Dynamo 2sday: Dos Win Clash of West’s Best
(image via St. Louis CITY SC)
It was a bit nervy in the first half, but Houston Dynamo 2 were able to clinch a comeback victory Saturday afternoon against St. Louis City 2, who are one of the best MLS NEXT Pro sides so far this season. Now, Houston Dynamo 2 alone at the top of the Western Conference standings with an impressive defensive and offensive record to boot.
Dos entered this game without one of their breakthrough midfielders, as Gilberto Rivera was sent on loan to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Gustavo Dohmann, who is a more defensive asset, slotted in next to Matthew Arana in the double pivot to replace Rivera.
St. Louis got the scoring started in the 29th minute thanks to Patrick McDonald, who received a long ball masterfully and bypassed Houston’s backline and Pedro Cruz.
Mattheo Dimareli quickly put the Dynamo back on level terms in the 38th minute. He was the recipient of a pass from Arthur Sousa inside the box, and although he hesitated for a second, he was able to get a shot off and past St. Louis keeper Lucas McPartlin.
Dos continued their momentum into the second half and delivered a barrage of goals. Noah Betancourt got on the board in the 62nd minute after heading a superb Diego Gonzalez corner into the left side of the net.
A few minutes later, Jahmani Bell turned on the afterburners on the left side, cut inside, and blasted the ball past McPartlin, giving Dos an extra cushion. Bell has scored one goal for every 117 minutes played and with only four starts to his name so far. He’s yet another young Dynamo attacker to keep an eye on for the future.
Austin Brummett put the game to bed in stoppage time with his fourth goal of the season. Diego Gonzalez, who finished the match with two assists, found Brummett on the left half-space, and the American striker clinically struck the ball with pace and gave McPartlin no chance of saving his shot attempt. The match ended shortly after with Dos gaining all three points with a 4-1 win against one of the toughest teams in the league.
Houston will try to keep their unbeaten record alive against Minnesota United FC 2, who have gained 14 points from nine matches. The game is set to start May 5 at 7 PM, and fans can watch for free through YouTube or the OneFootball app.