Dynamo 2sday: Dos fall at Shell Energy Stadium
(image via Aldo Canale)
We check back in on another match week for Houston Dynamo 2. In Week 2, Dynamo Dos faced off against the current champions and in-state rivals, North Texas SC, and put on a fantastic performance, scoring 5 goals while conceding just one. Week 3 proved more challenging as the team traveled to California on a quick turnaround to face Ventura County FC in a midweek matchup. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 1-0 victory for the home team.
Week 4 began with an early announcement that the match would be moved from their usual home, SaberCats Stadium, to Shell Energy Stadium. After some rest following the midweek match in California, head coach Marcelo Santos would have the opportunity to turn things around on home turf.
Santos selected the following lineup to face Minnesota United 2, a team that had played only one match this season—a 1-0 victory over Austin FC II on March 14. Roman Kerimov, just 17 years old, earned his second start of the season, while Pedro Cruz, the regular starting goalkeeper, was called up to the first team due to injuries affecting that position. In defense, we saw Enrique Correa, Felipe Andrade, Gavin Wolff, and Micah Harris, with the midfield quartet of Lukas Bruegmann, Sebastian Rodriguez, Lionel Gitau, and Mattheo Dimarelli. Up top were Exon Arzu and Diego Gonzalez.
Minnesota had the first chance of the game in the 25th minute when a beautiful ball was played behind Andrade’s back. Logan Dorsey, the brother of Dynamo defender Griffin Dorsey, rang the right post, keeping the score 0-0. However, it wasn’t long before Minnesota would break the deadlock. Another long ball behind the center backs left Alisa Randall with a one-on-one against Kerimov. Randall took a touch and managed to get the ball past the goalkeeper, putting Minnesota up 1-0.
Soon after, a bad back pass by Gonzalez almost handed Minnesota another goal. But this time, Kerimov stood his ground, getting a touch to deny the forward a second goal. Just as the first half seemed to be winding down, and Santos may have been preparing to regroup in the locker room, Minnesota scored again. Dorsey made a good run down the right wing, and with a precise touch, he put a low cross right in front of goal for Loic Mensavi to tap in, making it 2-0.
The last notable moment of the half came in Dos’ favor. Enrique Correa, hunting for his second goal, drove down the right side, past a couple of Minnesota players, and took a left-footed shot that rattled the roof of the Minnesota net.
The second half began much like the first, with the visitors dictating the pace. Five minutes in, Minnesota found their third goal. Dorsey created his own luck by receiving the ball inside the box, turning, and finding a small window of opportunity. His shot was slightly deflected, making it even harder for Kerimov to reach.
Half time substitute Noah Betancourt had a chance for Dynamo Dos in the 68th minute with a header, but Minnesota goalkeeper Wessel Speel made a save. Dimarelli had another chance in the 70th minute with a curling left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target by a few inches.
Luke Hille had an opportunity to make it 4-0 for Minnesota late in added time, but Kerimov made a fantastic save to keep the scoreline at 3-0.
As the game neared its end, Diego Gonzalez was fouled inside the box. He converted the penalty, giving Dynamo 2 a redeeming goal and ending the match 3-1 in favor of the visitors.
With a record of 2 wins and 2 losses, and only a handful of teams having played 4 matches, Dynamo 2 remain in second place in the Western Conference. They’ll be looking to maintain their spot near the top of the table as the season continues on.
It was a tough loss under the lights at Shell Energy Stadium, but Coach Marcelo Santos kept his focus. “We’re not going to look back, whether we win or lose. It’s all about focusing on the next game,” he said after the match. Houston Dynamo 2 now look forward to a full week of rest before hosting LAFC II on April 6 at 6 PM.
