Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC

Ventura County FC 

Why can’t Dynamo 2 win penalty shootouts? I wonder how many points we have lost due to a lack of clinical finishing during that crucial stage of a match. Sure, losing some penalty shootouts won’t affect much in the long term, but consistently failing to grab extra points is part of the reason Kenny Bundy’s side is struggling to put together. 

One of the bright spots of this DynaDos squad has to be Mattheo Dimareli, who has started to gain the attention of many Dynamo fans. The 15-year-old Dynamo Academy alum created Houston’s first chance of the first half, but his attempt inside the box was deflected away. 

However, Ventura County was able to score first in the 27th minute, putting Kenny Bundy’s side in immediate danger. The game grinded to a half at halftime with both sides having spurts and flashes of intensity. 

Houston was able to salvage a draw thanks to a 53rd minute equalizer from “El Capitan” Diego Gonzalez. Unlike the first half, however, the tempo was kept up from both sides who were looking for a winner in regulation. It was Houston that started to run away with possession towards the end, but Ventura County was able to hold on and send the game to penalties, which they ended up winning. Not ideal for DynaDos, but not a disaster by any means. 

Austin FC II 

Derby games always add another level of intensity, and this time, Houston Dynamo 2 were able to rise to the occasion and come out as winners. 

Unlike last game, Houston was able to grab an early lead thanks to Femi Awodesu, who scored from a corner kick that found him inside of the box. That was the second goal of Awodesu’s professional career. 

Austin FC was very potent throughout the game, which led to many clear chances for the visitors. However, Nico Hansen and the Dynamo backline was able to hold firm entering halftime. 

In the 74th minute, things went from bad to worse for Austin due to a straight red card. Houston would play the rest of the match up by a man. 

Houston was able to wrap up a vital victory thanks to David Garcia, who scored his first professional goal in the 85th minute, denying Austin any chance at a comeback. 

Austin had one last gasp for air in the 91st minute, but Nico Hansen was able to tip the ball away from goal. Hansen had one of his better games in a Dynamo shirt, so it was good to see him stepping up with Xavier Valdez away with international duty.

With this victory, Kenny Bundy and his squad are somehow within striking distance of the playoff spots. Despite their bipolar results as of late, Houston has been able to recover from that underwhelming start to the season. 

They will continue their campaign against North Texas SC on July 21 at SaberCats Stadium. Tickets are free and available down below: 

https://seatgeek.com/houston-dynamo-fc-2-tickets/soccer/2024-07-21-7-pm/6439808