Last night, Houston Dynamo 2 clinched a spot in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a 1-0 victory over St. Louis CITY 2. The victory over over the conference leaders kept Dynamo 2 unbeaten at home this season (9-0-1) and was their 10th clean sheet of the season.
“It was a goal set out from the team. My message halfway through the season was we want to make the playoffs in enough time. I didn't want to leave it to the end and then spend a day celebrating and then we have a playoff game the next week. I'm going to give them time to really enjoy this."
Dynamo 2 Head Coach, Kenny Bundy
In the midst of a stout defensive performance against a side that has the third-most goals in MLS Next Pro, the win was secured by right back Mujeeb Murana. Forward Beto Avila lifted the ball up from the left flank after the Dynamo regained possession off of a free kick, and Murana rose above the St. Louis CITY 2 defense to power a header into the back of the net past former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Bürki.
"I love this team," said midfielder Juan Castilla, who joined the celebrations after watching from the stands while serving a yellow card suspension. "I love the Houston Dynamo. I love playing for them. I'm proud of every single one of my teammates. I'm proud of everyone that goes into work every day. Every day in training, we leave it all out there. I'm proud to see everyone happy now you know this is what we work for. It's awesome. It's awesome to start in the Dynamo Academy and it means just that much more to me. I'm just so happy right now."
Houston Dynamo 2 now have two matches left in their inaugural campaign. They visit the Mile High City on Sunday, Sept. 11 for their final road contest of the year when they visit Colorado Rapids 2. Dynamo Dos will play their final regular-season home match on Sunday, Sept. 18 against North Texas SC.
Fans can catch Dynamo 2 push for the playoffs as part of the For the City Pass, which gives access to five games across three leagues - all for $40. You can buy the pass here while supplies last.
