Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by The Town FC

This past weekend, Houston Dynamo 2 were knocked out of the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs by a strong The Town FC side. Matteo Dimareli scored the only match for Houston in the 41st minute. While this result stings, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Few fans care specifically about the wins or losses at this level. Rather, the intrigue lies on what players stood out. So with their season officially over, let’s look at the standout performers in 2024. 

Exon Arzu

One of the shining lights early in the season was Exon Arzu. Kenny Bundy touted him as one of the fastest players he has ever coached, and he was proven right. Arzu’s stats would have looked much better if he didn’t suffer a knee injury that sidelined him for a good chunk of the season. The Dynamo saw enough and decided to offer Arzu a first team contract, assuring that he will be competing with the likes of Ibrahim Aliyu, Nelson Quiñónes, and Lawrence Ennali. 

Sebastian Rodriguez

Rodriguez will also get a first team contract for 2025, and it’s deserved. The Mexican midfielder has spent time with the Mexican u18s and has also been a constant name on the lineup sheet for Houston. He has a versatile skillset that can see him function in any position in the midfield. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets some good minutes in pre-season for the first team. 

Diego Gonzalez

Diego Gonzalez made the MLS NEXT Pro Best 11 at the end of the season, and if it weren’t for Houston having one of the best midfields in MLS, Gonzalez would have for sure broken into the first team. He finished the regular season with 10 assists and six goals for a total of 16 goal contributions, the highest on Houston Dynamo 2. 

Gabe Segal

There was a point during the season that Segal was the starting striker for the first team. Although that role has since been taken away, the American striker was serviceable at the top level, and he showed why in MLS NEXT Pro. Segal finished the year with double-digit goals, and with several years of development still ahead of him, he will once again compete for first team minutes if the Dynamo decide to move on from Sebastian Ferreira. 

Ousmane Sylla

Sylla made his first team debut earlier this season, but since the CAM position is very deep, he’s spent most of his first professional season with the reserve team. Sylla was the most creative person on the team and was always open to create with the central midfielders. It’s not a matter of if he makes the jump to the next level, but when.