MLS Next U16: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Cincinnati

The club soccer season is underway and teams from around the country are competing in their respective leagues in the first of several months of traveling and playing.   We, at Prep Soccer Texas, will follow as many matches and players as possible, paying close attention to everything that happens in the MLS Next, ECNL National and Regional Leagues and Girls Academy League, as well as showcases and tournaments, giving the talented players from the Lone Star State the exposure they deserve.   On Saturday, September, we were at the Houston Sports Park, where the Houston Dynamo and the FC Cincinnati U16 teams battled.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/09/mls-next-u15-houston-dynamo-vs-austin-fc-photos/">MLS Next: Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16 - Phot</a><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/09/mls-next-u16-houston-dynamo-vs-fc-cincinnati-photos/">os</a></li> </ul>   Despite playing on the road, FC Cincinnati delivered a strong performance, sustaining initial pressure from the Dynamo to produce a 5-2 win - forward Jared Cardenas and midfielder Adonai Abraha scored twice each, with winger Ethan Oakley also getting a goal, while midfielders [player_tooltip player_id='288461' first='Lalo' last='Estrada'] and Cristian Cortez scored for the Texas side. With the win, FC Cincinnati got their first three points in the Central (North) division, while the Dynamo still have no points in the Central (South) division.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    FC Cincinnati's striker was one of the most impressive players on the field, contributing two goals in the team's victory. Cardenas displayed a very complete game, getting involved in the team's offense in different ways and creating all sorts of problems for the Dynamo backline. He used his body extremely well to work with his back to the goal and get on the end of long passes, but also displayed excellent mobility and intelligence to make diagonal runs off the ball and attack the space. Cardenas' two goals showcased his versatility and efficiency as if in the first he used his pace and movement to progress the ball for several yards in a transition play before finishing, in the second he benefited from his excellent positioning inside the penalty box to pick up a rebound and send the ball into the back of the net.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7694.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232552" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    Abraha entered the match during the second half and was able to make a major impact in a short period of time, scoring two critical goals in the team's victory. The midfielder attacked the penalty box in a corner kick and picked up a loose ball to score 3-1. Abraha's second goal was even more important and significantly more impressive as he scored straight out of a kickoff with a shot that caught the Dynamo goalkeeper off guard to give FC Cincinnati a 4-2 lead with just a few minutes to go, displaying courage and craftiness. The midfielder was also very smooth and smart with his distribution when he had the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7768.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232574" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    Gabriel was the engine of FC Cincinnati's midfield and played a major role in the team's performance, bringing energy and efficiency to the field. He was very active in his box-to-box role and got very involved on both sides of the game. Gabriel got on the ball very often and was excellent with his decision-making and distribution, making his team play faster in transition plays or when there were vulnerable spots in the Dynamo backline and keeping possession more methodically when the opponents were better organized and would be more difficult to crack. He also covered a lot of ground defensively and was very efficient in duels.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7688.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232549" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    Malilo was a constant threat to the Dynamo backline with his impressive skills and aggressiveness on the ball. His teammates looked for him very often when he was open on the right, where he tried to use his impressive ball control and quickness to create chances. Sensing a good opportunity to create from more of a central position, Malilo moved inside and was even more dangerous, setting up plays with one-touch and backheel passes that surprised the opponents. The forward was very good at dribbling in tight spaces, displayed excellent vision to connect passes and send through balls and also seemed to be a very good finisher from distance.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7741.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232566" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    A new face with FC Cincinnati having moved from Orlando City, Calabro immediately became a key piece in the defensive system of his new team. Playing in the middle of the team's back three, he organized the backline and was very active and efficient when called upon. Calabro used his size and physicality very well, controlling the penalty box and also clearing or intercepting long passing attempts behind his back. FC Cincinnati dominated possession during the match and had in their central defender an important pillar of their passing strategy - he also pushed forward with runs to create an advantage when he saw an opportunity.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7700.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232555" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    Arana was the most dangerous Dynamo player on the field and the only one to consistently create problems for FC Cincinnati's defensive system. Everything went through the crafty midfielder, who assisted in both of his team's goals. Arana was very good at dribbling in tight spaces and very smooth on the ball, but also displayed great vision and precision with his passes. He had a lot of freedom to move in the final third and made the most of it, exploring different areas of the field to find pockets of space to get on the ball and make plays.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7683.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232547" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>    Le Denmat started the match playing as a left back and did a fine job there, engaging in combination plays with his teammates and overlapping out wide to give him them passing options. He was also very solid defensively, having a nice battle with Malilo, who wasn't as effective when attacking on the right. During the second half, Le Denmat was moved to central midfield. There, he made more of an impact with his passing, helping start the team's buildup and pushing forward to connect with Arana on some occasions.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_7755.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-232570" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Cincinnati U16</figcaption></figure>

The club soccer season is underway and teams from around the country are competing in their respective leagues in the first of several months of traveling and playing.