HOUSTON (Oct. 19, 2024) – Houston Dynamo 2 return to the postseason for the third consecutive year on Sunday, Oct. 20, when they visit The Town FC for the opening round of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at St. Mary’s Stadium, and fans can follow the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Houston was selected by The Town through the league’s unique Pick-Your-Opponent format on Oct. 8.
Dynamo Dos advanced to the Conference Quarterfinals after earning a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at SaberCats Stadium. Dynamo 2 captain and midfielder Diego Gonzalez gave Houston the lead in the 28th minute from the penalty spot before assisting the team’s second goal in the 40th minute with a quick pass that found forward Gabe Segal for his 10th goal of the season.
Notably, Gonzalez was named to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI following a breakout campaign. The 22-year-old finished the regular season with six goals and 10 assists, while tying for the most assists and key passes (78) in league play.
Houston’s third goal of the match then came in the 61st minute with a first-time finish from striker Isaiah Reid. The team finished the regular season eighth in the Western Conference Standings with 39 points and a 10-11-7 (WLD) record. Dynamo 2 now aims to secure their spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Conference Semifinals for the first time in Club history.
The Town finished third in the Western Conference after defeating Austin FC II 4-3 on Decision Day. The San Jose Earthquakes affiliate booked a playoff spot for the second consecutive year, having reached the Conference Semifinals last season. Eduardo Blancas, pivotal in the final stretch of the season, has been The Town’s leading goal scorer with eight goals while Aaron Edwards and Riley Lynch have contributed a combined 14 goals and seven assists throughout the season.
Houston will take on The Town for the second time this season and sixth time in their all-time series. Dynamo 2 won the first ever meeting with the Northern California side in 2023 and defeated them on the road in penalties on May 3. The road match featured a long-distance equalizer from Gonzalez in the dying minutes of the second half.
Following the Conference Quarterfinals, the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs will continue the weekend of Oct. 25 with the Conference Semifinals, where the Pick-Your-Opponent format will be used again. Participating teams will be announced following Sunday’s results.
