ECNL TX U19: Solar Academy on top against HTX

The ECNL Boys League has had an exciting first couple of months in its 2026-2027 season, as the best teams in the league get on the field to face their regional rivals in Conference Play.   The Texas Conference is one of the strongest in the entire country, and Prep Soccer Texas will be following the season as it unfolds, supporting the Lone Star State teams with high-level coverage that will include match reports, photo galleries and social media posts.   On Sunday, October 18, HTX and Solar SC Academy U19 teams clashed at Bear Branch Soccer Fields in The Woodlands, and Prep Soccer Texas was there. The match had a busy first half, and ended with Solar triumphing 3-1 on the road.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>HTX U19 vs. Solar SC Academy U19 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/10/ecnl-tx-u19-htx-vs-solar-sc-academy-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/Dewos9Yjh9i/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The visiting Solar struck first in the 63rd minute, when midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='415638' first='Jad' last='Shehadeh'] crossed the ball from the right after a corner kick and defender Mason Farley headed it into the back of the net. HTX tied the score in the 77th minute when, after winning the ball just outside Solar's box, midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='338830' first='Ruben' last='Andrade'] fired a beautiful shot that went into the upper corner.   Solar used their ability in the air to jump ahead again just nine minutes later, with defender [player_tooltip player_id='16523' first='Matthew' last='Zilinskas'] beating HTX's goalkeeper to get to the end of a cross sent by defender [player_tooltip player_id='415637' first='Eric' last='Melgar'] and redirecting the ball into the net. Solar sealed their victory in the 89th minute, when forward [player_tooltip player_id='272279' first='Bennett' last='Kerr'] featured in a quick transition play down the left and fed midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='415636' first='Mario' last='Dominguez'], who scored with a cross shot.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Game</h2>    Dominguez spent time on both wings and was Solar's main attacking option throughout the match. He was very direct in the final third, using his pace and dribbling to beat defenders and making good runs out wide, occasionally getting in good spots behind the backline. Dominguez showed remarkable calm inside the box to score the game-clinching goal and was also involved in Solar's second goal by taking the corner kick that started the play. Before finding the back of the net, he had fired some good shots, which were stopped by HTX's goalkeeper.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0105_ae1f0a.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415559" /></figure>    Zilinskas led Solar's backline to a solid game and was very difficult to get by at the right-sided center back spot. Standing at 6'4", he dominated the penalty box, doing particularly well in the air and in physical duels. Zilinskas also showed great mobility and excellent instincts when he had to defend in space, reading plays well and stopping opponents with well-timed sliding tackles. The defender did very well in beating HTX's goalkeeper for the ball to score Solar's second goal in a key moment of the match and also performed remarkably well in possession, moving the ball with confidence and efficiency.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0104.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415558" /></figure>    Melgar had a solid performance at left back and made a significant impact in Solar's play with his two-way game. He was very solid defensively, rarely losing a duel and shutting down almost every HTX play attempted in his zone. Melgar also supported the team's buildup by helping move the ball out of the back and supported the attack through the middle, operating as a deep-lying playmaker instead of staying wide. He also registered an assist by making the cross that found Zilinskas in the box to score Solar's second goal.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0134.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415574" /></figure>    Shehadeh was another important offensive weapon for Solar in the match, and he stood out for his ability to perform different roles in the attacking half and his quality on the ball. He played mostly on the right, but also came inside to make plays with his skilled left foot, showing good ability to beat defenders and play final passes. Shehadeh provided the assist for Solar's second goal by delivering an accurate in-swinging cross from the right. He also drew some fouls in dangerous spots around the box and played with great intensity on both sides of the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0167.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415587" /></figure>    Kerr played on the left side of Solar's attack and showed tremendous quality to lead their offensive efforts from there. He stayed wide almost the entire time and repeatedly asked for the ball so he could go at defenders 1v1. In the first half, most of Solar's goalscoring opportunities originated with him on the left wing. The forward made another excellent play before assisting Dominguez in Solar's third goal by pushing the ball forward in a transition play and releasing it at the right time for his teammate to finish.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0126_51680a.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415570" /></figure>    Andrade was HTX's best player on the field and led their offense from the attacking midfielder spot. He got on the ball basically every time his team attempted to make things happen and was very good at beating opponents in tight spaces to create an advantage as he moved upfield. Andrade also showed excellent passing vision and provided great service in set pieces. He scored HTX's lone goal with a beautiful shot from outside the box and had other good attempts that were saved.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0171.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415589" /></figure>    Alldredge played only in the first half and did a great job of completing his shift with a clean sheet. The goalkeeper had to deal with Solar's constant presence in the attacking half and responded well every time he was called to action, performing some nice stops in 1v1 plays. Alldredge also moved the ball well with his feet, keeping his distribution simple, risk-free and efficient. Despite having conceded three goals, Lincoln Ramirez, who was in goal during the second half, also made a positive impression with good saves.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/10/2J4A0118_b8b52b.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-415565" /></figure>

The ECNL Boys League has had an exciting first couple of months in its 2026-2027 season, as the best teams in the league get on the field to face their regional rivals in Conference Play.

The Texas Conference is one of the strongest in the entire country, and Prep Soccer Texas will be following the season as it unfolds, supporting the Lone Star State teams with high-level coverage that will include match reports, photo galleries and social media posts.

On Sunday, October 18, HTX and Solar SC Academy U19 teams clashed at Bear Branch Soccer Fields in The Woodlands, and Prep Soccer Texas was there. The match had a busy first half, and ended with Solar triumphing 3-1 on the road.

HTX U19 vs. Solar SC Academy U19 - Photos

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The visiting Solar struck first in the 63rd minute, when midfielder Jad Shehadeh Jad Shehadeh M Southlake Carroll | 2027 TX crossed the ball from the right after a corner kick and defender Mason Farley headed it into the back of the net. HTX tied the score in the 77th minute when, after winning the ball just outside Solar's box, midfielder Ruben Andrade Ruben Andrade 5'6" | M Cypress Lakes | 2027 TX fired a beautiful shot that went into the upper corner.

Solar used their ability in the air to jump ahead again just nine minutes later, with defender Matthew Zilinskas Matthew Zilinskas 6'4" | D/F Heath | 2027 State TX beating HTX's goalkeeper to get to the end of a cross sent by defender Eric Melgar Eric Melgar 5'8" | D Garland | 2027 TX and redirecting the ball into the net. Solar sealed their victory in the 89th minute, when forward Bennett Kerr Bennett Kerr 6'0" | F Frisco Heritage | 2027 State TX featured in a quick transition play down the left and fed midfielder Mario Dominguez Mario Dominguez 5'9" | M West Mesquite | 2027 TX , who scored with a cross shot.

Players of the Game

Mario Dominguez

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS M

CLASS 2027

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Mario Dominguez

State: Texas

School: West Mesquite

Club: Solar SC ECNL

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Matthew Zilinskas

TX #59

D/F #22

HEIGHT 6'4"

POS D/F

CLASS 2027

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Matthew Zilinskas

State: Texas

School: Heath

Club: Solar SC ECNL

Zilinskas led Solar's backline to a solid game and was very difficult to get by at the right-sided center back spot. Standing at 6'4", he dominated the penalty box, doing particularly well in the air and in physical duels. Zilinskas also showed great mobility and excellent instincts when he had to defend in space, reading plays well and stopping opponents with well-timed sliding tackles. The defender did very well in beating HTX's goalkeeper for the ball to score Solar's second goal in a key moment of the match and also performed remarkably well in possession, moving the ball with confidence and efficiency.