Dynamo reign supreme to claim the Copa Tejas trophy with draw against Austin FC
Danny Jefferson | August 9, 2025
Austin FC looked poised for a statement win in the Copa Tejas rivalry on Saturday night, but two late goals from Jack McGlynn saw Houston Dynamo battle back for a dramatic 2–2 draw at Q2 Stadium. What began as one of Austin’s most controlled performances of the season ended in frustration, as the visitors snatched a point in the closing minutes.
The match began with intensity befitting the rivalry, with Austin asserting control in midfield and probing Houston’s back line. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Ilie Sánchez rose to meet a corner kick. His initial effort was saved, but he followed up with a header on the rebound to give Austin the lead. The goal marked Sánchez’s first in Major League Soccer, a fitting moment for one of the team’s steady veterans.
Austin carried the momentum and doubled their advantage before halftime. In the 41st minute, Osman Bukari showcased his pace and creativity on the flank, beating his marker and delivering a pinpoint cross. Guilherme Biro met it with a powerful header, beating Jonathan Bond to make it 2–0. It was Bukari’s sixth assist of the season, and Biro’s finish gave Austin breathing room heading into the break.
The first half ended with Austin firmly in control. They limited Houston’s attacking options, while the Verde & Black created chances that could have stretched the lead further. At that point, the home crowd could sense a convincing victory.
The second half began with Houston adjusting their shape and pushing higher up the field. Austin still looked sharp in possession, but as the minutes ticked away, Houston’s persistence began to pay off. The Dynamo’s substitutions injected energy, and Austin found themselves dropping deeper to protect their advantage.
In the 80th minute, the match shifted dramatically. Houston earned a penalty after Pablo Ortiz was judged to have been fouled in the box following a VAR review. Jack McGlynn stepped to the spot and confidently converted, cutting the deficit to 2–1 and giving the visitors renewed hope.
The equalizer came just nine minutes later. Lawrence Ennali created space on the right and played a low ball into the area. McGlynn timed his run perfectly, finishing coolly past Brad Stuver to level the score at 2–2. From a commanding position, Austin suddenly found themselves scrambling to hold on in the final moments.
Statistically, Austin held more possession and looked the sharper side for long stretches. But the inability to close the game out proved costly, while Houston’s clinical finishing in the final 10 minutes highlighted their resilience. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond also played a key role for the Dynamo, making several stops earlier in the second half to keep his team within reach.
For Austin, the draw felt like a loss. After controlling the flow and earning a two-goal cushion, the team saw three points slip away due to lapses in concentration and defensive errors. The result also leaves them with work to do in the Western Conference playoff picture, where margins remain razor thin.
For Houston, it was a point earned through determination and persistence. McGlynn’s brace not only salvaged the evening but also underlined the Dynamo’s ability to fight back under pressure. The visitors left Q2 Stadium with momentum and a result that may prove crucial in their own playoff pursuit.