MNUFC2’s season began in March with back-to-back matches in Texas, first against Austin and then Houston. Both resulted in wins for the Twos, kicking off a promising season that’s seen the second team secure 14 points across nine matches. So, as the poets say: Yeehaw.

After a tight draw in Tacoma that resulted in a lost PK shootout, the boys return to Blaine to host Dynamo 2 in their first match of the summer months. Houston hasn’t claimed all three points since April, but has managed to grab extra points from three shootouts during that time. It’s worth noting that three of their May matchups were against clubs that currently rank in the West’s top four, and they did hold third-ranked Rapids 2 to a scoreless draw. But after a pair of regulation-time draws against lower-ranked Austin FC II and Sporting KC II, Houston will be looking for a more definitive victory against Minnesota.

Minnesota will make it a battle, though. Strong performances and field leadership from first teamers Devin Padelford and Samuel Shashoua have been a hallmark of Twos games as of late, and Wessel Speel continues to put out strong performance after strong performance in net. The power extends up front, where Luke Hille scored his second goal in as many matches with a killer shot toward the far post against Tacoma, and Academy player Aidan Martinez logged a 78th-minute goal against Vancouver. With two players called up for international duty and one signed to a homegrown contract, it’s clear the Twos are packed full of talent this season.

The Loons endured a five-match winless streak in May, with two draws ending in lost shootouts on the road. With four matches slated for June, the Twos are ready to get back into the groove, secure some three-pointers, and power through a packed summer schedule.

The Twos hunt for a bounceback at Blaine’s National Sports Center Stadium on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. CT. Grab your tickets here or stream the action on MLSNEXTPro.com.