Academy

Academy Roundup: Dynamo finish unbeaten after victories at HSP, North Texas

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The Houston Dynamo Academy finished with a 5-0-2 record last Saturday as the club faced Rio Grande Valley FC, Solar Soccer Club and Texans Soccer Club.


The Under-19 side defeated RGV FC 2-1 with a late game-winning goal from defender Ivan Leon in the 85th minute at Houston Sports Park. Leon was anchored by defenders Zephyn Kress and Erick Monge, who also pressed forward throughout the match under the direction of team captain Jesse Ortiz. This was the first time Kress joined the U-19s after starting 12 games for the U-17s. Monge also played up a level but for the fourth time this season. The U19s will return to HSP this week to prepare for upcoming games against Real Colorado and the Colorado Rapids.   


Forward Kaya Ignacio finished with a hat trick in the 4-0 victory for the Under-17 group over RGV FC last Saturday. Ignacio leads the team with 15 goals this season and sits six goals shy of his Development Academy career high. Daniel Rios also tallied a goal as the Dynamo secured their third victory in the last four games at the U-17 level. The U-17 group will look to tally back-to-back shutouts this weekend as they host two Rocky Mountain clubs at HSP. 


The Under-15 side snapped a two-game losing streak as they also shut out a talented RGV FC side at Houston Sports Park due in large part to the effort of goalkeeper Cesar Lopez, who earned his first clean sheet of the season. Joseph Farouz scored the game-winning goal in the 37th minute and Ronaldo Guzman followed up two minutes later for the final goal of the game. The duo has combined for 11 goals this season and will look to build on this performance as the Dynamo host Real Colorado and the Rapids at HSP on Saturday.


The Dynamo Under-14 side saw the full team contribute to its offensive push as goalkeeper Josh Gonzalez found Luis Lugo for the game-winning goal against Solar Soccer Club last Saturday. Gonzalez was able to spring Lugo past the defense for the only goal of the match early in the game to secure a 1-0 victory. Center back Jose Rodriguez was key to the buildup as he won the ball in the defensive third and served as the link to the attacking half of the field.


The Under-13 group drew 1-1 with Solar Soccer Club thanks to a second half goal from Parker Jackson. This was Jackson’s fourth goal in the last three games and he sparked multiple chances for the team leading up to the equalizer. Sebastian Rodriguez and Jonathan Rodriguez bossed the midfield on both ends as they managed possession and stuffed the opposition to limit their opportunities.


The Under-12 side was the youngest side to see action last weekend and split a two-game series with Texans Soccer Club. The Dynamo won the first match 3-0 and drew 4-4 to wrap up their spring break activity. Up next, the Dynamo boys will visit Rise Sporting Club this Saturday.