MLS Next U16: Choate's stunner the difference as Dynamo beat RSL

The MLS Next 2025-2026 season is entering the final weeks before its winter break, with matches involving teams in the newly-renamed Homegrown and Academy divisions taking place all over the country every weekend.   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.   On Saturday, November 1, we attended the duel between two MLS academies reuniting the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] and the [program_tooltip program_id='283725' first='Real' last='Salt Lake'] U16 teams at the Houston Sports Park, in Houston.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U16 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283725' first='Real' last='Salt Lake'] U16 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/11/mls-next-u16-houston-dynamo-vs-real-salt-lake-photos/">Photos</a></li> </ul>   It was a match of few opportunities, and the home team counted on a beautiful goal scored by forward [player_tooltip player_id='210663' first='Maddox' last='Choate'] in the eighth minute of the second half to produce the separation it needed to secure all three points with a 1-0 victory.   With the victory, the Dynamo kept their perfect campaign in the MLS Next Flex Academy Division, getting to 15 points (five wins) - they play [program_tooltip program_id='321473' first='AC' last='River'] at home on November 2. RSL were handed their first loss and now have five points (one win, one loss, two ties) ahead of their home match against Tulsa Greenwood SC on November 9.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    After spending the first half at the striker role, Choate moved to the wing in the second half and was a big part of the Dynamo's offense. He scored the game-winner in a beautiful play, in which he showed patience to cut the ball inside and tremendous quality to send it into the upper corner with a well-placed shot. The forward step time on both flanks was very dangerous in 1v1 plays, beating defenders to create chances. He also came inside to combine with his teammates and had a dangerous shot and an excellent final pass inside the box that his team couldn't capitalize on.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0197.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336580" /></figure>    Bowman came in during the halftime break and helped the Dynamo produce a clean sheet with a solid performance in the backline. The left-sided center back was very good at reading plays and was very effective at intercepting long passes and clearing balls with his head. Bowman also made some key stops around the penalty box, timing his tackles well and remaining calm under pressure. He was very involved in the team's buildup and was very efficient with his distribution, moving the ball intelligently and avoiding turnovers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0157.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336563" /></figure>    Playing as a wide midfielder, Ahrens was very intense throughout the match, appearing in different areas of the field. We spent time on both sides, but had the freedom to move in the attacking half and used it well to attack vulnerable spots. He made some very good runs on the ball during the second half, moving very quickly in the open field, and drew some fouls, helping his team slow things down and preserve their lead. Ahrens also appeared well inside the penalty box, firing a dangerous shot near the end of the match, and was very disciplined in tracking back and helping on defense.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0221.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336591" /></figure>    The Dynamo captain, the midfielder covered a lot of ground and helped his team keep a strong level during the entire match. Yurong operated well alongside fellow central midfielder Matt Shannon as the two did a good job of shielding the team's backline and winning possession in the center of the field. The midfielder also did solid work on the ball, not keeping it for too long and smartly moving it upfield with direct, simple passes.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0205.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336583" /></figure>    Playing as a right-sided center back, Haders was very solid in the [program_tooltip program_id='283725' first='Real' last='Salt Lake']'s backline. He was very smart with his positioning and kept the Dynamo's attackers under pressure, not giving them much space on the ball. The defender also displayed good mobility to track back and recover when he had to defend in space or cover a teammate. Haders also played a big role in RSL's buildup and connected good passes out of the back, successfully stepping into the attacking half to support their offense when they were behind in the second half.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0174.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336569" /></figure>    An attacking midfielder, Reyes was RSL's most creative player in the match. Even closely defended by the Dynamo players, he did a good job of getting the ball with his back to the goal and creating space with quick body moves. Reyes moved very smartly off the ball, often finding pockets of space to get involved in the final third, and showed great vision to find dangerous passes around the penalty box.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0162.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336566" /></figure>

The MLS Next 2025-2026 season is entering the final weeks before its winter break, with matches involving teams in the newly-renamed Homegrown and Academy divisions taking place all over the country every weekend.