Houston Dynamo 2 fell 2-1 on the road to Austin FC II in the MLS NEXT Pro regular season opener earlier today in the state capital.
The game came to an end following an acrobatic effort from Ezekiel Soto with the final kick of the game. The 16-year-old made his MLS NEXT Pro debut tonight and he is one of 11 Dynamo Academy players or alums to feature in the game today.
Dynamo 2 forward Papa N’Doye scored the first goal of the season for the team in the second half. Dynamo 2 midfielder Diego Gonzalezwas able to intercept a ball in the opponent’s half as Austin tried to play forward. N’Doye was able to reel in Gonzalez’s pass and dribble past a defender to score.
Austin FC II scored the equalizer in the second half after midfielder Valentin Noel found space in the final third to tally his first goal of the season. Noel finished with a brace after he found the back of the net in the 83rd minute.
Midfielder Jacob Evans had the first look at goal of the night for Dynamo 2. The second-year player found space at the top of the 18-yard-box and was able to take a shot on goal. However, the Austin backline was able to clear the ball.
Houston forced Austin FC II to make back-to-back saves in the 26th minute after a corner kick created the best chance of the night for Dynamo Dos. Forward Beto Avila had the first touch at the far post, but the shot was blocked by Austin FC II goalkeeper Damian Las. Avila had a second opportunity after the rebound fell to his feet but was denied.
Dynamo 2 nearly scored on a corner kick with 10 minutes left in regulation in the first half. Midfielder Paolo Rios found defender Talen Maples in the box. The Dynamo 2 captain was able to get his head on the ball but narrowly missed the back of the net.
Two minutes after the opening goal of the season, N’Doye nearly doubled the lead after finding space on the right flank. N’Doye’s shot was deflected out of play by an Austin defender for a throw in.
Avila was shown a second yellow card in the final minutes of the second half after a challenge on an Austin FC II defender. Dynamo 2 played the remainder of the match down a man.
