Dynamo defender Andre Hainault gave Houston a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute after heading a Brad Davis free kick into the back of the net. Davis took the free kick just a few yards from the edge of the box and swung in the kick to Hainault who headed it near post.
There will be a bit of controversy about the goal, which came against the run of play, because Timbers midfielder Sal Zizzo was off the field receiving medical attention for a leg injury.
Regardless, the Dynamo have a 1-0 lead with just about 10 minutes to go in the first half.