HOUSTON – Houston Dynamo 2 kicked off their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season with a decisive 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids 2 at SaberCats Stadium on Saturday, March 1, 2026. The win marks a promising start to the team’s fifth campaign and signals a new era under interim head coach Jeremy Hurdle. This MLS NEXT Pro match showcased the development of young talent and provided an exciting glimpse into the future of Houston Dynamo soccer.
The match saw several debuts for Dynamo 2, including forward Austin Brummett, midfielder Gustavo Dohmann, midfielder Gilberto Rivera, and attacker Arthur Sousa, all signed during the offseason. Samir Mohammad, a Dynamo Academy product, also made his first professional start, contributing significantly to the team’s success with the opening goal. The atmosphere at SaberCats Stadium was electric as fans claimed free tickets via Tixr to witness the beginning of a new season.
Dynamo 2 Dominates in Home Opener
Houston took control of the game in the 60th minute when midfielder Noah Betancourt delivered a precise low-driven cross to Mohammad, who finished with a first-time shot into the bottom right corner. This play marked Betancourt’s first professional assist, adding to the excitement of the evening. The goal energized the Dynamo 2 squad and ignited the home crowd.
The team solidified their lead in the 89th minute with a goal from D’Alessandro Herrera, who capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Jahmani “JJ” Bell. Herrera’s goal sealed the victory for Houston, demonstrating the team’s offensive prowess and ability to close out games. The final score of 2-0 reflects Dynamo 2’s strong performance and tactical execution.
New Leadership and a Young Roster
This season marks a transition for Houston Dynamo 2, with Jeremy Hurdle stepping in as interim head coach following the promotion of Marcelo Santos to the first team as an assistant coach. Hurdle previously held the same role in 2024 when Kenny Bundy was promoted. The club continues its commitment to developing young players, a strategy that saw them field the youngest roster in MLS NEXT Pro in 2025, with an average age of just 18.9 years. Last year, 13 Dynamo Academy players made their professional debuts, and four scored their first professional goals.
The 2026 roster has been strengthened with several new additions, including Alief (Houston) native D’Alessandro Herrera, midfielder Gustavo Dohmann, attacker Arthur Sousa, Dynamo Academy forward Jahmani “JJ” Bell, forward Alan Martins, and defender Vinicius Rodrigues da Silva. The team has signed three players from the 2026 MLS SuperDraft: forward Austin Brummett (University of Connecticut), defender Agustin Resch (Seton Hall University), who has already appeared on the first team bench, and midfielder Gilberto Rivera (San Jose State University). These signings demonstrate the club’s investment in both academy talent and collegiate prospects.
Key Moments and Future Outlook
Dynamo 2’s offensive pressure was evident throughout the match. Rivera had two shots on target in the first half, forcing saves from Colorado Rapids 2 goalkeeper Zack Campagnolo. Sousa also tested Campagnolo with a long-range effort. The team’s early attacking intent set the tone for the game and ultimately led to their victory.
The team’s next challenge comes on Sunday, March 8, with a home match against Tacoma at SaberCats Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT, marking the first of two matchups between the two sides this season. Fans can appear forward to another exciting opportunity to support Dynamo 2 as they continue their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
Houston Dynamo 2’s strong start to the season, combined with the development of young players and the leadership of Jeremy Hurdle, positions the team for a successful year. The club’s commitment to providing opportunities for academy players to shine at the professional level is a testament to their long-term vision for the future of Houston soccer. The team’s focus on building a strong core of young talent will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the MLS NEXT Pro season.
The victory over Colorado Rapids 2 is more than just a win; it’s a statement. It’s a signal that Houston Dynamo 2 is ready to compete and develop the next generation of soccer stars. The team’s performance demonstrates the effectiveness of their developmental program and the potential for continued success in the years to arrive.
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