Houston Dynamo 2 began the 2026 season with an unprecedented unbeaten run that stretched into the summer months. They also spent the majority of the opening months away from home but still managed to climb to the top of the Western Conference standings.
Since June, however, the results have been much harder to come by.
Dynamo 2 managed just five wins in their final 17 matches and ultimately finished fourth in the West.
They still did enough to secure a home playoff match, but the question now is whether Dynamo 2 can rediscover the early-season spark that made them one of the best teams in the league and turn it into a deep postseason run.
Season series
Houston Dynamo 2 faced LAFC2 six times since 2023, earning three wins, a shootout win, and one loss.
Their only loss took place in their only meeting of 2026 this past June, when Houston fell on the road to LAFC2 by 3-1.
Player spotlight
Austin Brummett led Houston Dynamo 2 offensively, scoring 13 goals and providing one assist in 25 matches.
Returning loanee Pedro Cruz should help shore up Houston's goal, while Gilberto Rivera will command the midfield for Jeremy Hurdle's side.
The Road from Here
Houston Dynamo 2 will host LAFC2 at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, October 18, at 7 PM ET.
Houston will be in search of their first-ever playoff win in their fourth MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance.
