Houston Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Pedro Cruz was named as a finalist for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award, the league announced today. Additionally, the Brazilian received an honorable mention for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI.
All year-end awards were voted on by the head coaches and chief soccer officers of MLS NEXT Pro clubs, as well as the league’s content team and broadcast announcers.
Cruz delivered a breakout campaign between the sticks, finishing the regular season with 101 saves (third most in MLS NEXT Pro), a 71.1 save percentage and four shutouts across 25 appearances.
Notably, Cruz won the **2025 Goalie Wars** title belt during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, presented by AT&T, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, where he defeated Carlos Mercado (Orlando City B) 4-3 in the final after earning a 5-1 victory in the semifinal over Adias de Rosario (Toronto FC II).
The shot stopper was also named April’s MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month after helping Dos to a three-game unbeaten streak with 14 total saves and an 87.5 save percentage, while only allowing two goals during that stretch.
Cruz made his Dynamo 2 debut in the team’s home opener against Sporting Kansas City II in March, kicking off his MLS NEXT Pro career with six saves in a 3-1 victory for Houston.
The 21-year-old has also been called up to the first team three times on short-term loans this season for MLS matches versus LAFC and the Portland Timbers, where he was available on the bench, and a Leagues Cup match against Mazatlán F.C., where he made his first team debut.
Cruz joined Dynamo 2 on a full transfer ahead of the 2025 season from Futebol Clube Ska Brasil, where he spent two seasons with Ska Brasil and on loan with Brazilian Séria A side Esporte Clube Bahia.
