Dynamo 2sday: Dos Stumble, Regain Footing Over Past month
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
While everyone’s been focused on the World Cup, Houston Dynamo 2 have quietly continued their MLS NEXT Pro season. After starting the season hot, they simmered back down to reality in the past month, but are just starting to catch their stride once again. Let’s recap their most recent results that you might have missed.
June 6: 3-1 loss to Ventura County FC
Houston suffered their first loss of the MLS NEXT Pro season against Ventura County FC. Statistically, it was a tight matchup as both sides had equal possession numbers, similar xG totals, and comparable passes completed according to Sofascore. Ventura County, however, took advantage of their opportunities, especially in the second half where they scored all three of their goals. Houston got one back in the end thanks to Vinicius Silva, but by that point, it was too late.
June 17: 2-1 loss to Tacoma Defiance
Vinicius Silva scored yet another goal for Dos, this time in the first half to give Houston the lead. It was a long range effort that Tacoma’s goalkeeper was unable to get a touch on.
Tacoma Defiance grabbed two goals in rapid fire succession to start the second half, and Houston were unable to recover. For the first time this season, Houston were struggling to create and finish big chances.
June 28: 3-1 Loss to LAFC 2
Los Angeles wasted no time getting on the board, as they scored in the first minute and instantly put Houston in survival mode. A glimmer of hope came for Dos when Christian Diaz was sent off in the 35th minute and Gustavo Dohmann scored the equalizer as the first half was wrapping up. Myles Gardner, an early sub for Reese Miller, was sent off after only a few minutes of action in the second half, and with both teams with 10 men, LA capitalized on the momentum shift and scored two goals, with DeCarlo Guerra playing a big part in both of them.
July 5: 4-0 Win against Minnesota United 2
Houston got back to winning ways with a dominant victory against Minnesota at Shell Energy Stadium. Alan Aparecido scored his first professional goal and Jahmani Bell got on the scoresheet with a penalty to give Houston a two-goal lead. Reese Miller and Austin Brummett scored twice in the span of 11 minutes late in the second half to finalize a dominant, and desperately needed, performance against Minnesota United 2.
July 11: 2-1 Win against St. Louis CITY 2
Miller added another goal to his season tally against St. Louis CITY 2 early in the first half with a shot on the edge of the box. A beautiful assist from Austin Brummett to Arthur Sousa in the 69th minute doubled Dos’ advantage.
St. Louis piled up the pressure late and scored in the 86th minute to make the affair tense, but Dos held on to clinch their second straight win.
July 18: 2-1 Win against Colorado Rapids 2
Dos’ latest game ended in yet another 2-1 victory. Gustavo Dohmann and Dylan Reyes scored in the span of seven minutes to give Dos a 2-0 lead. Houston had to face some adversity however, as Noah Betancourt was sent off after two yellow cards to finish out the first half.
Houston spent the entire second half defending in their own half without generating a single true goalscoring opportunity, and Colorado eventually broke through in the 54th minute. However, that blip didn’t deter them, and they outlasted Colorado to extend their winning streak to three games.
Houston Dynamo 2 will return to action on Sunday, July 26, at 6 PM against Texas rivals Austin FC II in what could prove to be a consequential match in terms of playoff seeding, as these two teams sit next to each other at the top of the standings. Fans can watch the game for free through YouTube or the OneFootball app.