HERRIMAN, Utah (April 19, 2026) – Houston Dynamo 2 extend their unbeaten streak to six matches in a row after earning a 1-0 shutout road victory versus Real Monarchs at Zions Bank Stadium today behind forward Jahmani “JJ” Bell’s second goal of the season. The result also marked Houston’s fifth clean sheet of the season, with goalkeeper Pedro Cruz finishing the match with seven saves.
Dynamo 2 remains the only team in the league to have conceded just one goal in 2026, but none from open play. The team also leads the league in shutouts (5) and ranks third in goals scored (15). Notably, Dos has totaled 26 goal contributions, with 12 different players already finding the back of the net.
Additionally, the match saw defender Eiji Hata make his first professional start, while forward Alan Martinsmade his professional debut in the 59th minute after signing on loan with Dynamo 2 on February 28.
Dynamo 2 broke the scoreless tie in the 73rd minute when midfielder Samir Mohammad beat a Real Monarchs defender to his left and dribbled into the box before finding Bell in the middle, who finished into the upper right corner. The play marked Mohammad’s first professional assist.
Cruz, who earned **MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month** for March, was called into action in the seventh minute, denying a left-footed shot at the near post from Ruben Mesalles.
Cruz delivered another crucial save in the 13th minute after standing his ground to deny a chance from Antonio Riquelme.
Forward Arthur Sousa had Houston’s first shot on target in the 16th minute, receiving a pass from midfielder Gilberto Rivera before dribbling into the box and firing a right-footed shot that was saved by Max Kervliet.
Cruz was called into action again in the 37th minute, making a quick diving save to his right to deny a close-range strike from Owen Anderson with his feet. Shortly afterwards, the Brazilian goalkeeper reacted again by leaping high to tip over a long-range shot over the crossbar.
Attacker Mattheo Dimareli, who signed a Homegrown Contract with Houston Dynamo FC last week, took his chances from deep in first half stoppage time with a powerful strike that forced Kervliet to get up high for the save.
Dynamo 2 produced another dangerous chance in the 55th minute when Mohammad pressured the Real Monarchs’ goalkeeper, won the ball and nearly scored after his shot hit the right post.
Dimareli almost put himself on the board in the 70th minute after his left-footed shot hit the left post following a quick set up play by forward Ausitn Brummett inside the box.
Houston next travels to face Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, April 26, at Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.
