Dynamo 2sday: Dos lose another second half lead in loss to LAFC 2
(image via LAFC)
Houston Dynamo 2 traveled to the west coast to take on LAFC 2 this past Sunday in their second match of the MLS NEXT Pro season. LAFC 2 defeated MNUFC II in spectacular fashion the previous weekend and were looking to continue their early season winning ways. Dynamo Dos were defeated at home by SKC II in the first match of the season and were looking for redemption and to start a positive run early on.
A few changes were made for this match by coach Kenny Bundy starting with the goalkeeper, Nico Hansen. He replaced Xavier Valdez who was on international duty with the Dominican Republic. The back line was composed by Omar Grey, Isaac Mwakutuya, Obafemi Awodesu and Sebastian Rodriguez. In the midfield field was Zeke Soto, Diego Gonzalez and Omar Bolanos. Up top were the familiar faces of Isaiah Reid, Stephen Annor and Exon Arzu.
The guys in orange started off strong, with a shot on frame just three minutes in. LAFC answered back a few minutes later with a couple of dangerous plays themselves but Hansen was there to deny those opportunities. In the 15th minute, LAFC 2 struck first. Pressure on the Dynamo midfield led to a turnover that quickly became a counterattack. Two LAFC 2 players pushed forward against the center backs of the Dynamo, but the speed and accuracy of the attack proved to be too much for the Dynamo defense to handle as Nathan Ordaz gave the home side a 1-0 lead.
The equalizer came for Houston in the 29th minute mark. Hansen saved the ball from going out of play and would saw a great opportunity to put the ball in the air and let Exon Arzu fight for it against the LAFC 2 defenders. Arzu did just that. A bad clearance from the first defender then allowed Arzu to pressure the second defender and use his speed to run round the goalkeeper. The Honduran was able roll the ball slowly into the net from a really awkward angle to make the match 1-1. Arzu added another goal to his account, scoring in two straight matches, and early on in this season is making his presence known around the league.
The second goal for Dynamo Dos came right before the end of the half. Annor used his speed to capitalize on a devastating mistake from the center back when he tried to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper. The pass was too short, and Annor was able to get to it first and score the first goal of his professional career. The Dynamo had turned the game around and now would have to hold the lead going into the last 45 minutes of play.
LAFC 2 got a break in the 66th minute when Omar Grey tried to push away a ball coming into the box. Unfortunately, the ball hit his arm and a penalty was awarded to the home team. Luis Muller took advantage of the opportunity and tied the match at 2-2.
Just as the game was coming into the last 10 minutes, luck would find the home team and completely disregard the efforts of the visiting team. A shot bounced up off the crossbar and Mwakutuya tried to clear the ball. It managed to go the opposite way and found a gap between the crossbar and the head of the defender, into the back of the net. An impossible, weird clearance gave LAFC 2 their third goal in the 79th minute and they would finish the game up to take the 3-2 victory. It was another devastating blow for Houston Dynamo 2, losing a second half lead for the second straight match.
Dynamo Dos will try and find redemption once again, this time at home, when they host in-state rivals Austin FC II on Thursday, March 28 at 7 PM. Come out and support the team as they look for their first victory of the season. As with each game this season, tickets will be completely free to all fans. See everyone at SaberCats Stadium.
