By recording its fourth straight shutout, the Houston Dynamo Academy U-18 team advanced to the semifinals of the U-19 bracket of the Dallas Cup with a 2-0 win Friday over Lewisham College Academy, from London.
The Dynamo will compete in the semifinals Saturday at 10 a.m. at Pizza Hut Park against the winner of the quarterfinal between Dallas Texans Red and Knowsley Youth.
In Friday's match, the Dynamo came out flying against their physical opponent, netting two goals in the first 10 minutes. Forward Carlos Recinos (Cy Ridge / Houstonians) opened the scoring in the fifth minute with his fourth goal of the tournament. Christian Cruz (Houstonians) added the second goal in the ninth minute, but the Dynamo could not add to their lead in the first half.
In the second half, with Houston dominating the game, a red card put the Dynamo on their heels, but goalkeeper Pat Wall and the back line held out for the team's fourth consecutive shutout.
"We closed the game out in a very professional manner," said Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson. "The boys played big today against a much older, bigger and overly physical team. Mitchell Cardenas was outstanding in midfield, but it was a real team performance."
The Dynamo could be facing a motivated Texans squad in the semifinals; Houston beat Dallas 3-1 in the quarterfinals a year ago before loosing in a shootout in the final. The other U-19 semifinal will pit Minnesota prep school Shattuck St. Mary's against defending champion IMG or Texan side Solar SC.
