HOUSTON (July 11, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2 opened a three-game homestand with a 2-0 victory over in-state rivals Austin FC II at Shell Energy Stadium tonight. Two goals off corner kicks saw Houston even the season series with Austin, and the deciding match will be played in September.
Houston opened scoring in the 36th minute when defender Femi Awodesu rose up for a header that netted his second goal of the season, meeting the corner kick delivery from captain Diego Gonzalez. The play marked Gonzalez’ sixth assist of the season.
In almost a mirror image of the first goal, forward David Garcia doubled Houston’s lead in the 85th minute when his head met Gonazlez’ corner kick delivery and guided the ball into the top left corner for his first professional goal. The play marked the captain’s second assist on the night, and the third match in which he has had two assists this season.
Forward Mattheo Dimareli attempted a shot in the seventh minute to give Houston the early lead, but his shot was pushed away by Austin goalkeeper Marcus Alstrup.
Austin’s Bobosi Byaruhanga attempted to take advantage of a loose ball in Houston’s penalty box in the ninth minute, but goalkeeper Nico Hansen stepped up to make his first of three saves on the night to keep the match scoreless. Fellow Houston goalkeeper Xavier Valdez recently joined the Dominican Republic for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Gonalez weaved his way into the box in the 40th minute and struck a strong shot that was heading for the bottom left corner, but Alstrup managed to dive and meet the shot to stop Houston from doubling their lead.
Defender Tate Lampman stepped up with a crucial block near the penalty spot in the 43rd minute when Sebastien Pineau attempt a strike on goal. The defensive play secured Houston’s lead heading into the half.
Both Gonzalez and forward Stephen Annor each had a shot on goal within five minutes of the second half kicking off, but neither attempt was able to beat the Austin goalkeeper.
Austin thought they equalized in the 67th minute when Bryan Arellano guided the ball into the back of the net, but he was ruled offside by referee.
Austin’s Ruben Bonachera fired a shot at the top left corner of Houston’s goal in the 90th minute, but Hansen’s quick-reaction save pushed the ball out of the danger zone and secured Dos’ second clean sheet of the season.
Dynamo 2 returns to SaberCats Stadium on July 21 to host North Texas SC. Tickets for that match, and all Dynamo 2 games are free and available HERE.
