Minnesota United II beat Houston Dynamo II 2-0 in MLS Next Pro on 30 August, a result that keeps both sides on track in the Group Stage. Houston had been flying high, sitting second with 48 points from 24 games, while Minnesota sat fifth with 34. To be fair, the gap in the table told a different story from what happened on the pitch.
And here's the thing — Houston started brighter. They controlled 53 per cent of possession and pressed forward with energy, but it was Minnesota who struck first when D. Randell found the net in the 48th minute. The hosts had four shots on target all afternoon, but only one found the back of the net, and that came against them.
Minnesota made their presence felt after the break. L. Hille converted a penalty in the 72nd minute to put the visitors ahead for good. The statistics show why — they hit six shots on target with 55 per cent accuracy, compared to Houston's four attempts and 27 per cent accuracy. The hosts had seven corners to one, but corners don't always translate into chances.
Houston had been unbeaten in five before this, drawing twice and winning three. They'd picked up points against Swoop Park Rangers and Real Monarchs, but this was a different challenge. Minnesota, meanwhile, had dropped points against North Texas and San Jose, but knew they needed to respond.
The result leaves Houston in second place with 48 points, four ahead of third. Minnesota move closer to the top five with 34 points, still 14 behind leaders. Four yellow cards were shown — two to Houston, two to Minnesota — but nothing more serious than that.
