HOUSTON (March 9, 2026) – Houston Dynamo 2 and U.S. Youth National Team attacker Mattheo Dimareliwas named the MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchday 2, the league announced today.
Dynamo 2 secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Tacoma Defiance at SaberCats Stadium Sunday night, highlighted by a first career MLS NEXT Pro brace from Dimareli. Notably, the result marked Houston’s second clean sheet of the season after holding the visitors to just one shot on target from eight total attempts. Additionally, Tacoma failed to register a shot in the first half, while Dynamo 2 recorded eight.
Houston took the lead in the 41st minute following a combination play between forward Austin Brummett, forward Nick Markanich and Dimareli. The sequence began with Markanich controlling the ball on the right flank and dribbling towards the edge of the box before playing a quick one-two with Brummett. Markanich then found Dimareli inside the box, who finished with his left foot.
Dimareli completed his brace in first-half stoppage time when Markanich again found the 16-year-old inside the box for a close-range finish. The pass also marked Markanich’s second assist of the night.
Dos tripled their lead in the 77th minute when midfielder Diego Gonzalez found defender Gavin Wolff inside the box for a header. Brummett then scored Houston’s final goal of the night in the 82nd minute, finishing with a first-time strike following a pass from defender Vinicius Rodrigues da Silva.
Dynamo 2 currently sit second in the Western Conference standings with six points and a 2-0-0 (WLD) record. The team is tied for third in the league for most goals scored (six) this season.
Dos next host Portland Timbers2 on Sunday, March 15, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT at SaberCats Stadium. Fans can claim free tickets to every Dynamo Dos home match via Tixr.