Dynamo 2sday: Dos Return Home and Beat Rapids 2 in Shootout

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

Houston Dynamo 2 returned home on Friday night following a 3-1 loss to St. Louis CITY 2 in their last match, hosting a Colorado Rapids 2 side that was also coming off a road defeat—a 3-2 loss to LAFC II in California.

Head coach Marcelo Santos fielded a familiar starting XI. In goal was Pedro Cruz, who would go on to play a pivotal role in the match. The back line featured Daniel Barrett, Isaac Mwakutuya, Jayden Puna, and Noah Betancourt. Enrique Correa and Sebastian Rodriguez held down the midfield as defensive anchors, while Exon Arzu, Josh Bolma, and Andy Batioja supported lone striker Stephen Annor in the attacking third.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes, with both clubs earning a point. Despite the scoreless result, Houston showed early flashes of attacking speed, especially through Arzu on the right wing and Batioja on the left. These two promising young wingers have joined the Dynamo FC organization with hopes of growing into first-team contributors.

Batioja, a 19-year-old Colombian, has already seen minutes with the senior team in the March loss to the Portland Timbers, and was on the matchday roster against the Seattle Sounders earlier in the season. Arzu, a 20-year-old Honduran, has been called up to the first-team squad multiple times, though he has yet to make his debut. He’s already tallied three goals this season in MLS NEXT Pro and continues to be a dangerous presence on the flanks.

Colorado had their chances as well, forcing Cruz and the back line to stay alert. Cruz finished with four saves, including a fingertip stop in the 86th minute to preserve the draw and send the match into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, all five Houston shooters converted their penalties. Colorado’s final taker, Daouda Amadou, aimed for the left side of Cruz but struck the post, securing the second point for Dynamo 2.

The result keeps Houston in second place in the Western Conference with 17 points from nine matches. Next up, the young Orange squad travels to face North Texas SC for a crucial derby and conference clash. North Texas sits just two points behind, with 15, and enters the match on a two-game winning streak. Kickoff is set for Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 PM at Choctaw Stadium. As always, you can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.