MLS Next U16: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

<p>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.</p>   <p>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.</p>   <p>On Saturday, September 28, we were at the Houston Sports Park, where the Houston Dynamo and the FC Dallas U61 teams battled in the MLS Next.</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/10/mls-next-u16-houston-dynamo-vs-fc-dallas-photos/">MLS Next U16: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas - Photos</a></strong></li> </ul>   <p>The match had incredible turnarounds, with all five goals scored in the second half. After getting down a man when defender Zachary White was sent off, the Dynamo managed to build a 2-0 lead with two goals scored by midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='288461' first='Lalo' last='Estrada']. Dallas fought themselves back into the game, but couldn't score until the final minutes, when an own goal and a brace by super sub forward [player_tooltip player_id='167846' first='Caleb' last='Wegman'] gave them the win. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1840152553880707496 </div></figure>   <p>It was Dallas' fourth victory in the MLS Next Flex League as the team now ranks second in the Frontier Division with 13 points (four wins, one tie). Houston had their first defeat in four matches and are fifth with nine points (three wins, one loss).</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Drygas anchored FC Dallas' backline and played a very good match as a right-sided center back. A physical defender, he used his attributes very well to win plays, but also showed good mobility when he had to cover his teammates. Drygas and fellow center back Ninor Olu protected the penalty box very well as FC Dallas allowed two goals from shots from outside of it. He also displayed great quality and calm on the ball, patiently waiting for the best option to connect passes out of the back, ensuring a smooth and efficient buildup.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8257.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264397" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wygant started the match at right back and was very active on the flank. He stayed very wide when FC Dallas had the ball, helping the team stretch the field, and make some nice runs in the final third, trying to take the ball to the end line. In the second half, he moved to a box-to-box midfielder role and maintained the intensity level and efficiency of his play. He didn't hesitate going forward when he had a chance and in one of those runs he ended up crossing the ball that deflected in a Houston Dynamo defender and resulted in the team's first goal, which completely changed the match.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8285.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264409" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Velazquez was an active member of FC Dallas' midfield three, contributing on both sides of the ball. He started the match as more of a holding midfielder and did a good job helping control the central area of the field and covering a lot of ground. Velazquez was also a big part of the team's buildup, at times dropping back to get the ball from the center backs and initiate plays. His passing was accurate the entire time and some of his long balls and shifts generated some good offensive plays for his team.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8321.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264420" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">A new face with FC Dallas this season, Glosson was one of the team's main offensive weapons against the Dynamo. Playing as an inverted left winger, he got on the ball a lot and was very aggressive going at defenders. Because of his pace and dribbling skills, Glosson was very difficult to stop and he managed to create some good plays down the left. He was very dangerous bringing the ball from the left to the center of the field and almost scored with that play twice, seeing his shot go a little wide.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8282.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264407" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wegman changed the game coming off the bench and scored the two goals that completed FC Dallas' impressive comeback. He brought the presence inside the penalty box his team needed and was the perfect target for their crosses, beating the Dynamo defenders in the air to head two balls into the back of the net - the first one was a particularly difficult header. Wegman also displayed good quality with his feet and did a great job getting on the end of long balls, including the one that resulted in the game-winning goal. The forward also helped the team defend after the got the lead, playing defense with good energy.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8342.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264427" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hinds' energy in midfield was even more important for the Dynamo as they were down a player for over half of the match. He helped the team cover ground in midfield and match FC Dallas' intensity, creating the conditions for them to go forward and score twice. The midfielder's passing was also very consistent and efficient, helping the team keep possession and initiate offensive plays despite the disadvantage.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8279.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264406" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Playing as a wide midfielder, Cortez was a key player for the Dynamo as his runs were among the best offensive options they had been a man down. He was very good at beating defenders with his first touch and making quick, aggressive runs upfield. The team's first goal was initiated in one of his runs and he was also involved in the second, drawing the free kick that Estrada converted. Cortez, who played a similar role on the left, also displayed good energy without the ball, helping the Dynamo defend well for most of the match.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_8324.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264421" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">dwaHouston Dynamo U16 vs. FC Dallas U16</figcaption></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">The Dynamo's utility player had a stellar match, scoring twice and almost leading the team to an unlikely victory. Estrada spent time at both wingback positions, performing with great efficiency, defending well and getting into the attacking half with good combination plays. He scored the team's first goal in a beautiful curled shot from the left side of the penalty box and that significantly increased his confidence. Estrada was very smart with how he took the free kick that resulted in the team's second goal and did a good job in other set pieces.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1840141799903637793 </div></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.