Houston Dynamo 2 claimed a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS Next Pro, thanks to two early goals and a disciplined defensive display. The hosts went 2-0 up inside 23 minutes and then held on despite being out-possessed and having to withstand a late push from the visitors, who finished the match with nine men after two sending-offs.
Gustavo Dohmann opened the scoring in the 16th minute, and Dylan Reyes doubled the lead seven minutes later. Colorado Rapids 2 pulled one back through James Cameron in the 54th minute, but they could not find an equaliser. The visitors' discipline unravelled: Noah Betancourt was sent off just before half-time after a second yellow card, and Sebastian Siegler followed for the same reason in the 86th minute.
Colorado Rapids 2 dominated possession with 63% and had 13 shots to Houston's 11, but the hosts were more clinical in front of goal. Houston registered five shots on target and posted a higher expected goals figure (1.25 to 1.13), while the Rapids missed two of their three big chances. Houston Dynamo 2 earned the points with a gritty, efficient performance.
