were flashing red. Houston's relentless forward momentum finally fractured the St. Louis backline just nine minutes later. I. Aliyu found a pocket of space and delivered a composed strike in the 75th minute to make it 1-1. With the game tied, the momentum was squarely with the visitors, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.

Polvara Steals the Show

With the Stakes reaching a boiling point, neither team was content to settle for a single point. A draw would not serve either side well in the standings, so the final stretches became an open, end-to-end sprint. Despite holding only 47 percent possession across the ninety minutes, St. Louis possessed the ultimate trump card. In the 85th minute, the stadium witnessed pure magic. D. Polvara found himself in the perfect position, burying a decisive strike that restored the home team's lead and shattered Houston's hopes. The Upset Factor vanished as the hosts expertly managed the final minutes to seal a 2-1 victory. This result is a massive statement of intent for St. Louis, keeping their postseason dreams fiercely alive and proving they can grind out results.

Key Questions

How dramatic was the late winner by D. Polvara?

The 85th-minute strike by D. Polvara was electrifying, completely changing the game's complexion just when Houston appeared destined to secure a hard-fought road point.

What does this mean for St. Louis City's season?

This crucial home victory pushes St. Louis to 24 points, tightening the playoff race and keeping them firmly in contention against upper-table rivals.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
47%
53%
St. Louis City 47%
Houston Dynamo 53%
Shots
9
18
St. Louis City 9
Houston Dynamo 18
Shots on Target
4
4
St. Louis City 4
Houston Dynamo 4
Expected Goals (xG)
1.20
1.16
St. Louis City 1.20
Houston Dynamo 1.16
Passes
430
473
St. Louis City 430
Houston Dynamo 473
Pass Accuracy
89%
87%
St. Louis City 89%
Houston Dynamo 87%
Corners
1
5
St. Louis City 1
Houston Dynamo 5
Fouls
18
10
St. Louis City 18
Houston Dynamo 10
Yellow Cards
4
3
St. Louis City 4
Houston Dynamo 3
Red Cards
0
0
St. Louis City 0
Houston Dynamo 0

Match Events

23' S. Becher (A. Matan)
27' 🟨 A. Matan
HT
M. Saracchi Felipe Andrade 🔄 46'
D. Samassekou H. Herrera 🔄 57'
D. McGuire I. Aliyu 🔄 57'
M. Bogusz 🟨 58'
A. Bouzat 🟨 58'
62' 🔄 T. Ostrak C. Holse
63' 🟨 S. Becher
M. Bogusz 66'
70' 🟨 C. Holse
72' 🔄 A. Matan L. MacNaughton
72' 🔄 S. Jeong P. Ault
I. Aliyu 75'
Lucas Halter 🟨 81'
85' D. Polvara
A. Bouzat F. Negri 🔄 87'
L. Ennali D. Holmes 🔄 90'+2
90'+2 🔄 S. Becher M. Perez
90'+8 🟨 T. Totland
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

St. Louis City

Goalkeepers
Roman Bürki
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
1
Key Passes
1
Key Passes
0
Assists
16%
Pass Acc
Defenders
Jaziel Orozco
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Timo Baumgartl
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
80%
Duel Win %
Dante Polvara
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
85
Goal Time
85
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.3
Rating
Midfielders
Conrad Wallem
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Daniel Edelman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alexandru Matan
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7
Rating
Tomas Totland
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
Jeong Sang-bin
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
72
Total Mins
72
Entry
Simon Becher
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Tomas Ostrak
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
BENCH
Ben Lundt
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Lukas MacNaughton
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Rafael Santos
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mamadou Fall
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Miguel Perez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Ault
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Carl Johan Holse Justesen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Z. Zengue
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
R. Lynch
👻 Invisible Nothing to note

Houston Dynamo

Goalkeepers
Jonathan Bond
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Lawrence Ennali
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
23%
Pass Acc
A. Resch
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
48%
Pass Acc
Lucas Halter
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Marcelo Saracchi
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Midfielders
Artur
MAGNET
MAGNET
77
Activity
77
Activity
71
Passes
6
Duels
Diadie Samassékou
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
57
Total Mins
57
Entry
Jack McGlynn
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
55%
Pass Acc
Agustín Bouzat
NPC
NPC
87
Minutes
87
Minutes
17%
Pass Acc
6.3
Rating
Mateusz Bogusz
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
4
Shots
4
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Forwards
Duncan McGuire
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
57
Total Mins
57
Entry
BENCH
Blake Gillingham
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Erik Sviatchenko
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Felipe
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Antônio Carlos
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Franco Negri
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Héctor Herrera
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
33
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Duane Holmes
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Guilherme
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Aliyu Ibrahim
CLOSER
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
05/20/2026 St. Louis City 2 - 2 (PEN 4-2) Houston Dynamo US Open Cup CITYPARK
08/31/2025 St. Louis City 2 - 3 Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer Energizer Park
06/29/2025 Houston Dynamo 1 - 0 St. Louis City Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
10/06/2024 St. Louis City 3 - 0 Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer CITYPARK
05/05/2024 Houston Dynamo 0 - 0 St. Louis City Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
02/28/2024 Houston Dynamo 1 - 0 St. Louis City CONCACAF Champions League Shell Energy Stadium
02/21/2024 St. Louis City 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo CONCACAF Champions League CITYPARK
09/17/2023 Houston Dynamo 1 - 1 St. Louis City Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
06/04/2023 St. Louis City 3 - 0 Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer CITYPARK
05/20/2026
2 - 2 (PEN 4-2)
US Open Cup CITYPARK
08/31/2025
Major League Soccer Energizer Park
06/29/2025
Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
10/06/2024
Major League Soccer CITYPARK
05/05/2024
Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
02/28/2024
CONCACAF Champions League Shell Energy Stadium
02/21/2024
CONCACAF Champions League CITYPARK
09/17/2023
Major League Soccer Shell Energy Stadium
06/04/2023
Major League Soccer CITYPARK
St. Louis City Win
Houston Dynamo Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Vancouver Whitecaps 17 34 37 14 +23 WVancouver Whitecaps 5 - 0 FC Dallas (23-08-2026)LVancouver Whitecaps 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo (20-08-2026)WSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)DVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Los Angeles FC (01-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 0 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (26-07-2026)
2 Los Angeles FC 19 29 25 19 +6 DLos Angeles FC 1 - 1 Portland Timbers (23-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)LLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Los Angeles FC (01-08-2026)WLos Angeles FC 4 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (26-07-2026)
3 Colorado Rapids 18 28 25 19 +6 LSan Diego 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids (23-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)LSt. Louis City 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (26-07-2026)
4 Houston Dynamo 17 28 24 24 0 LSt. Louis City 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (23-08-2026)WVancouver Whitecaps 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo (20-08-2026)WHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)WSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)WHouston Dynamo 3 - 0 Austin (26-07-2026)
5 St. Louis City 17 27 24 23 +1 WSt. Louis City 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (23-08-2026)DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)WSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)DSt. Louis City 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (02-08-2026)WSt. Louis City 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (26-07-2026)
6 San Jose Earthquakes 16 26 33 24 +9 LSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 5 Minnesota United FC (23-08-2026)LLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)DSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (26-07-2026)WPortland Timbers 1 - 3 San Jose Earthquakes (24-05-2026)
7 Real Salt Lake 17 25 30 26 +4 LReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DSt. Louis City 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (02-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Real Salt Lake (26-07-2026)LLos Angeles FC 3 - 1 Real Salt Lake (23-07-2026)
8 Portland Timbers 17 24 32 29 +3 DLos Angeles FC 1 - 1 Portland Timbers (23-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 3 - 1 San Diego (20-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Real Salt Lake (26-07-2026)DPortland Timbers 2 - 2 FC Dallas (23-07-2026)
9 Seattle Sounders 18 24 21 25 -4 LSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)LAustin 3 - 1 Seattle Sounders (23-07-2026)LSeattle Sounders 1 - 5 Portland Timbers (17-07-2026)
10 San Diego 19 23 29 29 0 WSan Diego 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids (23-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 3 - 1 San Diego (20-08-2026)WLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)WSan Diego 1 - 0 FC Dallas (26-07-2026)
11 FC Dallas 17 23 29 32 -3 LVancouver Whitecaps 5 - 0 FC Dallas (23-08-2026)WReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)WAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 FC Dallas (02-08-2026)LSan Diego 1 - 0 FC Dallas (26-07-2026)
12 Minnesota United FC 16 22 20 20 0 WSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 5 Minnesota United FC (23-08-2026)DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 0 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (26-07-2026)LSporting Kansas City 2 - 1 Minnesota United FC (23-07-2026)
13 Los Angeles Galaxy 17 18 18 26 -8 WLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 FC Dallas (02-08-2026)DSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (26-07-2026)LLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 3 St. Louis City (23-07-2026)
14 Austin 16 15 18 31 -13 WSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)LHouston Dynamo 3 - 0 Austin (26-07-2026)WAustin 3 - 1 Seattle Sounders (23-07-2026)
15 Sporting Kansas City 17 14 16 40 -24 DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)LSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)LLos Angeles FC 4 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (26-07-2026)WSporting Kansas City 2 - 1 Minnesota United FC (23-07-2026)

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