Dynamo fans have been bracing for a breakout from Mauro Manotas throughout the second half of the season. They finally got it on Saturday night.
Manotas scored the sixth hat trick in club history to lead the Dynamo to a 3-1 victory over the visiting Portland Timbers at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The 21-year-old Colombian forward had one goal in his MLS career before this weekend. Saturday was his sixth start since mid-August.
The result gives Houston (7-11-11) back-to-back victories for the first time this season. The Dynamo are 3-1-3 in their last seven games. The result also leaves Portland (11-12-8) as the league's only winless road team.