TX Preseason: Dynamo U16 and Rangers U17 even in scrimmage

After a quick break in the summer, the 2026-2027 club soccer season is about to start, with most of the boys' and girls' leagues having start dates between the end of August and the first half of September.   Prep Soccer Texas will continue what it's done for the past few seasons and will offer extensive coverage in the MLS Next, the ECNL, and the Girls Academy Leagues, attending matches and tournaments in the Lone Star State so we can follow the progress of the prospects in the state and be introduced to new ones, providing them with the exposure they deserve.   On Saturday, August 15, we were at the Houston Sports Park, where an MLS Next scrimmage involving the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U16 team and the [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] U17 side took place. With goals scored in the second half, the teams tied 1-1.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U16 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] U17 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/08/tx-preseason-houston-dynamo-u16-vs-houston-rangers-u17-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/DcO5W6Bj5Y3/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The Dynamo had the best chance of the first half with midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='295582' first='Emilio' last='Maldonado'], who hit the post with a shot from just outside the box in the 44th minute. The hosts scored early in the second half - midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='295566' first='Gideon' last='Gomez'] shot from outside the box, forward [player_tooltip player_id='380291' first='Gianni' last='Hiwiller'] picked up the rebound and assisted forward [player_tooltip player_id='317494' first='Dax' last='Munson'], who sent the ball into an open net.   The Rangers pushed forward and nearly leveled the score in the ninth minute, in a play that saw forwards Jean Carlos Cabezas and [player_tooltip player_id='333354' first='Faesol' last='Owoade'] hit the post in back-to-back shots. Later, in the 20th minute, they managed to equalize after forward [player_tooltip player_id='385133' first='Freiber' last='Howard'] made a good play on the right and crossed the ball to midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='353926' first='Santiago' last='Zavala'], who scored.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    James had a very strong performance in the center of the field for the Dynamo and was among the team's most consistent and productive players. Playing as a center midfielder, he was very involved in different areas of the game and stood out by combining quality on the ball and intensity. James was very active defensively, used his long legs to cover ground, and was very firm and timely with his tackles. The midfielder also did very well in possession, distributing the ball intelligently and supporting the offense with strong runs through the center of the field.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0168.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384982" /></figure>    A new addition to the Dynamo this season, Hiwiller was one of the team's main offensive weapons. He spent time on both wings and was consistently dangerous, demonstrating the ability to challenge the Rangers' backline in different ways. Hiwiller was a threat out wide, attacking the space intelligently, making runs in behind and facing opponents 1v1, but also identified the right moments to come inside and combine with his teammates. He did very well in following Gomez's shot to pick the rebound up and was selfless with his decision to get the ball for Munson to score.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0167.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384981" /></figure>    Gomez came in after the halftime break and added a new dimension to the Dynamo's offense in the attacking midfielder role. He was very good with his off-the-ball movement, consistently finding space to operate between the lines and using quick moves to beat opponents when defended more closely. His passing vision also helped his team create chances, as he didn't need much time on the ball to identify the best option and move the ball to his teammates in the final third. Gomez was directly involved in the Dynamo goal, firing the shot from outside the box that led to Munson scoring.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0194_3a8d22.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384999" /></figure>    A new face with the Rangers, Howard was an interesting offensive weapon for them. He came in during the first half and was consistently dangerous playing on the right side of their attack. Howard's ability to make runs on and off the ball generated many chances for the team, including the one that led to Zavala's goal, in which he assisted. The winger also showed quality to beat defenders 1v1, was accurate with his crosses and attempted some shots on goal.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0190_1a029e.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384996" /></figure>    Zavala scored the Rangers' goal in the match and stood out as one of their most active attacking players. He spent time in central midfield and on the right wing and did a good job of consistently getting involved in their offense. Zavala was very efficient with this decisions on the ball, always picking the right moves to keep their offense going. He was very present inside the attacking penalty box, scoring in one of those runs and having another chance in a similar play, and also made good plays out wide, showing good pace and ball control.     Another new addition to the Rangers, Pestana led their defensive efforts against the Dynamo. The center back was very good at defending the penalty box, showing quality to win duels in the air and clear crosses on the ground. Pestana also made good defensive plays outside the penalty box, showing great energy to chase opponents and composure to wait for the right moment to make a play for the ball. He stood out on the ball, too, moving it intelligently out of the back, dribbling it forward when he had the space and even firing a dangerous shot from outside the box.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0186_791b50.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384993" /></figure>

After a quick break in the summer, the 2026-2027 club soccer season is about to start, with most of the boys' and girls' leagues having start dates between the end of August and the first half of September.