HOUSTON (Oct. 5, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2 looks to clinch a playoff berth on Decision Day as they host Whitecaps FC 2 this Sunday, Oct. 6, at SaberCats Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. CT. Make sure to get your free tickets for Sunday’s fixture HERE.
Houston currently sits below the playoff line but can still secure their place in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs this Sunday. The three different scenarios listed below outline how Dynamo 2 can reach the postseason:
- Dynamo 2 win + Real Monarchs’ result of two points or less
OR
- Dynamo 2 shootout win + Real Monarchs’ result of one point or less + Austin’s result of two points or less + Sporting Kansas City II’s result of two points or less
OR
- Dynamo 2 shootout loss + Real Monarchs loss + Austin’s result of one point or less + Sporting Kansas City II’s result of two points or lower + Portland Timbers 2’s result of two points or less
The team has already qualified for the postseason in back-to-back campaigns and will hunt for their third consecutive appearance in the new expanded playoff model announced by MLS NEXT Pro in February.
Dynamo 2 looks to bounce back following a 2-0 road loss to Tacoma Defiance at Starfire Sports Complex last week. Raul Miglietti scored a brace in the second half of the match to claim three points for Tacoma. Despite the result, there were bright performances for goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, Dynamo 2 captain and midfielder Diego Gonzalez and defender Kieran Sargeant.
Valdez finished the night with five saves, while both Gonzalez and Sargeant led the team in chances created with three scoring opportunities. Notably, Gonzalez continues to lead MLS NEXT Pro with 77 key passes and is tied for second most assists in the league with nine.
Vancouver enters Decision Day with a playoff spot secured as they sit seventh in the Western Conference standings with a 10-10-7 (WLD) record and 40 points. The Canadian team, however, have struggled in recent weeks, earning one victory in their last five matches while scoring four goals during that stretch. In their most recent match, Vancouver lost in penalties at Austin FC II. Forward Nicolas Chateau and midfielder Eliot Goldthorp lead the team’s offense with a combined 17 goals and nine assists.
Sunday’s match will mark the first meeting between the two sides since August 2023 when Houston defeated Whitecaps 2 in penalties at SaberCats Stadium. Both teams are tied in its all-time series, with each side recording a win and two draws out of their four meetings in regular season play.
Information regarding the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs schedule will be confirmed following the results from Decision Day.
