When both Houston Dynamo and Houston Dynamo 2 head to Allianz Field this weekend for a crucial match against the Loons in MLS and MLS Next Pro action, they won't be traveling alone. Not only is tomorrow a crucial match for both the first and second team, but represents only the second time this season that the two sides have traveled together to a doubleheader away from home.
While the on-the-field operational relationship between the Dynamo first and second team has been apparent in training and on match day, Dynamo 2 Head Coach Kenny Bundy points to this trip as another stepping point in the relationship within the organization off the field.
"These trips where we travel with the first team are great," said Bundy. "Walking into the facility today, there were a couple of first team guys walking in and asked if we're charting up with them. They think it's amazing, they're wondering when we play and if we're in the same hotel as them. There's a buzz around the club now - as the club has gotten bigger, there's a real camaraderie and real support between the first team, second team, all the way down into the academy. Yesterday we had academy meetings where Dan and I came and watched them present. It's important that we support those guys, because we're all working towards the same goal of producing young players that impact the first team on the field."
As Bundy alluded to, the budding togetherness between first and second team is something that has carried itself down into the academy.
"In the locker room right next to us, every morning, I go in and shake the U-20s hands to make sure that they know like, they're not that far away from us," said Dynamo 2 captain and defender, Talen Maples. "They're a part of this, we're all a part of the same organization. I see somebody I don't know, I'm gonna go introduce myself, so that we can all feel a part of this. You can't have an organization that is trying to build a culture that is separate. You have to have everyone together, and I think that our team has done that very, very well."
The Dynamo first team close a two-game road trip tomorrow when they face Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. CDT and will air on TUDN and Univision. Houston Dynamo 2 will follow the first team at Allianz Field, taking on MNUFC2 at 6 p.m. CDT, which will stream live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
The Dynamo then face a quick turnaround as they host Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale and Los Angeles Football Club at PNC Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Fans can purchase tickets to this marquee match here.
