MLS Next U14: Bruno leads FC Dallas past Houston Rangers 7-1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next 2025-2026 season kicked off last month, with matches involving teams in the newly-renamed Homegrown and Academy divisions taking place all over the country after a two-month break following the 2024-2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like we did last season, Prep Soccer Texas will continue to follow the teams from the Lone Star State throughout the season, covering matches and producing photos, articles and social media posts of the duels involving the most talented players from the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Sunday, October 5, we got to watch a match in the U14 age group, reuniting the [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] and [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] at the Blue Ridge Park, in Houston. Despite starting behind, Dallas counted on a stellar performance from forward Kimani Bruno to turn things around and walk away with a 7-1 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] U14 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] U14 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/10/mls-next-u14-houston-rangers-vs-fc-dallas-photos/↗https://prepsoccer.com/2025/10/mls-next-u14-houston-rangers-vs-fc-dallas-photos/">Photos </a></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing at home, the Rangers scored the first goal of the match in the 17th minute, when forward Daniel Mendez got a pass from midfielder Linus Wang, brought the ball to his left foot and buried it. Bruno started to make a difference for Dallas before the end of the first half, scoring at the 37th minute and during stoppage time to get his team ahead at the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dallas increased their lead to 3-1 when midfielder Ricardo Reyes drew and converted a penalty in the fourth minute of the second half. Bruno scored two consecutive goals again, chipping the Jeronimo Atehortua scored the sixth in the 19th minute and forward Lorenzo Hernandez gave the match final numbers in the 30th minute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] have a perfect record in the Frontier Division, topping the standings with four wins in as many matches, 25 goals scored and two conceded, and will play [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy'] on the road on October 18. The Rangers, on the other hand, rank tenth with one win and four losses and set to face the [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'] on the road in their next match, on October 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kimani Bruno","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb1956"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The forward was absolutely unstoppable and decided the match for Dallas with four goals. Taller, stronger and faster than the Rangers' defenders, Bruno had no trouble beating them in different ways in the final third and consistently appeared in good spots to finish chances. He displayed calm in front of the goal and solid finishing skills, managing to score from difficult spots or under pressure. Bruno did a great job of timing his runs, avoiding getting into an offside position, and also worked very well in tight spaces inside the box, creating room for him to finish with smart and quick moves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333799,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0284.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333799" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jeronimo Atehortua","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb19f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing as a left back, Atehortua had a strong two-way performance, appearing well on both sides of the ball. A very technical player, he offered great contributions in th team's buildup, using his vision and passing ability to connect passes out of the back. Atehortua also made a big impact in the final third, assisting Bruno in his fourth goal with a perfect cross and scoring one himself, getting into the box and firing a well-placed shot. The outside back also did solid defensive work, playing with great determination off the ball and dominating the opponents that got into his zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333769,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0201.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333769" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ricardo Reyes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb1a79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A central midfielder, Reyes demonstrated great intensity and quality on the ball to take [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] into the final third. He got on the ball a lot and did a great job of quickly releasing it, finding teammates in good spots and forcing the Rangers' defensive system to adjust. Reyes was very intelligent when in possession and made excellent choices every time he got on the ball. He made a good run into the opposing box in the play that he drew a penalty kick and showed great composure to convert it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333790,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0258.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333790" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Andrew Trigueros","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb1af7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A right-sided center back, Trigueros had an excellent performance in the backline for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']. His positioning was always on point and helped him easily disrupt the Rangers' attacking plays. The center back also demontrated excellent defensive instincts, picking the right actions to dispossess opponents and performing them at the right time, having a great success rate and avoiding fouls. Trigueros also offered solid contributions in possession, displaying great quality on the ball to pass it out of the back and dribble it forward when he had space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333801,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0290.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333801" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Evan Boyette","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb1b73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boyette excelled in the utility player role for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'], showing a solid all-around game to perform in different positions. He started the match in central defense, but also spent time at both outside back spots, proving to be very reliable in each of those positions. Boyette used his pace to make defensive plays and was very firm every time he got into a duel. He showed good quality on the ball to connect passes and communicated very well with his teammates, consistently talking to make adjustments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333795,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0270_dc03b7.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333795" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Daniel Mendez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e6cc5cb1bef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite the loopside scoreline, Mendez showed interesting skills playing as a center forward for the Rangers. Facing a strong and well-organized backline, he managed to score his team's only goal and also got another one, which was called off due to offside. Mendez displayed a very strong game inside the box and great composure in the play that he scored, bringing the ball to his weak foot to get a better angle to shoot. He also consistently got involved in the team's offense, dropping back to get on the ball and finding the wingers with good passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":333797,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/2J4A0278_a2dde0.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-333797" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->