John Klein scores first professional goal
St Louis CITY2 fell 3-1 to Houston Dynamo 2 in their third match of the MLS NEXT Pro season. CITY2 got the scoring started, but it was Houston who took control as the game progressed. Midfielder Wan Kuzain pounced on a loose passand crossed it to John Klein, who tapped it in to give CITY2 a 1-0 lead in just the 4th minute.
The opposition seemed primed to get on the board after setting up a breakaway off a cross deep into CITY2’s half, but goalkeeper Christian Olivares charged out of the box to challenge the attacker and made an impeccable save to keep CITY2 in front. After continuing to force CITY2’s defense into tough situations, Houston eventually struck the equalizer when a rebound off a CITY2 save rolled fortuitously back in front of the goal, where a Houston attacker stood waiting and put it home.
With halftime approaching, Houston tallied another goal when a strike from outside the box swept past a crowd of CITY2 defenders and Dynamo attackers and into the bottom-left corner of the net, giving the opponents a 2-1 lead in the 41st minute.
Houston continued their offensive roll right out of the break, making a flurry of passes to set up a close-range goal in the 47th minute.
With full time approaching, CITY2 ratcheted up their offensive pressure, sending the ball into Houston’s half. Patiently searching for the right moment to strike, CITY2 attackers drew out Dynamo defenders by dominating possession of the ball, but the home side could not get a through ball past their opponent’s backline. Houston maintained control the rest of the way, winning the match and securing their first points of the season.
UP NEXT
Going on the road for the first time this season, CITY2 will head south for their showdown against Austin FC II on Sunday, April 16.
STARTING LINEUP
A.J. Palazzolo (Faysal Bettache 63’), Christian Olivares, Wan Kuzain (Aaron Heard 63’), Fritz Volmar, Caden Glover (Dida Armstrong 63’), Max Schneider, John Klein, Michael Wentzel, Aziel Jackson, Akil Watts, Owen O’Malley
SUBSTITUTES NOT USED:
Segio Rivas, Ryley Gibbs, Nolan McGuire, Lasen Hackworth, Eric Walker
GOALS
STL: John Klein – 4'
HOU: Diego Gonzalez – 34'
HOU: Papa Ndoye – 41'
HOU: Jacob Evans – 47'
