Dynamo 2sday: Dos win in penalties to stay unbeaten
(image via Austin FC)
Coming off four straight wins to open up the MLS NEXT Pro season, Houston Dynamo 2 faced their first road test against Texas rivals Austin FC II. Dos struggled for most of this game, but they wereable to ride the storm and tie in regulation before winning the vital second point in penalties. Dos are now in third place in MLS NEXT Pro and are one of only four teams to not register a loss so far.
Austin were thoroughly in control of the tempo in the first half. Houston struggled to employ their box midfield to the fullest potential, and Austin created chances with ease. Luckily for Dos, their opponents didn’t turn their dominance into chances, and they were able to hang on to the 0-0 scoreline to end the first half.
Houston got on the scoresheet first against the run of play thanks to their Brazilian forward, Arthur Sousa. Austin were caught lacking in the back, and Sousa made them pay.
Houston stood strong amidst a hypothetical storm of Austin attacks before an actual storm caused a weather delay in the 88th minute. After the delay, Austin came out strong, and deep into stoppage time, Austin broke Houston’s clean sheet streak.
The game finished 1-1, and although their perfect record was vanquished, Dos could still get a second point if they won on penalties. Dynamo goalkeeper Pedro Cruz saved the first penalty for Houston.
However, Houston went on to miss their third and fourth penalties. Austin had the chance to win the match on penalties with their fifth kick, but Cruz came up huge with a save to his right. Dos scored their next penalty, and Austin skied their next penalty, giving Houston the point in a game that was largely dominated by the home side.
Dynamo Dos will next face off against the Real Monarchs on Sunday, April 19, at Zion Banks Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM, and fans can tune in for free through Youtube or the OneFootball app.