HOUSTON (Nov. 4, 2026) – October is in the books, and this Houston Dynamo Academy monthly recap highlights the notable performances, achievements and milestones from across every age group, both on and off the pitch, throughout the month.
Let’s get started with October's Team of the Month, which recognizes the top performers from across the Dynamo Academy. The players selected below, listed in a 4-3-3 formation from left to right, were chosen based on their consistent performances, competitive mentality and professionalism over the previous month.
Starting XI: Pablo Gonazlez (U-16, 10 saves); Harry Hickock (U-15), Maynard Aladejana (U-14), Isaiah Morales (U-15), Ian Harper (U-18, one goal); Jhonny Cuero (U-15), Ekco Yurong (U-18, one goal), Emilio Maldonado (U-16, one assist); Chuy Muñoz (U-14, five goals and one assist), Maddox Choate (U-18, two goals and one assist), Matthew Shannon (U-18, two goals and three assists)
October's Goal of the Month, decided by a fan vote on social media, was earned by U-18 Academy player Ekco Yurong for his first-time volley finish versus Charlotte FC's Academy. Check out his goal HERE.
October featured six international call ups for Dynamo Academy players, including Santiago Alvarez (U.S. U-16 Youth National Team), Yousef Bustami (Palestine U-17 National Team), Gideon Gomez (U.S. U-16 Youth National Team), Peyton James (Dominica U-15 Youth National Team), Oscar Olsen (U.S. U-16 Youth National Team) and Nolawi Teshome (U.S. U-16 Youth National Team). Notably, James represented the Club and his country at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 tournament in Azerbaijan.
As Houston Dynamo 2’s campaign came to a close in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs earlier this month, 21 Dynamo Academy players played significant roles in the team's record setting season, combining for 14,867 minutes and placing Dos among the top ten teams in MLS NEXT Pro in minutes played by Academy players. Six Dynamo Academy players made their professional debuts in Dynamo 2 this season, including Tristan Cottle, Brogan Fitzsimons, Chris Gonzalez, Jazinho Perez, DylanReyes and Kian Walsh. Additionally, nine Dynamo Academy who regularly featured for Dynamo 2 committed to top collegiate soccer programs ahead of the fall season, including Cornell University, Oregon State University, University of Virginia, University of Tulsa, University of South Florida and University of North Carolina.
On the pitch, the Dynamo Academy participated in five matchdays throughout October, hosting the academies of Real Salt Lake, FC Dallas, GFI Academy and the Houston Rangers, while traveling to face Charlotte FC's Academy. Here is how each age group performed throughout the month:
- The U-18s, who compete in U-19 MLS NEXT, finished October with a 3-2-0 (W-L-D) record, closing out the month with a three-match winning streak.
- The U-16s, who compete in U-17 MLS NEXT, recorded a 3-1-1 (W-L-D) record, highlighted by high-scoring victories over Charlotte (4-2) and GFI Academy (5-2).
- The U-15s, who compete in U-16 MLS NEXT, delivered a strong performance against Dallas, earning a 3-0 victory.
- The U-14s also turned in a dominant display, defeating GFI Academy 5-0.
In the classroom, 31 players earned President's Club honors (3.7. GPA or higher), nine players earned spots on the honor roll (80% and above) and the U-16s finished October with the highest team average GPA amongst the Dynamo Academy age groups. U-18 Academy player Marcelo Rossetti earned **October's Student of the Month**, an honor voted by his teammates. In his first year of online school, Rossetti demonstrated excellent time management and a strong work ethic while beginning to learn a third language.
Off the pitch, the Dynamo Academy held two Talent Identification Centers in mid-October, inviting a total of 92 players born in 2014 and 2015 from 30 different soccer clubs after two successful Open Talent Identification camps in September. Following the Talent Identification Centers, a group of players were selected to participate in the Talent ID Training Cycle. This wide range of club representation reflects the Dynamo Academy’s commitment to evaluating as many players as possible while building strong connections throughout Houston.
The Dynamo Academy also enjoyed a fun-filled Spirit Week, led by Head of Education & Player Welfare Kathleen Fuller and Education Coordinator Molly Gomez. The four-day celebration featured a different theme each day, with players representing their countries on "Rep Your Country Day," matching outfits on "Twin Day,"becoming superheroes on "Hero Day" and keeping things comfortable on "Comfiest Clothes Day."
Additionally, Dynamo Academy players showed their support for Dynamo 2 during the team's Western Conference matchup at Shell Energy Stadium, bringing the Houston energy to cheer on the team.
Find the Dynamo Academy’s full schedule linked HERE.
