Dynamo 2sday: Dos Take Two Points in Texas Derby
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Houston Dynamo 2 followed up on the first team’s performance this weekend with a penalty shootout win over Texas rivals and MLS NEXT Pro contenders Austin FC II. Although Houston currently sit second in the standings, with Austin ahead by two points, they do have a game in hand that they could take advantage of thanks to this result.
Tactically, Houston played with three primary defenders, and Reese Miller provided width on the left side as an attacking fullback. However, Austin had the attacking momentum for the majority of the match and were a bit unlucky to not put several goals past Houston in regulation.
Houston got on the board in the 25th minute thanks to a left-footed finish from Arthur Sousa into the bottom right corner, Sousa now has seven goals/assists in 17 games this season for Dos.
Houston almost completed an impressive clean sheet against Austin, but a blunder from Dos in the build up gave Austin the equalizer in the 86th minute through Christian Ayala. In a game full of opportunities for Austin, it was a Dynamo mistake that gave Austin FC a lifeline.
Penalties followed, and both teams made their first four penalties. But then, Pedro Cruz stepped up and blocked Patrick Cayelli’s penalty to set up Samir Mohammad for the fifth penalty. The youngster professionally slotted his penalty to the left and secured a critical second point for Houston.
Dos will now travel away from SaberCats Stadium and face off against Sporting KC II at Swope Park on Friday, July 31. Kickoff time is set for 7 PM, and fans can tune in to the game for free through Youtube or the OneFootball app.