Dynamo 2sday: Dos struggle for consistency
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
After a strong three-game winning streak back in April, Houston Dynamo 2 have struggled to find consistency both at home and on the road. Let’s take a look at their journey since then.
Before diving into the results, it's important to remember that MLS NEXT Pro isn’t your typical league—especially not for Houston Dynamo FC. While competing for a title is important, the primary objective of this second, or reserve team, is player development. Dynamo 2 serves as a platform to develop academy players and give young talents a chance to earn first-team contracts and work toward a spot in Major League Soccer.
May Recap
In May, Dynamo Dos traveled to St. Louis and were defeated 3-1. They returned home to face Colorado Rapids II and, after a 0-0 draw, fell short in the penalty shootout. A visit to North Texas ended in another loss (2-1), followed by a trip to Austin where they tied 1-1 after trailing for 30 minutes. That time, they came out on top in penalties.
June Recap
June opened with a home match against Sporting KC II, where once again Dos rallied from a goal down to draw and win in the shootout. Just five days later, they traveled to Minnesota and suffered a 4-1 defeat. That midweek match was followed by another away trip, this time to Real Monarchs. Despite taking the lead, Dynamo Dos conceded a heartbreaking equalizer in stoppage time (90+3’) and lost in penalties. They closed out the month with yet another road loss—1-0 in St. Louis.
July Recap
July didn’t bring much relief. Dynamo 2 started the month with a 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids II. But after 77 days without earning three points, Dos came alive with a convincing 3-0 win over in-state rivals North Texas SC. Hopes of a turnaround were short-lived, as a visit from Vancouver Whitecaps FC II ended in a 4-2 loss. A week later, another trip to Austin resulted in yet another defeat.
August Begins
Entering August, Dynamo Dos started strong against Minnesota, going up 2-0 in the first 39 minutes at SaberCats Stadium. However, they couldn’t hold the lead. After ending the first half 2-1, they conceded a dramatic equalizer in the 90+7th minute and went on to lose in the penalty shootout—again.
In most traditional leagues, a stretch like this would bring heavy criticism from fans and perhaps concern from club officials. But considering the unique objectives of this squad, head coach Marcelo Santos and his players have been given leeway to grow and develop.
One notable absence?
Captain and key playmaker Diego Gonzalez played in the win in Austin back in April. But shortly after, on May 4, it was announced by Bayou City Soccer and the club that Gonzalez suffered a training injury that would sideline him. We caught up with Diego just last week after a first-team match. He was without crutches and only wearing a light leg sleeve, telling us he’s “close” to returning to the pitch to help the team.
Youth Factor
It’s worth noting that Dynamo Dos fields one of the youngest squads in the league, often lacking the “older” players—19, 20, 21, or 22 years old—that many other teams rely on for experience. This youth and inexperience are likely contributing to some of the inconsistency in results.
Players like Argentine striker Tomas Romero and others are also new to the league. As is common in football across the world, new players go through an adjustment period—adapting to a new country, climate, travel, competition level, and league structure.
Looking Ahead
Despite the rocky stretch, Houston Dynamo 2 still have everything to play for. With eight matches left in the season, they sit in 10th place—just two points outside the playoff spots.
This Saturday, August 9th, at 7 PM, they’ll host Real Monarchs at SaberCats Stadium in a match that could be crucial for their postseason hopes. Santos and his squad must treat every remaining game like a final—and defending home turf will be key.
Support Matters
Your support from the stands can make a difference. All Dynamo Dos matches are free to attend, and for those who can’t make it in person, tune in via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
