Houston Dynamo 2 kicked off its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season on the right foot after posting a 1-0 victory over Whitecaps FC 2 at AVEVA Stadium in Houston, TX. Dynamo Dos took control of the game from the first minutes and created plenty of opportunities to score; however, Whitecaps FC 2's defense was attentive to the attacks. There was a stark contrast in the manager's demeanor on the sidelines. The home team's Kenny Bundy appeared more intense than his counterpart Nick Dasovic. After Marcelo Palomino's incredible free-kick goal, WFC2 stepped on the gas but could not create damage.
Palomino didn't let the opportunity go to waste in the set play and scored a stunning free-kick bending it over the corner to net the lone goal that would seal the local's victory.
TOO EARLY TO SAY GOAL OF THE YEAR?
A Special Night For Marcelo Palomino
It was a special night for Marcelo Palomino, who made Houston Dynamo 2's first-ever goal in MLS Next Pro and his second professional goal.
The 20-year-old midfielder is a Dynamo homegrown player who joined its academy at 11 years old. In his time with the academy, he won "Player of the year" for three consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2018.
Palomino is part of Houston's first team since 2020; he made his professional debut as a second-half substitute on October 3 of that same year against Kansas City. The Houston-born player has participated in three games for the first team. With tonight's performance, he showcased his skills, hoping that nights like these can convince Dynamo skipper Paulo Nagamura to give him more opportunities with his squad.
After an intense match, Palomino was subbed out at the 75th minute after cramping up. This Saturday, Marcelo's performance and the others validate what MLS NEXT Pro is all about: giving these young players the opportunity in the spotlight.
Speaking of the spotlight, among the crowd who attended MLS NEXT Pro's second "Game of the Week," familiar faces from Houston's first team appeared, including Memo Rodriguez, Darwin Quintero, and manager Paulo Nagamura.
What’s Next:
Palomino and the Houston Dynamo 2 will host Earthquakes II Sunday, April 3.
WFC2 will visit Real Monarchs at Zions Bank Stadium Saturday, April 2.
Both matches can be live-streamed on mlsnextpro.com.
