HERRIMAN, Utah. (May 8, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2 earned their first regulation victory of the season tonight, coming from behind to defeat Real Monarchs 2-1 on the road. Both of Houston Dynamo FC’s 2024 MLS SuperDraft picks, forward Stephen Annor and midfielder Ousmane Sylla, found the scoresheet in the second half.
Houston’s winner came in the 82nd minute when captain Diego Gonzalez played a ball to Isaiah Reid running up the left wing. The forward played the ball into the box where it was met by a charging Annor, who netted his second goal of the season. Houston selected the University of Virginia product with the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
Real Monarchs opened the scoring in the 63rd minute after a long ball from Griffin Dillon found Aiden Hezarkhani on the edge of the box, and the midfielder managed to control the ball and poke it into the back of the net past goalkeeper Xavier Valdez.
Houston equalized the score in the 69th minute off a set piece delivery from Gonzalez that found the head of Sylla, who powered the ball into the back of the net. The play marked Gonzalez’ first assist of the season and Sylla’s first goal for Dynamo Dos. Houston selected Sylla with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft out of Clemson University.
Dynamo Dos had the first shot on target in the second minute after midfielder Sebastian Rodriguez’s corner delivery found Gonzalez, but the midfielder’s attempt was blocked by the Monarchs backline.
Houston had another dangerous chance in the sixth minute after a set piece delivery into a crowded penalty box forced a punch away from goalkeeper William Mackay. Dynamo Dos recycled the ball, and Sylla served the ball near the penalty spot for midfielder David Nguema, whose attempt was corralled by Mackay.
Houston’s midfield worked to force a turnover in the 60th minute, allowing Dos to break on the attack that led to Rodriguez taking his chances from outside of the box. The strong shot forced a quick-reaction diving save from Mackay. Dynamo 2 forced four saves from Mackay this evening.
Real Monarchs had a chance to take the lead again in the 73rd minute, but Valdez stood strong and made himself big enough to stop the attack from entering the six-yard box. The Dominican Republic international managed four saves on the night.
Valdez was called into action again in second half stoppage time when a ball fell to Damien Barker John inside the six-yard box, but the shot stopper made a sliding stop to allow his backline to clear the ball out of danger. Dynamo Academy player* Isaac Mwakutuya* led the team with seven clearances tonight.
Dynamo 2 return to SaberCats Stadium on May 22 to host St. Louis CITY SC II. Tickets for that match and all Dynamo Dos matches at SaberCats Stadium are free and available HERE
