HERRIMAN, Utah (June 15, 2025) – Houston Dynamo 2 played Real Monarchs to a 1-1 draw on the road earlier this evening, with a goal from attacker Joshua Bolma. The home side won the ensuing penalty shootout 5-4 to claim the additional point.
Notably, Bolma has scored in back-to-back matches this week, with his first goal coming last Thursday against Minnesota United FC 2.
Bolma gave Houston the lead in the 50th minute with a left-footed finish inside the six-yard box, following a combination play with forward Exon Arzú. The play began with Bolma at the top of the box, where he played a pass to Arzú on the right side. The Honduran international made a quick move to his left to beat the defender and then found Bolma in the middle of the box for his second goal of the season. Additionally, Arzú recorded his first assist of the year on the play.
Real Monarchs leveled the match and forced the penalty shootout in second half stoppage time when Jesus Barea found the back of the net from the penalty spot after midfielder Noah Betancourt was deemed to handle the ball inside the box.
Dynamo 2 had their first dangerous opportunity in the 12th minute when Bolma received a pass from Arzú at the top of the box, dribbled inside and fired a right-footed strike that missed the near post by inches.
Goalkeeper Pedro Cruz made his first of five saves in the 31st minute, diving low to his left to deny a shot from Barea inside the box.
Bolma created another dangerous chance in the 36th minute when defender Juan Viveros broke free from a Monarchs defender and delivered a cross towards Bolma, who nearly found the far post but was denied near the goal line by the hosts’ backline.
Cruz was called into action again in the 61st minute when the Brazilian goalkeeper reacted quick to stop another scoring opportunity from Barea inside the box.
Cruz delivered another crucial save to keep the match level in the dying minutes, reacting quickly and getting high to block away an acrobatic attempt from Owen Anderson.
Houston next travels to face St. Louis CITY 2 on Saturday, June 28, at Energizer Park, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT. Dynamo 2 fans can follow the action live via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
