Dynamo 2sday: Last gasp penalty save gives Dos third straight win
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
For the third consecutive match, Houston Dynamo 2 hosted another in-conference rival, this time LAFC II. The West Coast team, came into Houston on a three-game losing streak, and aimed to turn their fortunes around. However, they faced a Dynamo Dos squad buoyed by back-to-back victories against in-state rivals Austin FC II and North Texas SC, both of which featured clean sheets and multiple goals per game.
The Starting XI for Houston featured Nico Hansen in goal, seeking his third consecutive clean sheet. The back four comprised of Isaac Mwakutuya, Femi Awodesu, Jefferson Medina, and Kieran Sargeant. The midfield trio included Diego Gonzalez, who was recently named Player of the Matchweek, Sebastian Rodriguez, and Jefferson Valverde. Up front were Mattheo Dimareli, Isaiah Reid, and Gabe Segal.
The match kicked off with Houston taking the lead in the 17th minute through a free-kick goal by Segal. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the goal could not be viewed in the match highlight video, but eyewitnesses confirmed it was well-executed.
Segal's second goal came in the 58th minute. With pressure high up the field, the Dynamo reclaimed the ball in LAFC territory. Segal, positioned about 25-30 yards out, took a touch to set himself up and another to send the ball into the left upper 90 corner, putting Dynamo 2 ahead 2-0.
LAFC II sought to get back into the game and found a glimmer of hope in the 82nd minute. Nick Sullivan received a pass out wide, took the ball nearly to the touchline, and, with no angle and Hansen closing in, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to score, giving the visitors a chance.
In the dying minutes, the intensity of the game heightened as LAFC II pressed for an equalizer. Segal was the attacking hero for Houston, but it was Nico Hansen who emerged as the defensive savior. In the final moments, Sullivan made a run into the box and drew a foul, awarding LAFC II a penalty kick. Marius Aiyenero took the penalty, aiming for the left side of the goal, but Hansen dove in the same direction, saving the attempt and allowing Sargeant to head the rebound into the air. Hansen then quickly regained possession, securing the victory for Houston Dynamo 2.
With this win, Dynamo 2 closed July with 11 out of a possible 12 points, recording 2 clean sheets, scoring 9 goals, and conceding only 2. They are now just 3 points shy of the playoff spots, sitting in 10th place with 24 points. SKC II holds the 8th and final playoff position with 27 points. With 10 matches remaining in the season, Dynamo Dos are inching closer to a playoff berth.
Houston’s next match will be an away game against Colorado Rapids 2 on Saturday, August 3rd, at 9 PM. Fans can watch this match and others live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. #VamosDos
