MLS Next U19: Houston Rangers top Capital City in PKs

The 2026-2027 MLS Next season is officially underway, and between now and June, the top boys' teams in the country will go against each other week in, week out, fighting for victories on the field.   Prep Soccer Texas continues to follow the league in the Lone Star State, providing the best coverage in the region, with match recaps, performance recaps, photo galleries, and social media posts that highlight the hard work and impressive talent of local players.   On Saturday, September 19, the [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] and [program_tooltip program_id='283624' first='Capital' last='City SC'] engaged in an exciting battle in the U19 age group at Paul D Rushing Park, in Katy. The two sides were even 2-2 after the ninety minutes, and the Rangers won the penalty kick shootout 5-4.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] U19 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283624' first='Capital' last='City SC'] U19 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/09/mls-next-u19-houston-rangers-vs-capital-city-sc-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/DdmCWPyDuVt/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The Rangers needed nine minutes to get on the board - [player_tooltip player_id='338110' first='Jeremiah' last='Frederich'] found fellow midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='338107' first='Patrick' last='McHugh'] with a great pass behind the backline, and he fired a nice low driven shot to get the ball into the back of the net. Their lead, however, didn't last long, as four minutes later forward Christian Rojas picked up the rebound of a free-kick shot and tied the match for Capital City.   The home team got the lead back in the 30th minute of the second half, when McHugh converted a penalty kick drawn by forward Roy Montiel. Capital City fought back another time and counted on a great play by midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='376349' first='Marcelo' last='Perez'] and excellent offensive presence from forward [player_tooltip player_id='343762' first='Rolando' last='Garza'], who picked up the rebound of his shot to equalize in the 41st minute.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    McHugh scored both of the Rangers' goals in the match and was heavily involved in the team's offensive plays. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he was very good at connecting with his teammates in the center of the field and also made good runs on the ball. McHugh's off-the-ball movement facilitated many of his team's attacking plays, as he did a good job of making himself available for his teammates and was very quick and direct with his passing. He showed solid finishing skills to score the first goal with a first-time shot and calm and composure to convert the penalty kick.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0243.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411410" /></figure>    Typically used as a winger, Montiel played more centrally and led the line for Rangers at the center forward position. He played the role with a high level of intensity and constant movement, which kept Capital City's backline under pressure. Montiel did a good job of getting involved in Rangers' attacking plays, be it by dropping deeper to get on the ball, making runs behind the backline, or drifting wide. Also very active when pressing the defenders, he was rewarded for his efforts by drawing the penalty kick that generated his team's second goal in the match.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0276.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411424" /></figure>    The Rangers captain, Esteban had a strong shift in the backline for them. Playing as a right-sided center back, he did a good job of winning duels inside the penalty box, clearing crosses with his head and his feet. Esteban also thrived with his positioning and mobility, popping up in good spots to cover his teammates and be the first to get to passes behind the backline. He was very calm in possession, too, helping his team circulate the ball in the backline and patiently waiting for the right moment to play progressive passes.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0249.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411413" /></figure>    Perez was one of the pillars for Capital City and had a big impact on the team's play from the midfield. He split his time between the central midfielder and attacking midfielder roles and got on the ball a lot, getting involved in most of the team's offensive plays. Perez showed great vision on the ball and did a good job of finding solutions to difficult plays, delivering nice passes under pressure and beating opponents in tight spaces. He often stepped into the final third to create chances and fired some good shots from outside the box, one of which led to the team's second goal.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0261.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411417" /></figure>    Rojas started the match in the center forward role for Capital City and did a good job of getting involved in the team's attacking plays. He was very mobile up top, often drifting wide to connect with the winger and make runs behind the backline. Rojas also thrived with his positioning inside the box and scored the team's first goal after following up on a shot from outside the box. He also showed great energy to press defenders and force the Rangers to play back or laterally on many occasions.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0273.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411423" /></figure>    Garza came in during the second half and added a great deal of quality and aggression to the team's offense. Playing as a left winger, he was very good in 1v1 plays and used his pace to attack the space in the Rangers' backline. Besides making good plays out wide, he also drew some free kicks, which generated solid opportunities for this team to score. Garza did very well in the play in which he scored Capital City's second goal by coming from the left into the penalty box and picking up the rebound right after the ball left the goalkeeper's hands, allowing no time for defenders to stop him.

The 2026-2027 MLS Next season is officially underway, and between now and June, the top boys' teams in the country will go against each other week in, week out, fighting for victories on the field.