Houston Dynamo 2 earned its first two home points of the season earlier today, taking a 4-1 victory in the shootout over LAFC 2 after playing to a 0-0 draw in regulation.
Houston triumphed in the shootout after veteran goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell saved two LAFC attempts, while midfielder Charles Auguste sealed the victory with a panenka over goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat.
Houston had a good look on goal after midfielder Jacob Evans connected with forward Papa N’Doye in the 22nd minute. Evans intercepted a ball in the opponent’s half and was able to get past two defenders to find N’Doye on the left side. N’Doye’s shot went over the crossbar and the forward finished with three shot attempts tonight.
The Dynamo 2 defense played a key role in ensuring the match remained level. Tarbell made a save in the 31st minute that kept the score even after LAFC 2 forced a turnover in the midfield. The MLS Cup champion made eight saves in the match before coming up big in the penalty shootout after regulation.
N’Doye had an open look at goal in the 41st minute from the top of the 18-yard box, but his shot was off target.
Early in the second half, Dynamo 2 had a look on goal after defender Mujeeb Murana was able to push forward and pressure the LAFC 2 defense as the team mounted an attack. The service into the box narrowly missed forward Yair Gonzalez who was making the run in the heart of the box.
Gonzalez had a shot on target in the 64th minute that was deflected and slowed down by an LAFC 2 defender making the ball easier to handle for Koleilat.
Tarbell stepped up again to make a crucial save in the 72nd minute, tipping the ball over the cross bar after a powerful strike by Yekeson Subah from right side of the penalty box. The 86th minute saw another stop by the veteran goalkeeper, stopping a shot from Christian Torres without warning.
Dynamo 2 return to SaberCats Stadium on Sunday, April 23 to host the Tacoma Defiance at 6:30 p.m. CT. Sunday’s match will be the first meeting between the two teams after last season MLS NEXT Pro playoff semi-final match in Washington.
