MLS Next U15: Houston Dynamo dominate Austin FC on the road

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026-2027 MLS Next season continues to progress, and until June, the top boys' teams in the country will go against each other week in, week out, fighting for victories on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, November 7, we were at Parmer Field in Austin for the most recent edition of the U15 Texas Derby between [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] and the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo']. Even playing on the road, the Dynamo fully dominated their opponents and returned home with a big 4-1 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] U15 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U15 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/11/mls-next-u15-austin-fc-vs-houston-dynamo-photos/">Photos</a></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfpYNjtFBDL/?img_index=1","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/DfpYNjtFBDL/?img_index=1 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dynamo had a strong start to the match and scored their first goal in the third minute after forward [player_tooltip player_id='381700' first='Ryu' last='Roberts'] was taken down inside the box and forward Lucas Moscon de Oliveira converted from the spot. Oliveira got another one in the tenth minute, when midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='381703' first='Frederico' last='Knupfer'] gave him the ball inside the box and he fired a cross shot. Austin got one back in the 24th minute, when forward [player_tooltip player_id='381720' first='Ryan' last='Thompson'] shot from outside the box and midfielder Javier Martinez followed up on it to pick up the rebound and score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The visiting side went to the halftime break with a three-goal lead anyways, however, as Ryu dribbled past a defender inside the box and hit a cross shot into the back of the net. The fourth and last Dynamo goal was scored in the 53rd minute - midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='295566' first='Gideon' last='Gomez'] was taken down just outside the box and forward [player_tooltip player_id='381786' first='Erik' last='Galaviz'] hit a nice curled shot into the upper corner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a891295f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucas started the match on fire, and the two goals he scored in the first ten minutes paved the way for the Dynamo's dominant victory. The center forward was very opportunistic inside the box and finished very well on the two best chances he had to help his team capitalize early. With Austin trailing from the start, the Dynamo had plenty of space to hit on the counter, and Lucas did a great job of being an option by drifting wide and getting separation from opposing defenders. The striker was very active throughout the match and also did well when he dropped to combine with his teammates and when going at defenders 1v1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DffMIe2BHBO/">Match Highlights</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419052,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1713.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419052" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381700"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a8912967b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryu played on the left side of the Dynamo's attack and was pretty much unstoppable there. He dribbled past Austin's right back basically every time he attempted to do it, drawing the penalty kick that led to Houston's first goal and scoring the third one with a well-placed cross shot after beating his marker. Ryu was excellent at getting involved in attacking plays, making good runs out wide and coming inside to connect with his teammates. He ended the match playing more centrally after Lucas was taken off and continued to be dangerous, finding space to get on the ball, beating defenders in tight spaces and firing nice shots on goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DffKpVORpO9/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/DffKpVORpO9/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a891296f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Galaviz completed the Dynamo's attacking trio by playing on the right and, just like his teammates, was a constant threat to Austin's backline. Very technical and creative, the winger combined well with his teammates when coming inside to make plays with his skilled left foot. Galaviz was very smart when scoring his free-kick goal, as he caught Austin's goalkeeper off guard by targeting the corner where he was and sending the ball into a very difficult spot. He also did well in other set-piece situations and made some good plays out wide on the right.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419082,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1873.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419082" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["295566"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af5db8e5d3e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gomez played the No. 10 role for the Dynamo and helped facilitate many of the team's attacking plays. Very quick and dynamic in possession, he was very direct and intelligent with his distribution, not needing much time on the ball to move it into the final third and find teammates in good spots. Gomez's vision and quick thinking were seen on many occasions throughout the match, as he orchestrated plays with first-time and backheeled passes. The midfielder also had a good presence in the final third and drew the foul that resulted in the team's last goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419047,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1676.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419047" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381703"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a89129769"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knupfer formed a strong double pivot in midfield with [player_tooltip player_id='381866' first='Jhonny' last='Cuero'], bringing intensity and quality on the ball and helping the Dynamo dominate the center of the field. He was very active defensively, covering a lot of ground and helping dismantle several Austin offensive pushes with well-timed tackles. Knupfer also had a solid performance on the ball, stepping into the final third and delivering assists in the second and third goals. The midfielder's movement off the ball was also very good, and he was available for the defenders and fellow midfielders when his team had possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419057,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1739.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419057" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a891297eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morales had a solid shift on the backline and helped the Dynamo produce a strong defensive performance. He combined very well with fellow center back [player_tooltip player_id='353427' first='Samuel' last='Skillern'], as the two relied on their positioning to win the ball and stop plays. Morales was very quick to step up and intercept passes, and also appeared well blocking shots inside and around the box. With the Dynamo dominating possession, he was on the ball often and showed confidence and quality moving it forward with direct passes and some runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419076,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1848.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419076" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af3a89129866"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a match in which Austin didn't have much success offensively, much of what they accomplished in the final third was through Gomez. He had a free role in their attack and used it well to move around and find pockets of space to get on the ball. Gomez was very quick and dynamic on the ball and worked hard to make things happen in the attacking half. He also combined well with his teammates and made some good plays through the center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419073,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1826.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419073" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381720"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af5eff08f0f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson was only on the field for the first half of the match and was very active and fairly productive in his limited playing time. Playing as a center forward, he was the focal point of Austin's offense and forced the Dynamo's backline to work with his movement off the ball. Thompson was directly involved in the play that led to the team's only goal, firing the shot that originated it. He also did a good job of pressing the defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419067,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A1795.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419067" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->