As the summer kicks off and most kids look forward to some time off, the Houston Dynamo Academy U-18s look to continue the success they’ve had all year as they continue their run into the playoffs.
The boys finished the season 18-4-4 and in second place in the Frontier Division of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy League Central Conference.
The team got off to a hot start in September, scoring 12 goals in their first two games, both wins against Dallas-area foes Dallas Texans and Solar Chelsea FC.
In December the club headed down to Florida to participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase. Here they took on MLS Academy teams outside of their regular conference and ended the tournament 1-1-1.
“It’s nice to play different teams that you haven’t played before, and test yourself against all the other teams in the country,” said midfielder Mason Schuster.
Back in the regular season the boys had their fair share of games against MLS Academy teams in their region. They faced FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas City and the Colorado Rapids six times throughout the season, and finished with a record of 4-1-1 against them.
“It’s always a challenge. It’s always a good game when we play other MLS rivalries,” said forward Christian Molina.
Both players say the beating FC Dallas 2-1 in their final game of the regular season was the highlight of year so far, and helps them feel more prepared for the upcoming playoffs.
“The last game of the season against FC Dallas was probably our best performance of the season,” said Academy Director and Head Coach James Clarkson.
The team hopes to carry that momentum into the playoffs when they start later this month, but they know there is a lot of work to do in the meantime. The boys will train at least five days a week until group play kicks off on June 22, but they know it’s that hard work and commitment that has gotten them this far.
“It’s not something that every teenager wants to do, but in order for us to get to the next level it’s what we’re prepared to do,” said Schuster.
The Dynamo will face three teams from different conferences around the country, Seattle Sounders FC, North Carolina Fusion and Real Salt Lake, but they aren’t completely unfamiliar opponents. This group has faced Seattle and Salt Lake in previous years that ended with unfavorable results for the Dynamo.
“I want revenge,” said Molina. “I don’t think it’s going to be the same outcome this time.”
