The U.S. Soccer Development Academy Finals Week won't end at BBVA Compass for the Dynamo Academy U-16s, presented by Statoil.
Following a 2-0 loss to Albertson SC, the Dynamo ended group play with a 1-1-1 record and 4 points, placing them third in Group 1.
The Dynamo entered the final match in control of their destiny, knowing that a win would guarantee them passage to the championship match for the U-15/16 age bracket.
But William Botty slid a cool finish past Dynamo goalkeeper Andy Rios in the 34th minute and Albertson defended well to see out the result for the Long Island-based squad. Alberston finished a 3 vs. 1 counterattack in stoppage time to puncuate the performance.
Lack of offensive potency struck once more for the boys in orange, as they were unable to generate clear cut chances and ended their third straight game without a goal from the run of play. The only time the Dynamo found the back of the net in Finals Week group play was Christian Lucatero's free kick in the second minute against Real Salt Lake – Arizona.
Forward Elo Ozumba crafted a chance in the 27th minute, turning his defender and getting a shot off from just inside the box. But Albertson 'keeper Oliver Roberts got down low to block the shot, and Josue Palomino was whistled for offside as he attempted to follow-up on the rebound.
The Dynamo came out with even more attacking intent as the second half began, and had claims for a handball after a Palomino cross nearly missed Ozumba and hit off an Albertson defender. But the center official waved 'play on,' and the Dynamo were left empty-handed.
With 15 minutes to play, the Dynamo pushed forward even more, switching to a three-man back line with usual centerback and captain Matthew Dorsey moving to forward for added height as the Dynamo searched for the two goals they would need to advance.
Dynamo right back Gabriel Camera put a left-footed shot on target in the 71st minute that was initially spilled by Roberts, but the Albertson goalie scrambled to collect the loose ball before it rolled into the net. That would prove to be Houston's last good chance of the night before Albertson put the game away with their second goal.
The Dynamo U-16s have one final match this season, a placement game at HASP at 10 a.m. this Saturday.
