Houston Dynamo 2 action moves to Shell Energy Stadium to open a three-match homestand on Thursday, July 11 when they host Austin FC II at 7 p.m. CT. This is the start of the longest homestand of the year for Dynamo 2, who have played 10 of their first 15 games away from home.
Dynamo 2 closed a two-game road trip with a 1-1 draw against Ventura County FC on Friday. The local squad won the penalty shootout to claim an extra point. Dynamo Academy alum Kieran Sargeant tallied his first assist of the season with a cross into the box for captain Diego Gonzalez, giving Houston a share of the points. The midfielder’s acrobatic effort was Gonzalez’s second goal of the season, and the Dynamo Academy alum currently leads the team with five assists.
The road trip opened June 30 with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United FC 2. Ousmane Sylla, Stephen Annor and Isaiah Reid all scored for Houston to secure their third victory of the season. Dynamo Academy forward Mattheo Dimareli tallied his second assist of the season in the match, and the 15-year-old caught the attention of the league following three starts, earning MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 15 honors.
Dynamo 2 will navigate a portion of the upcoming homestand without goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, who will report for national team duty with the Dominican Republic. The goalkeeper will compete at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris after securing a ticket at the Concacaf Olympic Qualifiers in 2022. The Dynamo shot stopper finished with two saves in regulation against Ventura County and saved two penalty kicks in the shootout.
The squad will also be represented at the upcoming MLS NEXT All-Star Game on July 23 in Columbus, Ohio. Dynamo Academy defender Isaac Mwakutuya will join the West in the annual exhibition as part of the MLS All-Star Game festivities. The teenager is the third Dynamo Academy player to represent the program since 2022.
Austin II snapped an eight-game winless streak on Friday with a 2-0 home victory over Real Monarchs. While winless, the team earned seven points from draws and two penalty kick shootout triumphs during that stretch.
Austin earned three points in the first meeting of the season with Houston following a 1-0 victory at SaberCats Stadium. Houston played the final 39 minutes with 10 men following a red card to Exon Arzu. The third and final meeting of the regular season is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 13 in the state capital.
Dynamo 2 will next host North Texas SC on Sunday, July 21 at SaberCats Stadium. The team will close their three-game homestand on July 28 when they host LAFC 2. Tickets for both games are free and available HERE.
