TUKWILA, Wash. (Sept. 29, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2’s playoff hopes remain alive despite falling 2-0 on the road to Tacoma Defiance at Starfire Sports Complex earlier this evening. Houston can still secure a spot in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs next week at home on Decision Day versus Vancouver Whitecaps 2.
Tacoma took the lead in the 63rd minute after Burke Fahling found Gio Miglietti inside the box. Miglietti doubled Tacoma’s lead in the 90th minute with a shot that found the inside of the far post.
Goalkeeper Xavier Valdez was called into action in the first minute of the match after Blake Bowen created space for a shot, but his effort found the safe hands of the Dynamo Academy product. Valdez went on to finish the night with five saves.
Valdez stepped up again in the 17th minute by diving low to his left to stop a left-footed strike from Snyder Brunell.
Dynamo 2 captain Diego Gonzalez generated a great opportunity in the 41st minute after defender Kieran Sargeant found the midfielder for a volley. Gonzalez’s effort deflected off a Tacoma defender for a corner. Both Gonzalez and Sargeant ended the match with three chances created.
Midfielder Jefferson Valverde capitalized on a loose ball in the 61st minute and forced a save from Tacoma goalkeeper Lars Helleren with a long-range effort.
Houston’s final opportunity of the match came in the 74th minute, midfielder Ousmane Sylla found forward Exon Arzú, who forced a diving save from Helleren.
Dynamo 2 returns to SaberCats Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6 to face Vancouver Whitecaps 2 for their last match of the regular season. Tickets for the match are free and available HERE.
