Houston Dynamo 2 fell 2-1 to Colorado Rapids 2 at SaberCats Stadium earlier this evening.
Houston took the lead in the 70th minute after defender Talen Maples found the back of the net for his first goal since he scored the opening tally in a 1-1 draw in Minnesota last May. The play began when forward Isaiah LeFlore found space near the touchline after dribbling past a defender. He found the Dynamo 2 captain for a left foot finish that found the far side of the net.
Colorado Rapids 2 equalized in the 87th minute after Yosuke Hanya was able to get the ball right past the Dynamo backline. Colorado took the lead after Caique’s effort found the back of the next in second half stoppage time.
Dynamo goalkeeper Xavier Valdez made a crucial save in the 63rd minute of the match to preserve the scoreless draw. The Yonkers, New York native finished the night with three saves.
The Houston Dynamo 2 offense kept the Colorado 2 goalkeeper busy through the first half of the match with nine shots and five on target. Dynamo 2 forced five saves against the Rapids tonight.
Forward Diego Gonzalez had an early look at goal in the sixth minute that forced Rodriguez to make a save. Gonzalez, a Houston Dynamo Academy product, earned his second consecutive start this year. Later in the 16th minute forward Papa N’Doye had an open look on goal to force a save.
Dynamo 2 midfielder Juan Castilla made his 2023 MLS NEXT Pro debut after returning from international duty with the Colombian U-20 National Team. Castilla made 16 starts and 17 appearances last season with Dynamo 2.
Midfielder Charles Aguste also made his MLS NEXT Pro debut after earning the start in midfield. Auguste was acquired by Houston Dynamo FC on Dec. 21,2022 after playing at the collegiate level with Creighton University.
