Dynamo 2sday: Dos Ignite Playoff Push With Statement Win in Kansas City
(image via Sporting Kansas City)
Houston Dynamo 2 traveled to Kansas City this past weekend to take on Sporting Kansas City II, looking to finally catch a break and pick up a much-needed three points to keep their playoff hopes alive in the final stretch of the season.
Head coach Marcelo Santos named a familiar starting XI: Pedro Cruz in goal, with Issac Mwakatuya, Nico Ramos, Gavin Wolff, and Juan Viveros in the back line. The midfield featured Lionel Gitau, Omar Bolaños, Erik Dueñas, and Mattheo Dimareli, while Joshua Bolma and Tomas Romero led the attack up top.
Houston looked hungry early and in the 12th minute their pressure paid off. After forcing a turnover high up the pitch, Erik Dueñas picked off the ball inside the SKC box and squared it to Dimareli near the penalty spot. Dimareli took a touch to set himself, then fired a low shot through a defender’s legs and into the back of the net to put Dos ahead 1-0.
Just 10 minutes later, SKC II equalized. A Dynamo cross was cleared, and Blaine Mabie quickly released Maouloune Goumballe on the counter. Goumballe outran the defense, rounded Cruz, and slotted home to make it 1–1 in the 24th minute.
As halftime approached, SKC nearly took the lead with a long-range effort, but Cruz handled it comfortably. Moments later, Goumballe broke free again for a one-on-one, but this time Cruz reacted brilliantly, diving at the attacker’s feet to snatch the ball away.
From that save, Houston immediately transitioned into attack. After a series of passes, the ball was worked across goal from right to left, finding Lionel Gitau at the far post for an easy tap-in. Dos went into the break up 2–1 after a dramatic final 90 seconds of the half.
That energy carried into the second half. In the 51st minute, Dimareli delivered a dangerous corner that SKC failed to clear. The loose ball fell to Viveros, who struck quickly to make it 3–1 for the visitors.
Sporting had one late chance when a cross fell to Shane Donovan inside the box, but his weak effort was easily collected by Cruz.
The match ended 3–1, a massive win for Dynamo 2. The result not only lifted the team’s morale after a difficult stretch but also pushed SKC deeper into the bottom of the table, while bringing Houston within just two points of a playoff spot.
Next up is one of the toughest challenges of the season: a showdown with the top team in both the Western Conference and MLS NEXT Pro, The Town. Kickoff is set for Friday, August 22 at 7 PM at SaberCats Stadium. As always, admission is free, or you can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
