Houston Dynamo 2 continued to assert its command on the Western Conference following a 3-2 win in the Texas Derby over North Texas SC at Toyota Stadium Saturday evening.
The first iteration of the Texas Derby in MLS NEXT Pro lived up to the billing in the first half as both teams let it fly, scoring three goals.
NTSC midfielder Andre Costa opened the scoring in the 17th minute after beating his marker and blasting it into the top corner. The home side looked in control up until that point, but the goal seemed to have awoken the Western Conference leaders.
Despite trailing early in the game, Houston Dynamo Dos scored twice to snatch the lead. Midfielder Diego Gonzalez fired in a long range freekick to level the game at one four minutes after the NTSC goal. The visitors scored their second in the closing minutes of the first half through defender Jon-Talen Maples.
Not to be outdone on its home field, North Texas SC found the equalizer in the 54th minute after forward Jose Mulato let it rip into the back of the net. Forward Hope Avayevu assisted the goal, his fourth of the season.
However, Houston Dynamo Dos would ultimately prevail with a game-winning goal from Roberto Avila, his fifth of the season to lead the league. It was a headed-goal from Avila that was nearly saved by NTSC goalkeeper Felipe Carneiro, but it eventually trickled into the net.
Despite the Western Conference leaders conceding the most goals of any match they’ve played, the visitors remain perfect with five wins in five games.
As for the home side, North Texas SC was handed its first loss of the season and looks to bounce back May 1st against Sporting KC II.
In the heat of the Texas derby Saturday evening between Houston Dynamo Dos and North Texas SC, 21-year-old forward Roberto “Beto” Avila grabbed the headlines — again.
The Texas native headed in the game winning goal in the 84th minute and was named the man of the match for another impressive performance. He now leads the league with five goals after scoring in his last three games, including a hat trick against Sporting KC II at Rock Chalk Park.
Avila started his professional career with USL Championship side Austin Bold in 2019, where he scored four times in 31 appearances. He then played in the Canadian Premier League in 2021 after joining FC Edmonton on loan. Eventually, Houston Dynamo 2 signed him this year and he has delivered for its front line in MLS NEXT Pro.
