HOUSTON (July 13, 2025) – Houston Dynamo 2 earned their third clean sheet of the season with a 3-0 victory over North Texas SC at SaberCats Stadium on Sunday night. The win secured the season series for Houston, who finished with a 2-1-0 (WLD) record this year against their in-state rivals.
The match saw defender Juan Viveros score his first MLS NEXT Pro goal, midfielder Lionel Gitau record his first professional assist and forward Myles Gardner make his first professional start in just his second appearance of the season. Notably, Gardner’s previous appearance came against North Texas on March 23, where he scored his first professional goal. Additionally, defender Michael Halliday recorded his first MLS NEXT Pro assist.
Dynamo Dos took the lead in the 10th minute with a close-range header from forward Stephen Annor into the top left corner, marking his fifth goal of the season. Midfielder Mattheo Dimareli notched his second assist of the season on the play with a curling free kick to the left back post.
Dos doubled their lead in the 31st minute when midfielder Sebastian Rodriguez netted his third goal of the season with a right-footed strike from outside the box, placing it into the upper right side of the goal. Gitau set up the goal with a pass from the left wing.
Houston extended their lead to three on a counterattack in the 51st minute, with Viveros finding the back of the net with a header towards the top right corner. The play was set up by Halliday’s chipped cross from the left side of the box.
Houston’s first dangerous chance came less than a minute into the match when Annor fired a right-footed shot from the bottom left of the box and was saved by North Texas goalkeeper JT Harms.
Three minutes later, Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Pedro Cruz was called into action, stopping a left-footed shot from Daniel Baran inside the box. The shot-stopper finished the night with three saves.
Cruz was called into action again in the 17th minute, diving save to his left to deny a shot from Diego Gracia from the left side of the box.
Midfielder Joshua Bolma tested the North Texas goalkeeper in the 34th minute with a strike from outside the box after reacting quickly to a loose ball, but Harms was well positioned to make the save at the right post.
North Texas had a chance to pull one back in the 62nd minute after Cruz came off his line and slide-tackled Malachi Molina following a through ball from North Texas’ midfield. Samuel Sarver stepped up to take the penalty but sent his shot over the crossbar.
The entire Dynamo 2 team wore black armbands during Sunday’s match to recognize the tragic loss of life in the Texas Hill Country during the recent devastating floods. The Club will announce additional plans to recognize and support relief and recovery efforts in the region ahead of two home matches next week.
Earlier this week, Houston Dynamo FC made a joint $500,000 donation in collaboration with Austin FC, FC Dallas and Major League Soccer, and fans can continue to support by donating to Dynamo & Dash Charities HERE.
Dynamo Dos continue their two-match homestand at SaberCats Stadium on Thursday, July 17, hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Fans can claim their free tickets to the match HERE.
