1) Mauro Manotas did very well in this one (duh), but a big shout out should go to how the team handled how it ran its offense which scored all 3 of its goals from breakaway plays (okay 1 was a PK, but it began with a turnover that led to the correct penalty decision). That's something that has been needed for awhile as the team typically sits in either early or after taking a lead which allows opponents to dominate possession and chances. That wasn't the case against Portland.
2) Although the Dynamo finished the first half strong 1-0 by continuing to pressure, they started the 2nd a little flat and they sat in a little too much which allowed Portland to equalize the game.