MLS Next U19: GFI and IDEA Toros even in hard-fought match

The MLS Next League returned to action after its winter break, and between now and the end of the season, every weekend will be filled with matches everywhere around the country.   Last Saturday, February 21, Prep Soccer Texas continued its coverage in the Lone Star State by following the U19 duel between [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy'] (GFI) and [program_tooltip program_id='283659' first='IDEA' last='Toros Futbol Academy'] in Spring. After plenty of back and forth, the match ended in a 2-2 tie that did justice to what both teams showed on the field.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>GFI U19 vs. IDEA Toros U19 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/02/mls-next-u19-gfi-vs-idea-toros-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/DVOmmz9DmB6/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   GFI scored the first goal of the match near the end of the first half, in the 36th minute, when midfielder Gabriel Rodriguez won the ball in the final third, took it inside the penalty box and fired a cross shot into the back of the net.   The game took an interesting twist in the fourth minute of the second half, when GFI's forward [player_tooltip player_id='56106' first='Kortay' last='Koc'] saw his second yellow card and was sent off. Even playing a man down, GFI had a great opportunity to double their lead in the 27th minute, when midfielder Maxsen Pregeant was taken down inside the box. He went on to take the penalty kick, but Toros goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='351034' first='Gael' last='Guerra'] stopped it.   The visiting team gained momentum and scored twice within three minutes to take control of the match - midfielder Jose Briones converted a penalty kick in the 35th minute and forward [player_tooltip player_id='319314' first='Mauricio' last='Arreguin'] fired a shot into the low corner three minutes later. GFI pushed for an equalizer and got it in the 40th minute, after midfielder Emilio Balderas-Berg crossed from the left and defender Daniel Celis deflected the ball into the back of the net.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    Rodriguez did very well in the attacking midfielder role for GFI. He orchestrated most of the team's offensive plays in the first half, moving well off the ball to be a passing option to his teammates and facilitating their attacking plays with smart dribbling and quick combinations. Rodriguez did very well in scoring the team's first goal, stepping up to press an opponent at the right moment and showing good finishing ability to send the ball into the back of the net. When his team was down a player, he was tasked with chasing long balls in the final third and managed to win some duels with Toros defenders and keep possession up top.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0249_b99a96.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351184" /></figure>    Playing as a left-side center back, Celis was one of GFI's defensive pillars in the match. He was very good at winning duels, and showed a nice ability to adjust when his team was down a player, as GFI moved to a back three, and he did well despite having more ground to cover. Celis did good work on the ball, too, dribbling it forward and connecting long passes out of the back. The defender popped up in a good spot to score the team's second goal and didn't miss the opportunity, helping them secure at least a point in the match after being down.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0201_31d91e.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351167" /></figure>    The central midfielder had a solid performance for GFI, helping them compete in the center of the field. Martinez was very important in the team's strategy of pressing high, identifying the right moments to step up and consistently forcing opponents into making errors in their buildup. His role in the team became even more important after GFI were down a player, as his ability to cover ground in midfield helped them make up for it. Martinez also appeared well in possession, distributing the ball intelligently and infiltrating into the final third, especially coming from the right side of the attack.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0269_e3da73.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351189" /></figure>    Briones was excellent at the defensive midfielder role for the Toros, being arguably the best player on the field for them. He was very active defensively, showing good energy to win duels and shield the team's backline. Briones was probably even better on the ball, standing out for his intelligent distribution and being one of the few players on his team to consistently break GFI's pressure in the first half. He also had good runs on the ball and showed calm and composure to convert the penalty kick in a key moment of the match.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0266_7a216e.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351188" /></figure>    Guerra came in at halftime and made arguably the most impactful play of the match, stopping the penalty kick that would have GFI leading by two goals with 20 minutes left. The goalkeeper was called to action on a few other occasions and responded well, being reliable when dealing with shots and showing quickness to leave his spot and get to passes behind the backline. Guerra also did well when he had to use his feet. [player_tooltip player_id='319310' first='Reymundo' last='Quiroga'], who was in goal for the Toros in the first half, also had a solid shift, especially when catching crosses.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0229.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351176" /></figure>    The dynamic right winger was the Toros' most dangerous attacking player in the match. After a somewhat of a slow first half, Arreguin got more involved when his team had a player advantage, and he knew how to make the most of it. A lefty, he made several runs on the right, beating opponents 1v1, and in one of them, he scored the team's second goal, finalizing an excellent play with a well-placed shot. Arreguin also worked well with his back to the goal around the midfield line, shielding the ball with his body and beating opponents with quick turns.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0296.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-351194" /></figure>

The MLS Next League returned to action after its winter break, and between now and the end of the season, every weekend will be filled with matches everywhere around the country.