Dynamo 2sday: Tough week on the road for Dos
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
It was a busy week for Houston Dynamo 2, who hit the road for two matches in four days. First up was a Thursday night clash in Minnesota against Minnesota United II, followed by a Sunday showdown in Utah against Real Monarchs.
Minnesota United II 4 – 1 Houston Dynamo Dos
The first stop brought the team to Allianz Field to face Minnesota United II, a side eager to keep pace in the playoff hunt. Dynamo Dos, coached by Marcelo Santos, were looking to collect crucial away points in their pursuit of the Western Conference leaders.
Pedro Cruz started in goal with a backline of Isaac Mwakutuya, Jayden Puna, Daniel Barrett, and newcomer Juan Viveros—on loan from Boca Juniors de Cali. Dynamo Assistant General Manager Nick Kowba shared his thoughts on the addition:
“Juan brings a versatile, two-way skill set to our roster, adding another option to our backline. Having logged more than 4,000 professional minutes in Colombia, he’ll bring increased competition within the group as we push for success in MLS NEXT Pro. He’s another young and rising South American talent we look forward to developing.”
In midfield, Mattheo Dimarelli was joined by Joshua Bolma and captain Sebastian Rodriguez. Up front, Enrique Correa, Exon Arzu, and Tomás Romero led the attack.
The Loons took an early lead in the 15th minute after Luke Hille converted a penalty. The second half started with a bang for the home team, as Aidan Martinez fired a long-range rocket past Cruz to make it 2–0.
Minnesota added a third in the 74th minute when Loïc Mesanvi tapped in a cross with a one-touch finish. Dynamo Dos responded just minutes later when a loose ball in the box fell to Joshua Bolma, who pulled one back.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, however, as a deflected shot from Minnesota’s Saidi—redirected by Puna—restored the three-goal lead. The match ended 4–1 in favor of the hosts.
Real Monarchs 1 – 1 Houston Dynamo Dos (Monarchs win 5–4 on penalties)
Just three days later, Dynamo Dos were back in action—this time in Utah against Real Monarchs. With short rest and heavy travel, head coach Marcelo Santos made five changes to the starting lineup.
Pedro Cruz remained in goal, with a new defensive look: Mwakutuya, Gavin Wolff (in for Puna), Barrett, and Viveros. In midfield, Rodriguez was joined by Noah Betancourt, and Andy Batioja—who was forced off in the 4th minute and replaced by Arzu. Gitau also slotted into the midfield, while Bolma and Stephen Annor Gyamfi led the front line.
Houston took the lead in the 50th minute when Arzu made a strong run down the left flank and sent in a low cross that Bolma calmly finished.
Just when it looked like the visitors would leave with all three points, late drama struck. A Real Monarchs shot deflected off an Orange defender’s arm, and the referee pointed to the spot. Jesús Barea converted the penalty, sending the match to a shootout.
In penalties, both sides traded goals through five rounds. Unfortunately, Mattheo Dimarelli’s attempt in the sixth round went wide, and the Monarchs secured the extra point.
Looking Ahead
Dynamo 2 now sit on 22 points and will enjoy a weekend off before returning to the road. Their next match is set for Saturday, June 29, when they travel to face St. Louis CITY2.
As always, you can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and MLSNextPro.com. Stay tuned and support the future of Houston soccer!
