Houston Dynamo 2 Defeat MNUFC 2 for 12th Victory of the Season

August 27, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Houston Dynamo 2 News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Houston Dynamo 2 earned their 12th triumph of the season with a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United FC 2 at Allianz Field this evening.

Facing a MNUFC 2 team with several players from the Minnesota United first team in the lineup, Dynamo 2 controlled the contest throughout, outshooting the hosts 20-11, drawing six yellow cards and forcing nine saves from the Minnesota goalkeeper.

With the victory Dynamo 2 is one step closer to a playoff berth and can clinch with a San Jose Earthquakes II loss or draw on Sunday.

The lone goal of the match came after Houston was awarded a penalty kick in the 25th minute following a foul from Ignacio Gutierrez on forward Beto Avila inside the box. The ensuing free kick was converted by forward Kyle Edwards for his fifth goal of the year.

Edwards forced a save in the opening minutes of the game with a shot that was handled by Minnesota goalkeeper Fred Emmings at the goal line. The forward won a corner kick 10 minutes later from a through ball courtesy of midfielder Jacob Evans. The MNUFC 2 backline closed the angle and space but ultimately conceded a corner kick.

Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Xavier Valdez was called into action in the 24th minute when he denied Niko Hansen at the near post. Valdez was called into action again in the 30th minute when he got a hand on Abu Danladi’s effort at the near post. The Dynamo Academy alum finished with three saves against MNUFC 2 and his sixth clean sheet of the season.

Dynamo 2 midfielder Paolo Rios made his debut this evening and he nearly found the back of the net in the 35th minute off a cross from Isaiah LeFlore. Rios’ diving header just missed the inside of the far post and the 22-year-old created one chance in his 45-minute shift.

Dynamo 2 was denied twice in the final moments of the first half beginning with a corner kick that found defender Mujeeb Murana inside the box. Murana’s header was saved by the Minnesota goalkeeper and the rebound fell to midfielder Jacob Evans, but his effort was blocked at the near post.

Brazilian midfielder Thiago entered the match in the 71st minute, and he generated one of Houston’s most dangerous opportunities of the second half after he dribbled past three defenders toward the end of the box to force a save. The ball fell to midfielder Paulo Lima, who was called ultimately called offside.

Dynamo 2 return to AVEVA Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 3 to host St. Louis CITY…