MLS Next U17: Houston Dynamo overcome GFI 4-1 in midweek match

The MLS Next League returned to action after its winter break, and teams from all over the country fight to get wins and qualify for MLS Next Flex.   On Wednesday, March 4, Prep Soccer Texas attended a rare midweek league match, which had the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U16 team facing [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy'] (GFI)'s U17 side at the Houston Sports Park. With a strong second-half performance, the Dynamo triumphed 4-1.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U17 vs. GFI U17 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/03/mls-next-u17-houston-dynamo-vs-gfi-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/DVjVZw3DrIH/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The first half of the match had only one goal, which was scored in the 44th minute by midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='332674' first='Matthew' last='Shannon']. He stepped up to take a penalty kick drawn by forward [player_tooltip player_id='210663' first='Maddox' last='Choate'] and saw GFI's goalkeeper Sneijder Salamanca save it, but picked up the rebound and sent the ball into the back of the net.   Choate was also involved in the Dynamo's second goal, scored in the fifth minute of the second half, when he crossed the ball from the right and midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='211226' first='Sebastian' last='Serna'] scored. Four minutes later, Serna took a corner kick from the right and defender [player_tooltip player_id='190973' first='Jason' last='Anumele'] rose above everyone else to head the ball and expand the Dynamo's lead to three goals.   GFI got their only goal in the match in the 24th minute, when forward [player_tooltip player_id='277893' first='Jonathan' last='Torkin'] converted a penalty kick he drew. In the 40th minute, Choate sealed the Dynamo's victory, getting a pass from midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='332692' first='Chris' last='Gonzalez'] and firing an inch-perfect low shot, which hit the inside of the post before going in.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    Shannon's impressive intensity in midfield was huge for the Dynamo and helped them control the game. He was very alert defensively, always popping up close to the ball and stepping up to make strong defensive plays, intercepting passes and winning duels. Shannon also appeared well in possession, getting on the ball a lot and doing a great job of taking it forward with intelligent passes and direct runs. He had more luck than competence to score the team's first goal, but he deserves credit for following up on his PK shot and sending it into the back of the net.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0044.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351826" /></figure>    Involved in three of the four Dynamo goals, Choate was the team's top offensive player against GFI. He split his time playing more centrally and on the right and was excellent at understanding how to attack the space available in the final third, combining well with his teammates and making plays. Choate crowned an excellent attacking performance with a beautiful goal, showing impressive precision with his shot. He was also very committed to his defensive duties, consistently tracking back and making a defensive play a couple of yards away from his team's end line in the very last minutes of the match.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0009.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351815" /></figure>    Serna was a key piece in the Dynamo's midfield, bringing good dynamism and quality on the ball for the team. He started the match as a center midfielder, playing next to Shannon, and was then pushed forward to more of an attacking role. The left-footed playmaker was excellent in possession, finding great passes, many of them first-time ones, and having a big impact on his team's chance-creation. Serna did very well in tracking Choate's cross to score his team's second goal and provided great service in set pieces, assisting Anumele in the third goal with an accurate delivery.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0034.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351822" /></figure>    Perez formed a strong defensive duo with [player_tooltip player_id='190973' first='Jason' last='Anumele'], as the two center backs combined to keep GFI's offense quiet for most of the match. Playing as a right-sided center back, he was very good at winning physical duels, but also stood out for his positioning, stepping up to intercept passes and making stops. Perez was particularly successful with his sliding tackles, timing his action extremely well - he used them to block a pair of what could have been dangerous shots by GFI inside the box. The defender also demonstrated quality in possession, passing the ball efficiently out of the back and stepping into the attacking half with it.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0076_b774b8.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351833" /></figure>    Cuellar spent time at left back and center midfield and stood out in both positions with his consistent and reliable game. He was very solid defensively, showing good quality to defend out wide and forming a strong duo with left midfielder Diel Mbadinga. When moved into midfield, he did well at operating in tighter spaces. Cuellar's vision was maximized in the center of the field and he managed to create good attacking plays with direct passes behind the backline.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0019.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351818" /></figure>    Salamanca was between the posts for GFI during the first 45 minutes and got very close to leaving the field with a clean sheet. He was consistently called to action and was always ready to intervene, catching crosses and stopping shots with great efficiency. He was unlucky in the only play in which he conceded, picking the right side and stopping Shannon's penalty kick shot, but seeing the ball come right back to him. Salamanca also used his feet well, often starting GFI's buildup with short passes.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0031.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351821" /></figure>    The forward didn't get much service, but made the most of what he had to work with. With the Dynamo pressing high, GFI had issues structuring their offensive plays, and Torkin dropped back to help with that on some occasions. He was very dangerous in transition plays, attacking the space behind the backline with strong runs. He drew a penalty kick in one of those runs and capitalized on it, sending the Dynamo goalkeeper the wrong way to score his team's only goal in the match, and had some other good moments using his pace to create problems.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/2J4A0090_ab5c00.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351840" /></figure>

The MLS Next League returned to action after its winter break, and teams from all over the country fight to get wins and qualify for MLS Next Flex.