HOUSTON (July 21, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2 defeated North Texas SC 4-0 at Shell Energy Stadium earlier today to secure its second consecutive victory over an in-state rival during this three-game homestand.
Dynamo 2 took the lead in the 27th minute after Jefferson Valverde found Mattheo Dimareli at the edge of the box. The 15-year-old was under heavy pressure but created space for a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the far post for his first goal of the year.
Houston doubled their lead in the 61st minute after captain Diego Gonzalez found Gabe Segal in the heart of the box. Segal’s first-touch finish was the first of two goals for the forward against North Texas tonight.
The Dynamo added to the lead minutes later following a cross into the box from Gonzalez. Forward Isaiah Reid brought the ball down toward the top of the box and beat the Dallas goalkeeper at the left post. This was Reid’s third goal of the season and Gonzalez’s second assist of the match.
Segal finished with a brace after he found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Gonzalez played the ball into the forward at the top of the box and his shot beat the North Texas goalkeeper at the far post. Gonzalez tallied his third assist of the match and currently leads the team with 10.
Houston’s first opportunity of the match came in the 12th minute after Dimareli forced a save from the North Texas goalkeeper. The 15-year-old was one of seven Dynamo Academy players or alums to take the field tonight.
Defender Tate Schmitt denied Malik Henry-Scott’s shot at the near post in the 33rd minute. Schmitt finished with one interception and three recoveries tonight during his 45-minute shift against North Texas.
Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Nico Hansen was called into action in the 37th minute to deny Diego Pepi. The Dynamo goalkeeper finished with three saves against North Texas SC and he earned his second clean sheet of the season.
Houston’s final opportunity of the first half came off the left foot of Dimareli after he found space behind the North Texas backline.
Defender Isaac Mwakutuya led the team with four clearances and seven recoveries. The Dynamo Academy defender will depart for Columbus, Ohio next week to represent the club at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. The 16-year-old is the third Dynamo Academy player to represent the club at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game since 2022.
Dynamo 2 returns to SaberCats Stadium on July 28 to host LAFC 2. Tickets for that match, and all Dynamo 2 games are free and available HERE.
