Houston Dynamo 2 closed a two-game homestand with a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United FC 2 earlier this evening at SaberCats Stadium. The visitors took an extra point following a 5-4 triumph in the penalty shootout.
Minnesota United FC 2 took the lead in the 21st minute after MNUFC2’s Kameron Lacey drew a foul in the penalty area. Lacey converted the ensuing penalty kick for the opening goal of the game.
Dynamo Dos equalized in the 54th minute after forward Papa Ndoye found space behind the Minnesota backline for his fifth goal of the season. Midfielder Diego Gonzalez found the forward inside the box and Ndoye created space for a shot at the near post following heavy pressure from a Minnesota defender. This was Gonzalez’s third assist of the campaign.
Ndoye took the first shot of the night in the eighth minute of the match. Ndoye's initial shot was blocked by a MNUFC2 defender resulting in Houston’s first of eight corner kicks for Dynamo 2 this evening.
In the 13th minute, midfielder Jacob Evans nearly scored the go-ahead goal after he was able to get into the MNUFC2 final third. Evan’s shot forced MNUFC2 goalkeeper Fred Emmings to make the stop, the first of five shots he had to save this evening.
Dynamo 2 nearly equalized in the 30th minute after a cross from the left flank found Ndoye open inside the box. Ndoye’s shot went slightly over the crossbar and out for a MNUFC2 goal kick.
Defender Omar Grey nearly had his career first MLS NEXT Pro goal in the 36th minute after the University of Washington product was on the receiving end of a corner kick. Grey’s header forced several MNUFC2 defenders to clear the ball before it crossed the goal line.
Dynamo Dos opened the second half with back-to-back opportunities to level the score. Ndoye had a shot on frame that forced Emmings to make the save on the bottom right-hand corner in the 49th minute. Minutes later it was Evans that attempted to beat the Minnesota goalkeeper but his shot was off target.
Goalkeeper Xavier Valdez made a key save in the 69th minute to keep the score level after Diogo Pacheco took a shot inside the penalty area that forced the Dominican Republic international to make a diving save. Valdez finished with five saves against Minnesota tonight.
Dynamo 2 are back at SaberCats Stadium on Sunday, June 23 to host Minnesota United FC II at 6:00 p.m. CT.
