HOUSTON (Oct. 6, 2026) – The 2026-27 MLS NEXT season is underway, 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 September.
Let’s get started with September’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: Peyton Martinez (U-14); Sam Skillern (U-15, one goal), Josiah Guerra (U-16, one assist), Manuel Vasquez (U-15, one assist), Santiago Alvarez (U-16, one goal); Peyton James (U-16, two goals), Ari Stromberg (U-14, three goals and one assist), Chris Gonzalez (U-18); Lucas Moscon (U-15, four goals and one assist), Nolawi Teshome (U-16, two goals), Kian Walsh (U-18, three goals)
September’s Goal of the Month, decided by a fan vote on social media, was earned by U-16 Academy player Nolawi Teshome for his outstanding free kick goal versus Albion Colorado, curling the ball into the top left corner. Check out his goal HERE.
September also featured six international call ups for Dynamo Academy players, including Yousef Bustami(Palestine U-17 Youth National Team), Chris Gonzalez (U.S. U-16 Boy’s National Team), Eduardo Iglesias(U.S. U-15 Boy’s National Team), Kenzynton Pierre (U.S. U-16 Boy’s National Team), Dylan Reyes (Mexico U-16 Youth National Team) and Manuel Vasquez (U.S. U-15 Boy’s National Team). Additionally, Gonzalez made his professional debut with Houston Dynamo 2, coming on as a second-half substitute against Austin FC II on Sept. 4.
Notably, multiple Dynamo Academy players have made their mark with Dynamo 2, as the team has fielded one of the youngest rosters in MLS NEXT Pro in the recent seasons. Over the past three years, six Dynamo Academy players have signed Homegrown contracts with the first team, including Matthew Arana, MattheoDimareli, Logan Erb, Reese Miller, Sebastian Rodriguez and Kieran Sargeant. The Academy program is also making a growing impact at the highest levels of collegiate soccer, with multiple Dynamo Academy products competing at top programs across the country, including University of Virginia, Oregon State, Georgetown, Wake Forest, UNC, Cornell, Columbia University and Brown University.
On the pitch, the Dynamo Academy launched their 2026-27 MLS NEXT campaigns in mid-September, with every age group earning a victory in their respective season openers:
- The U-18s, who compete in U-19 MLS NEXT, earned a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids Academy.
- The U-16s, who compete in U-17 MLS NEXT, also defeated the Rapids, cruising to a 6-0 victory and earning their first clean sheet of the season.
- The U-15s, who compete in U-16 MLS NEXT, secured a victory over the Rapids U-15s in a penalty shootout after playing to a thrilling 5-5 draw in regulation.
- The U-14s earned their first win of the season, defeating Albion Colorado 4-1.
The Dynamo Academy then traveled east for their first road trip of the season versus Orlando, before closing out September at home against Atlanta United FC’s Academy and Sonny G Academy (SGA). Notably, the U-14s defeated SGA 5-0 to close the month.
In the classroom, 36 players earned President’s Club honors (3.7 GPA or higher), six players earned spots on the honor roll (80% and above) and the U-16s finished September with the highest team average GPA amongst the Dynamo Academy age groups. U-18 Academy player Keegan Ahrens earned **September’s Student of the Month**. In his first year of online school, Ahrens demonstrated excellence in class and a positive attitude while adapting to his new schedule.
Off the pitch, the Dynamo Academy hosted two Open Talent Identification camps for players born in 2014 and 2015 in mid-September. More than 250 players attended, while U-18 Academy players took part in the event, volunteering and working alongside the coaches and scouts and gaining valuable experience in the talent ID process.
Prior to the start of the season, the Club announced key additions and promotions to the Academy staff for the new MLS NEXT season, bringing valuable talent and experience to an already accomplished group focused on leading the next generation of elite Houston soccer talent through the Club’s professional player pathway. The staff updates included Scott Howey stepping into the Academy Technical Director role, Patrick Ouckama joining the Club as the U-16 head coach, Arez Ardalani joining as an assistant coach and Jonathan Giraldo stepping into his new role as the U-14 head coach.
Find the Dynamo Academy’s full schedule linked HERE.
