Dynamo 2sday: Dos beaten by two late Tacoma goals
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Houston Dynamo 2 faced a quick turnaround for a match on Sunday, coming into the contest on the back of a four-game unbeaten streak. Houston hosted Tacoma Defiance, who were enduring a bit of a slump with their last two matches ending unfavorably.
In the sweltering afternoon heat of Houston, fans trickled into SaberCats Stadium to see head coach Kenny Bundy field a lineup closely resembling the one that secured victory against St. Louis City 2 earlier in the week. Nico Hansen replaced Xavier Valdez in goal after the youngester was on the bench for Saturday’s first team match against the LA Galaxy. David Nguema, ISaac Mwakutuya, Femi Aweodesu, and Kieran Sargeant formed the backline. Diego Gonzalez, Sebastian Rodriguez, and the recently signed Josue Souza, standing in for Brooklyn Raines, anchored the midfield. Up front were Exon Arzu, Ousmane Sylla, and Stephen Annor, who replaced Ifu Achara in the attacking trio.
The game kicked off with both sides engaging in a midfield battle, with few clear-cut chances for either team. The visitors managed the first shot around the 20th minute mark, while Dynamo Dos had some promising moves of their own but failed to create any significant threats.
Tacoma broke the deadlock with Burke Fahling finding the net after Hansen parried a shot from Snyder Brunell. Sargeant came to Dynamo 2’s rescue with a crucial clearance soon after, as Tacoma looked to build on their momentum. Hansen pulled off a brilliant save in the 35th minute, sparking a Houston attack that saw Arzu's left-footed shot saved by Tacoma's goalkeeper Jacob Castro.
The first half ended 1-0 in Tacoma's favor, prompting Bundy to make tactical changes at halftime. He introduced Maddox Findlay, Isaiah Reid, Achara, and Omar Grey to inject fresh energy into the team.
The second half saw a flurry of goals and excitement. Annor's header in the 56th minute was thwarted by Castro, who denied him on several occasions. Eventually, Awodesu capitalized on a cross from Sylla to equalize in the 59th minute.
Riding the momentum, Findlay converted a perfect counter-attack, assisted by Achara and Sylla, to put Dynamo Dos ahead 2-1 in the 63rd minute.
Tacoma found the equalizer in the 81st minute with Brunell curling a shot past Hansen. Tacoma secured the winning goal after a goal-bound effort was inadertently turned into the Houston net by Mwakutuya.
In the dying moments, Dynamo 2 pressed for an equalizer, with Davud Garcia, Gonzalez, and Reid coming close. The match concluded dramatically with a long-range effort from Minoungou, narrowly missing the Dynamo goal.
The 3-2 defeat ended Dynamo Dos' unbeaten streak at four after struggling to begin the season. Houston’s next fixture is away against Portland Timbers 2 on Friday, May 31st. Fans can catch the action on MLS on Apple TV. #VamosDos #VamosLosPibes
PS. Rudy is hereby barred from SaberCats Stadium for the next home match.
