Houston Dynamo 2 defeated in-state rival Austin II 2-0 at SaberCats Stadium, earning their second win of the season at home and first against Austin in regular season play.
Dynamo 2 opened scoring in the 11th minute after midfielder Griffin Dorsey forced a takeaway on the Austin defender, poking the ball forward to midfielder Diego Gonzalez, who put a strong shot into the top of the net. The goal marks the academy product’s fourth goal of the season who currently leads the team in goals.
Houston doubled their lead in the 40th minute after midfielder Brooklyn Raines’ shot from the middle of the box was blocked and midfielder Charles Auguste cleaned up the rebound with a shot that found the bottom left corner of the goal. Dorsey, who created two chances during the match, delivered the original ball to Raines from the right side of the box.
Houston goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg was called into action in the 21st minute after extended buildup play from Austin resulted in a back post header from David Rodríguez. The shot stopper made a diving save to the left to push the danger away from goal.
Pannenberg was called into action again in the 42nd minute when he corralled Valentin Noël’s attempt from the left side of the six-yard box. The Dynamo goalkeeper ended the match with four saves.
Austin managed a header on target in the 52nd minute, as the ball found Sebastien Pineau’s head from a free kick, but the attempt went directly to Pannenberg, who secured the ball with both hands.
Houston pressed for a third goal in the 89th minute, as Dorsey found forward Isaiah Reidmoving up the pitch in an attacking position, but goalkeeper Damian Las managed to scoop up the scoring chance.
Dynamo 2 next travel West to Los Angeles to take on LAFC on Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 p.m. CT.
