Dynamo 2sday: Dos complete sweep of Minnesota
(image via Diego Martinez)
This past week, the Houston Dynamo 2 hosted Minnesota United FC 2 for a doubleheader at home, including a rescheduled match from earlier in the season.
With Minnesota United FC 2 at the bottom of the table, Dynamo Dos had an opportunity to secure six valuable points and strengthen their push for a playoff spot during this crucial final stretch of the season.
The first match took place on Wednesday, August 21st, and the Dynamo delivered a commanding 4-1 victory. Despite the Loons taking an early lead with a penalty in the 28th minute, the Dynamo responded with four unanswered goals. Gabe Segal scored one, while Senegalese forward Osumane Sylla netted a hat trick, earning him MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek honors.
Sylla's performance caught the attention of first-team coach Ben Olsen, who commented, "We are watching… this type of performance makes it difficult for us…” New faces also made an impact: Daniel Barrett played 23 minutes, Lukas Bruegmann saw 10 minutes of action, and Mattheo Dimarelli contributed with a pair of assists. Kieran Sergeant also added an assist to the tally.
Houston secured all three points in the first showdown, but the rematch was set for Sunday, August 25th.
The second match began similarly to the first, with the Loons scoring first off a corner kick, despite Dynamo 2 having the clearer chances initially. A significant mistake by Loons defender Finn McRobb, who scored an own goal, leveled the game.
The second half showcased Gabriel Segal’s prowess, as he scored twice with remarkable finishes. His first goal was a beautiful chip over the goalkeeper, and his second was a superb “tijerita” (scissor kick) after a deft control and turn inside the six-yard box under pressure.
Dynamo 2 secured a 3-1 victory in the second match, earning all six points from the doubleheader and climbing to 8th place in the Western Conference, the final playoff spot.
Houston Dynamo 2 will next face Ventura County FC on Sunday, September 8th, here in Houston. They will enjoy a bye week, having played one more match than most teams in the conference. However, the road to the playoffs remains challenging, with every remaining game being crucial. Three of the final five matches are against teams ahead of them in the standings, while the other two are against lower-ranked teams fighting to surpass the Dynamo in the postseason race. The team will need to leverage their home advantage. They will also travel to Austin on September 13th and Tacoma on the 29th, where their historical performance has been less favorable. It’s a crucial final stretch for Kenny Bundy’s squad.
Support Dynamo Dos in their remaining home matches on September 8th and 22nd, with the final game of the season at home on October 6th. Tickets are free for all fans, and you can also catch the matches on MLS on Apple TV. #VamosDos
