MLS Next U15: Houston Rangers overcome the Dallas Hornets 2-1

All eyes in the MLS Next League this week are in Bradenton, Florida, where the MLS academies compete against teams from around the world in the Generation Adidas Cup. League matches, however, continue to take place in the country, delivering exciting matchups.   PrepSoccer Texas continues to offer unparalleled coverage of the teams from the Lone Star State that compete in the Homegrown Division, bringing weekly content that includes match and player reports, Photo Galleries and social media posts.   On Saturday, March 28, we were at Hickory Slough Sportsplex, in Pearland, where the [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] and the [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'] U15 teams met. Playing at home, the Rangers won 2-1.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] U15 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'] U15 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/03/mls-next-u15-houston-rangers-vs-dallas-hornets-photos/">Photos</a></li> </ul>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DWc4oiODhF1/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The Rangers scored their first goal in the 18th minute of the first half, when forward [player_tooltip player_id='285937' first='Abdullah' last='Wadi'] won a duel inside the box and calmly placed the ball over the Hornets' goalkeeper Jared Espino.   The home team doubled its lead in the 20th minute of the second half, when forward Alexander Hernandez took a corner kick from the left and defender Owen Lockerd rose above everyone else to head the ball into the back of the net. The Rangers got down a man down after Joshua Cupid was sent off in the 28th minute, but the Hornets only got their goal in stoppage time, after defender [player_tooltip player_id='318007' first='Trajan' last='Castanon'] fired a shot from outside the box and Rangers' goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='333390' first='Emiliano' last='Elizondo-Lopez'] got a hand on it, but couldn't prevent it from going in.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    The forward scored one of the Rangers' goals in the match and was their most effective attacking option, keeping the Hornets' backline under constant pressure. Wadi played with great intensity in the final third, consistently making runs and working well with his back to the goal to find nice passes to the team's wide players. He did very well in his goal, going hard for the ball to win a duel and showing calm and vision in front of the goal to calmly slot the ball over the goalkeeper. Wadi was a little isolated in the last 20 minutes when the Rangers were down a player, but continued to work hard chasing long balls and made some good plays up top.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0245_72465e.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353561" /></figure>    Martinez anchored the Rangers' backline and was a couple of minutes away from leading the team to a clean sheet. He played on both the right and left sides of central defense and was always in the right spots to disrupt plays. Martinez was very successful in physical duels, but also showed good mobility and pace to run toward his goal when the Hornets attempted to play long passes behind his back. The center back also led his team's buildup, connecting the vast majority of his passes and showing great accuracy when he had to play long.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0219_135141.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353549" /></figure>    Kuban was another standout in the Rangers' backline, showing nice versatility and a solid defensive game. He started the match at left back and demonstrated great mobility to defend pacey wingers out wide. He moved into central defense still during the first half and adjusted well to the physical demands of the position, winning many duels and blocking shots inside the penalty box. Kuban also did well on the ball, moving the ball quickly and efficiently.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0119_3514de.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353519" /></figure>    Elizondo-Lopez had a solid shift in goal and played a big role in keeping the Hornets scoreless for almost the entire match. The goalkeeper did well when catching crosses in the box and also made some difficult saves, most notably one in a shot from outside the box in the second half that was going into the upper corner. Elizondo-Lopez also stood out for quickly putting the ball back in play after making saves and, at times, starting quick transition plays from his team. He could probably have done a little bit better in the goal he conceded, but Castanon's shot was very high and fired from a difficult spot.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0167_0f5adf.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353535" /></figure>    Jeffery had a strong shift in central defense, forming a strong center back duo with Seth Chiota. Playing on the right, he seemed to always be one step ahead, popping up in the right spots to make defensive plays and win the ball. Jeffery held his own in physical duels and showed great mobility to cover his teammates out wide on both sides. The center back was very comfortable on the ball, passing it accurately out of the back and driving it forward when he had a chance.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0124_19dc69.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353521" /></figure>    Gutierrez came in after the halftime break and was one of the Hornets' best players in the second half. Playing as a left-back, he showed a solid two-way game, performing at a high level both offensively and defensively. Gutierrez offered important contributions when he went forward, at times staying wide to send accurate crosses into the box and on other occasions operating more centrally and attempting passes behind the backline. He also did well in set pieces, providing great service and firing shots on goal in free kicks.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0214.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353547" /></figure>    The midfielder was the most creative player on the Hornets' side and led the team's attacking efforts when he was on the field. DeLawter was constantly on the ball, on many occasions getting in directly from the center backs, and demonstrated great ability to move it upfield. He did well in dribbling it forward, managing to quickly switch directions and keep possession, but also releasing it at the right time. DeLawter also made good decisions with his distribution when under pressure in the attacking half, showing a high soccer IQ.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0139.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-353526" /></figure>

All eyes in the MLS Next League this week are in Bradenton, Florida, where the MLS academies compete against teams from around the world in the Generation Adidas Cup. League matches, however, continue to take place in the country, delivering exciting matchups.