Dynamo 2sday: Resilient Dos Earn Two Points Against St. Louis
(image via Aldo Canale)
As the push for a potential playoff appearance continues, Houston Dynamo 2 faced yet another tough test as they hosted the top team in MLS NEXT Pro, St. Louis CITY 2.
Houston lined up with Pedro Cruz in goal and a backline of Isaac Mwakutuya, Nicolas Ramos, Daniel Barrett, and Juan Viveros, aiming to slow down one of the league’s most dangerous attacks. Sebastián Rodríguez and Noah Betancourt anchored the midfield defensively, while Lionel Gitau, Joshua Bolma, and Erik Dueñas pushed forward to support Tomás Romero up top against one of the stingiest defenses in the Western Conference.
First Half
The first big chance of the match came in the 17th minute, when Erik Dueñas found space at the penalty spot, but his shot was comfortably saved by St. Louis goalkeeper Colin Welsh.
Just eight minutes later, Houston struck first. A well-delivered corner kick landed at the top of the six-yard box, where Romero rose above his marker and powered a header into the back of the net, giving Dynamo 2 the lead in the 25th minute.
The advantage didn’t last long. Four minutes later, St. Louis responded with a corner of their own. Brendan McSorley met the cross with a header across goal, where Gabriel Mikina slid in to finish at the back post, leveling the score at 1–1.
In the 39th minute, Dynamo keeper Pedro Cruz was called into action, diving low to deny a dangerous St. Louis effort and keep the match tied heading into halftime.
Second Half
Houston nearly regained the lead early in the second half when Gitau connected with a header, but Welsh was once again up to the task.
In the 53rd minute, St. Louis turned defense into attack with a quick transition. A shot from the edge of the box was initially blocked, but Caden Glover reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting it home to give the visitors a 2–1 lead.
With 20 minutes left, Dynamo Dos responded. A flicked header set Bolma racing behind the defense, and the midfielder outpaced his marker before calmly finishing into the bottom corner to tie the match at 2–2, sending the game to penalties.
Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, Pedro Cruz stepped up once again as the hero. The Dynamo 2 goalkeeper made two key saves, earning himself Player of the Match honors and helping his side claim two valuable points against one of the league’s toughest opponents.
Extra Notes
The match also marked the return of Nelson Quiñónes, who made his first appearance since December 2023 after recovering from a knee injury. His return to action is a positive sign for both Dynamo Dos and the Houston Dynamo organization as he works back into form.
What’s Next
Houston Dynamo 2 now turn their focus to another difficult test on the road against Colorado Rapids II, currently second in the Western Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 4 PM in Denver. As always, you can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
