LATIF BLESSING NEWS

Still negotiating Blessing is still negotiating a return to Houston, the club announced.

Impact Blessing is negotiating an extended stay with Houston, though he is currently set for free agency. The midfielder had a successful stay in Houston, certainly far more impressive than his time in Toronto. He scored five times and assisted once in just 992 minutes in Houston.

NOVEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Takes part in training Friday Blessing was involved in Friday's training session and it remains if he'll be available for Saturday's game against Seattle, head coach Ben Olsen told Bayou City Soccer on Friday.

Impact Blessing left last week's game against Austin with a knock on stoppage time, but his presence in training ahead of Saturday's game means he'll likely be available. Given that Blessing has started in just 11 of his 24 appearances, however, he could find himself as a depth option on the bench. He's made just two starts in MLS play since the beginning of July.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed off with knock Blessing was subbed off due to injury in the 96th minute of Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Austin FC. Per head coach Ben Olsen, "Blessing took a knock. I don't know how bad it is bu...

Impact Blessing came off after being a sub during the 62nd minute of Saturday's loss after picking up a knock. He's been used mostly off the bench in recent matches, with just one start in the last seven MLS games, recording an assist in that span since signing from Toronto.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Logs assist off bench in win Blessing made an assist after coming off the bench during Saturday's 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake.

Impact Blessing was brought in the 68th minute to replace Ibrahim Aliyu with the game still a tight one and was going completely unnoticed until the 80th minute, when he assisted Ezequiel Ponce for the goal that sealed the 4-1 win. Other than a stretch of five goals over five games between May and June, the winger didn't add many significant contributions throughout the campaign, so it's still hard to bet on him counting on many other appearances on the scoresheet moving forward.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Creates three chances Blessing created three chances during Houston's 1-0 win Saturday against Charlotte FC.

Impact Blessing is one of two players who created at least three chances for Houston on Saturday. It also marks the first time he has created multiple chances across 2024. They somewhat compensate for the recent conclusion of Blessing's goal-scoring form, whose output is so good and tempting that he may maintain a regular role for Houston even if Adalberto Carrasquilla returns from national duty.

JUNE 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blessing leads the Houston Dynamo against D.C. United

Latif Blessing leads the Houston Dynamo into a matchup with D.C

JUNE 21, 2024 • Associated Press

Two goal performance Blessing scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Blessing scored twice in the first half of Wednesday's 2 - 2 draw with Seattle, chesting and heading the ball into the net from close range. The veteran midfielder has been in red hot form of late. Over his last five appearances (three starts), Blessing has landed seven shots on target and scored five goals. Blessing has been a rotational piece for the Houston lineup thus far in 2024, having made 14 appearances (seven starts). However, considering his recent run of form, it will be worth monitoring forthcoming lineup selections to see if Blessing has earned a longer run in the starting XI.

JUNE 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nets equalizer off bench Blessing scored a goal off two shots (both on target) during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Atlanta.

Impact Blessing was brought midway through the second half to replace Ibrahim Aliyu and ended up as the hero for Houston as he appeared completed unmarked inside the opposition's box to control a cross from the right and send the ball into the net for the goal that sealed the 2-2 draw in the 89th minute. That's now three goals over the last four appearances for the attacker, who keeps giving his coach reasons for promoting him to a starter role.

JUNE 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Latif Blessing lifts Atlanta United to draw with Dynamo Latif Blessing made the most of his 30-plus minutes as a substitute by scoring the match-tying goal in the waning moments of the second half...

JUNE 16, 2024 • KANSASCITY.COM

Blessing's late goal helps Dynamo tie Atlanta 2-2

Latif Blessing scored in the 89th minute to help the Houston Dynamo to 2-2 tie with Atlanta United

JUNE 16, 2024 • Associated Press

Scores excellent goal off bench Blessing scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Colorado Rapids.

Impact Blessing scored in his second consecutive match Wednesday, an outside-the-box strike in the 70th minute following a poor clearance by Zack Steffen. The goal gave his side the 2-1 lead and came off his only shot in the match. He also created one chance in his 24 minutes of action off the bench.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available versus Rapids Blessing (hip) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Colorado Rapids.

Impact Blessing will offer backup for Adalberto Carrasquilla on the right wing after overcoming a slight injury. The experienced midfielder hasn't been extremely active this year but scored his first goal of the campaign in the previous game week against Galaxy. Other than that, he has taken seven shots (two on target) and made eight tackles in 359 minutes of play.

MAY 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Blessing (hip) is questionable for Wednesday's match against Colorado.

Impact Blessing appears to have picked up an injury over the week, as he has been added to the injury report with a hip issue. He is likely to face a fitness test ahead of the match, hoping he can maintain the starting role he held last game. However, if he is left out or on the bench, expect Ibrahim Aliyu to start in his place.

MAY 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores opener Saturday Blessing scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Los Angeles Galaxy.

Impact Blessing opened up the scoring Saturday, an unassisted goal in the 18th minute. It marked his first goal of the season as he took a season-high three shots. He also put in solid defensive work as he won one tackle, intercepted one pass and made one clearance before he was subbed off at halftime for Brad Smith.

MAY 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

First appearance with new club Blessing recorded eight minutes of play in Saturday's 1-0 win against Houston, notching one clearance.

Impact Blessing finally got on the field for the first time with his new club after joining in mid-March, seeing eight minutes of play off the bench after Brooklyn Raines was relieved due to injury concerns. However, Blessing was quiet in his minimal time on the pitch, only seeing one clearance as his singular notable stat. He will now hope to see more play time after getting his first minutes with Houston, possibly receiving the start in the club's next match in Raines' place following his injury problems.

MARCH 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Dynamo acquire M Latif Blessing from Toronto FC The Houston Dynamo acquired midfielder Latif Blessing on Thursday from Toronto FC in exchange for $75,000 in general allocation money.Toront...

MARCH 14, 2024 • MIAMIHERALD.COM

Houston Dynamo acquire Latif Blessing from Toronto FC | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing - HOU receive: Latif Blessing - TOR receive: Up to $275k GAM Houston Dynamo FC have acquired midfielder Lat...

MARCH 14, 2024 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Dealt to Houston Blessing completed a trade to Houston from Toronto, the club announced Thursday.

Impact Blessing has been all across MLS of late, with his most successful spell coming during five season at LAFC. Since then he's struggled to find a major role with both New England and Toronto. He now heads off to Houston in search of a starting role in the midfield, where he has shown the ability to drive play.

MARCH 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to grass Blessing (head) was involved in training with the team Tuesday ahead of Saturday's clash with Orlando City, per John Molinaro of the TFC Republic.

Impact Blessing is working his way back from a head injury sustained on Sep 30 and will aim to make one more appearance Saturday. Since joining Toronto in July, the midfielder has only made four appearances while making 14 starts in 15 appearances with New England prior to his transfer.

OCTOBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Blessing (head) is out for Saturday's game against the Red Bulls, head coach Terry Dunfield told John Molinaro of TFC Republic on Friday.

Impact Blessing missed Wednesday's match against Charlotte, and Toronto is not keen on taking risks with their injured players, primarily since they're eliminated from playoff contention. Blessing will have two weeks to recover before the final game of the regular season slated for Oct. 21 at Orlando City.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting out Wednesday Blessing (head) is not expected to be an option for Wednesday's match against Charlotte, confirmed manager Terry Dunfield per John Molinaro of the TFC Republic.

Impact Blessing got hit in the head and was forced to exit Saturday's match. He will remain in concussion protocol and will miss Wednesday's match. He's only started once in the last four league games played, missing a few matches with a lower body injury.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves early injured in loss Blessing recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 loss versus FC Cincinnati. He was subbed off due to injury in the 60th minute.

Impact Blessing was having a quiet outing and could not do much to help Toronto during the loss. The midfielder was replaced by Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty in the 60th minute under concussion protocol. He should be questionable to Wednesday's visit to Charlotte.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes bench to face Philly Blessing (lower body) is on the bench for Wednesday's game against Philadelphia.

Impact The veteran midfielder recovered enough to make the bench after missing two games in a row. When healthy, he should be able to fight for decent minutes in midfield.

AUGUST 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Philadelphia match Blessing (lower body) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's match against Philadelphia.

Impact Blessing's status for Wednesday's game is still questionable after returning to practice this week.He has missed the last two matches due to this injury and looks like he will most likely be left out of the squad again. Even if he does make the squad it will most likely only be on the bench.

AUGUST 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE