MLS Next U19: Dynamo top Austin in season-opening Texas Derby

The MLS Next 2025-2026 season kicked off last weekend, with matches involving teams in the newly-renamed Homegrown and Academy divisions taking place all over the country after a two-month break following the 2024-2025 season.   Like we did last season, Prep Soccer Texas will continue to follow the teams from the Lone Star State throughout the season, covering matches and producing photos, articles and social media posts of the duels involving the most talented players from the state.   The new season started with another exciting edition of the Texas Derby, reuniting the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] and [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC']'s U19 teams on Saturday, September 6, at the Houston Sports Park. After scoring one goal in each half of the match, the Dynamo started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over their rivals.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/09/mls-next-u19-houston-dynamo-vs-austin-fc-photos-2/">Photos: [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U19 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] U19</a></li> </ul>   The home team got the lead in the first half of the match, after forward Mohammad Samir picked up the ball after a long free kick cross and sent it back into the penalty box to defender [player_tooltip player_id='90045' first='Micah' last='Harris'], who redirected it into the back of the net with a first-time finish.   Samir was also involved in the team's second goal, scored in the second minute of the second half, getting a pass from midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='288461' first='Lalo' last='Estrada'] inside the penalty box and firing a well-placed shot into the low corner to double the Dynamo's lead.   The Dynamo will now make the trip to Denver to face the Colorado Rapids in their second match of the season, on September 13. On the same day, Austin will face [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'], also on the road.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    The center back was instrumental in the Dynamo's victory, making a difference for his team on both sides of the game. Harris was very strong defensively, using his physical tools to dominate his zone, showing great efficiency to control opponents with his pace and athleticism, but also defended the penalty box well, leading the backline to a clean sheet. He also played a key role in the team's buildup, showing calm and quality when on the ball and making some runs on the ball when he had open space in front of him. In the attack, Harris showed good presence inside the penalty box and great quickness to react and score the team's go-ahead goal with a difficult first-time finish.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/2J4A0020.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-319548" /></figure>    The dynamic winger was the Dynamo's main attacking threat during the match, using his pace and dribbling skills to create chances. Samir spent time on both wings and was very strong in 1v1 plays, consistently beating defenders out wide and getting into great spots in the final third. The forward was clinical in the two plays that decided the match, demonstrating intelligence to put the ball back into the center of the box in the first goal and calm and composure in front of the goal to score the second. Samir helped the Dynamo keep the ball in the attacking half at the end of the second half and had an excellent play on the right that could have led the team to score a third goal.     The versatile midfielder came in after the halftime break and made an immediate impact on the game, feeding Samir with a great pass for him to score the Dynamo's second goal in the match. Playing a center midfielder, Estrada was very active and efficient with his game, playing an important two-way role. He covered a lot of ground and was excellent at winning duels and getting to second balls, but also contributed in possession with his smart distribution. Estrada also did a good job of stepping into the final third to support the attack and had a good chance to score, but his shot went over the bar.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/2J4A0035.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-319555" /></figure>    White came in during the second half and had a strong shift at left back for the Dynamo. The physical defender entirely dominated his zone of the field, using his athleticism and strength to stop opponents who went in there. White was efficient at intercepting passes, but also stood out with his ability to keep opponents under pressure and tackle them, even when defending inside the penalty box. The defender also did solid work on the ball, having success with most of his long ball attempts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/2J4A0034.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-319554" /></figure>    The forward was Austin's most active and dangerous attacking player in the match, using his movement off the ball to keep the Dynamo backline under pressure. Peale started the match at the center forward role and was insistent with his runs behind the backline and out wide, always making himself available for his teammates. He dropped to midfield during the second half and displayed good ability to drive the ball forward and to find teammates in the final third with his intelligent passing. Peale also did a good job of keeping his intensity level high during the entire match, regardless of the position he was playing.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/2J4A0047.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-319561" /></figure>    Yeager had a solid shift for Austin, especially because of his passing ability. A lefty, he started the match playing as a left-sided center back and did good work in the team's buildup, connecting passes with great accuracy and intelligence and helping his team break the Dynamo's defensive lines. Yeager moved to central midfield during the second half and continued to take good care of the ball, finding teammates in good spots with his distribution.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/2J4A0059.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-319565" /></figure>

The MLS Next 2025-2026 season kicked off last weekend, with matches involving teams in the newly-renamed Homegrown and Academy divisions taking place all over the country after a two-month break following the 2024-2025 season.