Dynamo 2sday: Dos grab last playoff spot in Western Conference
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Houston Dynamo 2 officially clinched the last spot in the Western Conference of the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, but it wasn’t an easy task.
Decision Day is designed for all teams to compete simultaneously, often resulting in chaos. Like every sports team in Houston, Dynamo 2 had to endure until the final seconds. They not only needed to defeat Vancouver Whitecaps 2 at home but also had to keep an eye on results from around the league.
Let’s review the action at Sabercats Stadium and see what happened with the Real Monarchs, who occupied the final playoff spot going into Decision Day.
Mattheo Dimareli was the first Dynamo 2 player to threaten the scoreboard early in the match, but he was denied by Vancouver’s defense with a goal-line clearance in the 13th minute. Dynamo Dos opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Diego Gonzalez converted a penalty after Gabe Segal was fouled in the box. The captain concluded the regular season with 6 goals and 10 assists, tying for the most assists in the league.
The home team doubled their lead shortly after, in the 40th minute. Gonzalez found Segal in the box, and despite having little angle and a defender on his back, Segal managed to shoot past the keeper into the near post. This goal marked Segal’s 10th of the season, making him the team’s top scorer.
As the second half began, Dynamo 2 was aware that a 1-0 lead by the Monarchs would leave them out of the playoffs if that result stood. They couldn’t let up, as a tying goal by Ventura County could still mean elimination unless they secured three points from their match. In the 47th minute, Obafemi Awodesu came close to scoring the third goal but was denied right on the line by Whitecaps goalkeeper Alexander Milosevic.
Vancouver pulled a goal back in the 57th minute when 17-year-old Rayan Elloumi found the net, shooting across Xavier Valdez and into the bottom corner. Fortunately for Houston, Ventura County managed to tie the match in Utah, improving the situation for the boys in orange.
Exon Arzu and Isaiah Reid entered the match in the second half for Dimareli and Segal. This strategic decision paid off when, in the 62nd minute, Arzu sped down the right flank after a brilliant switch by Jefferson Valverde. He crossed the ball into the box, where Reid finished, beating both his defender and the goalkeeper. Andy Batioja also nearly got on the scoresheet but was denied by Milosevic.
Both teams continued to press for goals. Vancouver had a promising opportunity in the 71st minute, but Awodesu intervened. Arzu also came close, with a shot that went just wide. As the match drew to a close, everyone held their breath, waiting for the outcome of the Ventura County match. Luckily for Dynamo 2, Ventura County maintained the 1-1 draw.
Real Monarchs eventually won their shootout against Ventura County, leveling both teams at 39 points. The next tiebreaker was the number of matches won. Dynamo Dos ended the season with 10 victories, while Real Monarchs SC had 9. This one-match difference secured Dynamo 2 the 8th spot in the standings, making them the final team to join the postseason. This marks the third consecutive season that Dynamo 2 has made it to the playoffs.
As we head into the postseason, the top 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference will select their opponents today at 1 PM on MLSNextPro.com and the official MLS NEXT Pro Instagram, with the Western Conference following suit at 2 PM CT. Being the 8th seed, Dynamo 2 will await the decisions of North Texas SC, St. Louis City 2, The Town FC, and Tacoma Defiance to determine their playoff destination.
A shoutout to Kenny Bundy, Jeremy Hurdle, Nick Kowba, the staff, and the players for another playoff appearance—the third in three years. As always, #VamosDos!
