Dynamo 2sday: Struggles continue for Dos
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Another week, another match for Houston Dynamo Dos came and went — but unfortunately, the negative results remain.
Last week we discussed some of the struggles Marcelo Santos’ side has faced, and Bayou City Soccer’s own Dustyn Richardson even sat down with the coach to provide an update on all things Dynamo Dos. You can catch the full conversation on our podcast feed or YouTube channel — don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.
This was not the result Santos and his players had envisioned, especially against a Real Monarchs team just three points ahead in the standings with a potential playoff spot at stake. Still, the Dynamo Dos head coach acknowledged the quality of the visitors and the high stakes of the match.
Santos named a starting XI featuring his regulars with a few additions, including LAFC loanee Erik Dueñas, looking to build fitness and minutes. The lineup: goalkeeper Pedro Cruz behind a back five of Noah Betancourt, Omar Bolaños, Daniel Barrett, new signing Nico Ramos, and Juan Viveros. The midfield featured Lionel Gitau, Joshua Bolma, Dueñas, and Mattheo Dimarelli, with Tomas Romero leading the attack.
First Half
Real Monarchs wasted no time. In the 9th minute, a perfectly delivered Griffin Dillon free kick found the head of Marcos Zambrano-Delgado, who redirected it past Cruz for the opener.
Ten minutes later, Viveros had a chance to level the score, but his shot drifted just wide. The Monarchs nearly doubled their lead soon after when a rebound fell to Dillon, but Cruz closed down the angle brilliantly, deflecting the shot onto the crossbar. Another Monarchs goal was ruled out for offside following a quick rebound chance.
Houston went into halftime trailing 1–0, still very much in the match — but the second half told a different story.
Second Half
Just four minutes after the restart, Luca Moisa regained possession from a clearance and sent a deep cross to the far post. Tyler Wolff met it in midair, finishing past Cruz to make it 2–0.
In the 57th minute, the Monarchs struck again. A lightning-fast counterattack saw Wolff send a low ball across the box for Zambrano-Delgado to tap in his second of the night.
As the match wound down, Real Monarchs added a fourth. Another low cross found Sandoval at the top of the box, and his one-time strike beat Cruz to seal the visitors’ first clean sheet of the season — and a commanding 4–0 victory.
Looking Ahead
Next up, Dynamo Dos head to face Sporting KC II, a side struggling at the bottom of the table with just 11 points from 20 matches. With Houston still sitting just outside the playoff picture, this matchup presents a golden opportunity to start a late-season push.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, August 17, at noon. Watch live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
