HOUSTON (Oct. 18, 2026) – Houston Dynamo 2's season came to an end this evening after falling 4-3 in a penalty shootout versus LAFC2 in the MLS NEXT Pro Conference Quarterfinals. The match, played at ShellEnergy Stadium, saw Dynamo 2 overcome a first half deficit thanks to a first-career MLS NEXT Pro brace from midfielder Gilberto Rivera.
Houston and Los Angeles each scored twice in regulation before heading into extra time and into the penalty shootout. Notably, goalkeeper Pedro Cruz came up big on LAFC2's second penalty attempt, diving to his right to deny Sebastian Nava.
Additionally, two Houston Dynamo Academy players took the pitch tonight in Houston's fourth postseason appearance, including defender Daniel Barrett, who started, and midfielder Chris Gonzalez, who came in the second half.
LAFC2 took the lead in the 12th minute when Jude Terry found the bottom right corner from outside the box.
The visiting team then doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Charlie Kosakoff found Marius Aiyenero inside the box for a right-footed finish.
Dynamo 2 pulled one back in the 69th minute when Rivera received a pass from attacker Samir Mohammadand fired a powerful left-footed shot into the inside of the far post.
Five minutes later, Rivera secured his brace after capitalizing on a rebound following his initial penalty shot being saved by Ethan Scally. The penalty kick was awarded after forward Austin Brummett was deemed to have been fouled inside the box by an LAFC2 defender.
Cruz delivered a key save in the fifth minute, standing his ground to deny Kosakoff in a one-on-one situation. Kosakoff attempted to chip the Brazilian shot stopper, but Cruz reacted quickly to block it away. Cruz finished the match with three saves.
Cruz was called into action again in the 26th minute when the 22-year-old dove left to deny a long-range shot from DeCarlo Guerra.
Dynamo 2 created a dangerous chance in the 37th minute when attacker Mattheo Dimareli picked out Brummett inside the box, whose first-time effort forced the Scally to dive to his right for the save.
In the 41st minute, Rivera tried his chances from deep with a powerful strike that found the hands of the visiting goalkeeper.
Dos generated another scoring chance in the 71st minute when Brummett nearly found the back of the net with a half-volley from the top of the box.
The 2026 season saw Dynamo 2 open the campaign with a team-record 11-match unbeaten streak, where they recorded 31 points, 28 goals and 20 assists, while leading in fewest goals conceded in open play (four) during that span. Houston also opened the season with a team record nine-match unbeaten streak at home, recording eight victories and one draw. The run included a four-match home winning streak to open the season, as well as a three-match home winning streak to begin July.
Additionally, Aug. 14 marked the first time Houston was held scoreless this campaign, ending a 20-match scoring streak in which the team found the back of the net at least once in every game.
Notably, multiple Dynamo Academy players made their mark with Dynamo 2 this year, contributing to the team's strong regular season finish and helping them secure a postseason berth. Dos has consistently led the nation in Academy minutes played at the MLS NEXT Pro level by fielding one of the league's youngest rosters over the past three seasons. This year, Dynamo 2 ranked among the top ten teams in the league in minutes played by Academy players, highlighting the Club’s continued commitment to provide professional opportunities for the top youth players in Houston.
Houston ended the regular season fourth in the Western Conference table with a 14-8-6 (W-L-D) record on 52 points, which set single-season team records for points and wins.
