MLS NEXT Pro Minnesota United FC 2

MNUFC2 at Houston Dynamo 2 Preview

Published on July 24, 2022 under MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- MNUFC2 continues its two-match road stretch as it travels south to Houston to take on Houston Dynamo 2, attempting to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at the Tacoma Defiance last week.

These teams faced each other once before this season in a 1-1 draw at Allianz Field on May 14. This game came in the middle of MNUFC2's eight-game unbeaten run that stretched from early April to early June. While the Loons were able to earn two points from the match with 5-4 on penalties, it was a tight affair.

The game remained locked at nil-nil until the 54th minute, when Houston defender Talen Maples managed to put one past the Loons. Just seven minutes later, MNUFC2 midfielder Aziel Jackson leveled the score. Despite several chances both ways, no one found the breakthrough they desired. Goalkeeper Fred Emmings was called upon frequently in the game, having to make eight saves. Dynamo 2 took the edge in possession, shots on goal, and passing. However, neither team was able to completely dominate the game. The Loons went five-for-five in the ensuing penalty shootout, with takers Diogo Pacheco, Aziel Jackson, Veljko Petković, Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi, and Jason Ramos all finding the back of the net.

As things stand, Houston are eight points ahead of MNUFC2, with the former having played one more game. A win would make a playoff charge feel more attainable for the Loons, though a loss won't close the door just yet. Regardless, it's crunch time, and no points can be given up easily from here on out.

MATCH NOTES:

MNUFC2 travels to face Houston Dynamo 2 at AVEVA Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. CT, and can be viewed by streaming at www.mlsnextpro.com.

Aziel Jackson on turning chances taken into goals scored...

"I feel like I have a lot of responsibility on my hands because to be the top chance creator and not score any goals for the team is disappointing, but with all these chances, we need to put away goals. I feel like we're ready for this game [against Houston Dynamo 2] and we need to be ready."

Aziel Jackson on facing Houston Dynamo 2 and getting a second win against them this season...

"We just need to put away our chances and get this win. We had a stretch where we were at eight unbeaten where three of them were on penalty shootouts, so you can see how we're so close to getting those three points but now it's just about clinching them and getting a clean sheet."

MNUFC2 @ HOUSTON DYNAMO 2

AVEVA STADIUM | HOUSTON, TEXAS

07.24.22 | MLS Next PRO Regular Season | Week 16

7:00 p.m. CT (mlsnextpro.com)

2022 Record

MIN: 6-6-3 (3-4-2 on the road)

HOU: 9-4-3 (6-0-0 at home)

Check out the Minnesota United FC 2 Statistics

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