Three things we learned: Houston Dynamo 2 vs Sporting Kansas City II
(image via Aldo Canale)
Houston Dynamo 2 started their MLS NEXT Pro season with a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City II last weekend. After each game this season, we’re going to bring you three things we learned from the match. Here is our first edition after watching Dos get their first win of 2025.
Batioja is Not Scared
In this game, we saw a lot from Andy Batioja—whether it was taking on defenders one-on-one or crossing balls across the field to Mattheo Dimareli or anyone on the other side. The youthful Colombian international is currently on a year-long loan from Atletico Nacional, with an option to buy at the end of the loan. With ambitions to break into the first team, and considering that Houston Dynamo FC would need to sign him to a first-team contract and use an international spot, his time with Dynamo Dos must be nothing short of extraordinary to get this deal over the line this year. Another factor to consider is the depth in the left wing position, with Aliyu Ibrahim starting now but waiting for Nelson Quiñones and Lawrence Ennali to return to match fitness, hopefully by this summer. Finally, head coach Ben Olsen has been very vocal about the defensive contributions of all players, including those in the left wing role. Will Batioja prove himself not just offensively but defensively enough to secure that contract when his loan ends?
The Midfield Partnership Looks Promising
Sebastian Rodriguez is a familiar face within the HDFC ecosystem, with many believing that the teenager, who rose through the Dynamo Academy ranks, has great potential and a bright future ahead. The second name is a new one: Felipe Andrade. The Brazilian, who signed in February from Fluminense FC on a one-year loan with an option to buy, was everywhere on the field this past week. Head coach Marcelo Santos deployed a formation with three at the back and high-wing backs, meaning the defensive midfielders had to put in a lot of work. And that’s exactly what we saw from both of these players. This partnership looks like it has the potential to be a strong one, with both players eager to break into the first team. Rodriguez is already on a first-team contract, so if they continue to play like they did on Saturday night, it’s only a matter of time before both are playing regular minutes for the first team.
The Academy is Thriving
The Dynamo Academy is in full swing. In recent years, the club has made a concerted effort to become a destination for young talent, both locally and nationally. From partnerships with local clubs to scouting young talent, we've seen an increasing number of promising Houstonians rise through the ranks of Houston Dynamo 2. Following a season where academy players saw significant minutes, it looks like this year will be no different. Dynamo Dos started three 15-year-olds in the match—Daniel Barrett, Lukas Bruegmann, and Mattheo Dimareli—while Jayden Puna and Noah Betancourt made their professional debuts. A strong pipeline of players usually equates to a healthy club and, hopefully, a successful first team in the near future.
