AUSTIN (May 30, 2025) – Houston Dynamo 2 drew 1-1 on the road against in-state rivals Austin FC II earlier this evening and claimed the two points following two crucial saves by goalkeeper Pedro Cruz. The Brazilian shot stopper denied Austin’s second penalty and secured Houston’s second shootout victory of the season with a diving save to his right on the fifth and final penalty.
Notably, forward Tomás Romero made his MLS NEXT Pro debut tonight after signing with the team earlier today. Romero was the first to step up in the penalty shootout for Houston and to successfully convert the penalty.
Austin II took the lead in the 44th minute when Nicolas Van Rijn found the back of the net with a header inside the box following a pass from Peter Grogan.
Dynamo 2 leveled the match and forced the penalty kick shootout in the 69th minute when midfielder Lionel Gitau whipped in a set piece delivery from the right side of the box that found the back of the net off Austin II’s defender Daniel Ciesla.
Forward Exon Arzú fired a shot from outside the box in the 13th minute, but his attempt just went over the crossbar.
Cruz was called into action in the 23rd minute when Riley Thomas found Jorge Alastuey for a shot that forced Cruz to get low and safely secure the ball. The 21-year-old made eight saves on the night, marking his highest total this season and the fifth time he has finished with five or more saves.
Cruz delivered another save in the 39th minute, getting low to deny a dangerous shot from Adrian Gonzalez just outside the box.
Midfielder Noah Betancourt took his chances from deep in the 42nd minute with a powerful right-footed strike that found the hands of goalkeeper Charlie Farrar.
Cruz was called into action again in the 49th minute after blocking a right-footed shot from Diego Abarca in the center of the box. The young goalkeeper stepped up again a minute later, running off his line to make a crucial save with his feet, denying another Austin II shot on goal.
Cruz prevented another scoring opportunity from Austin II in the 82nd minute by diving to his right and redirecting a shot from Alastuey that came from inside the box.
Dynamo 2 return to Houston on Saturday, June 7, to host Sporting Kansas City II at Shell Energy Stadium. Fans can claim free tickets for all Dynamo Dos matches HERE.
