HOUSTON (August 8, 2025) – Houston Dynamo 2 host Real Monarchs on Saturday, Aug. 9 at SaberCats Stadium, marking the second and final meeting between the two sides this regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT, and fans can claim free tickets to this match and all Dynamo 2 home matches HERE.
Houston holds the upper hand in the all-time series with five wins and one draw in six regular season meetings. In their first matchup this year, Dynamo Dos earned a 1-1 draw on the road against the Real Salt Lake affiliate on June 15. Attacker Joshua Bolma scored his second goal of the season, having first found the back of the net against Minnesota United FC 2 on June 12. Forward Exon Arzú assisted on the play, recording his first assist of the year.
One lineup note for this weekend is that defender Isaac Mwakutuya will miss Saturday’s match after receiving two yellow cards during last week's match versus Minnesota United FC 2.
Dynamo Dos have eight regular season matches remaining in the push for playoffs, including five at home and four versus opponents currently above the playoff line. The team currently sits 10th in the Western Conference with 26 points and a 6-9-5 (WLD) record.
Houston opened August with a 2-2 road draw against MNUFC2, with goals from forwards Stephen Annor—his sixth of the season—and Tomás Romero, who scored his first goal of the season. Minnesota won the ensuing penalty shootout 4-3 to claim the additional point. The match also saw first-team goalkeeper Blake Gillingham make his MLS NEXT Pro debut.
On Thursday, Dynamo 2 announced the loan signing of defender Nicolás “Nico” Ramos from Club National de Football in Uruguay, where he rose through the ranks of Nacional’s academy, Canteral Inagotable, before making his professional debut with the first team in January 2024 versus Colo-Colo in Chile in the Copa Gustavo Biscayzacú. The 20-year-old then spent the 2024 season on loan in Uruguay’s second division with C.A. Rentistas, where he totaled 24 appearances, recording one assist and helping the team earn nine clean sheets during his time on the pitch. On the international stage, Ramos has made eight appearances for the U-20 Uruguay national team and has scored one goal.
Real Monarchs enter Saturday’s match following a 2-1 comeback win over Portland Timbers 2, completing a season sweep across three meetings. After conceding a penalty in the first half, Brayan Sandoval leveled the match in the 61st minute, and Tommy Silva scored the game winning goal in the 82nd minute. The Monarchs currently sit seventh in the Western Conference with 29 points and a 6-5-7 (WLD) record. Aiden Hezarkhani and Jesús Barea lead the team’s attack with five goals each.
In 2024, Dos secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Annor and former Dynamo player Ousmane Sylla.
Dynamo 2 next travel to face Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, Aug. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. CT. Fans can tune in to the live action via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
