The champ is BACK!
Houston Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Pedro Cruz is returning to the bright lights of the MLS Skills Challenge presented by AT&T, where he will look to defend his 2025 Goalie Wars champion status.
For Cruz, an opportunity to go back-to-back in Goalie Wars is a reflection of the work he has continued to put in since lifting his first title last year in Austin.
“I think it is recognition of my work,” Cruz said. “I have been working very hard, and I see this as a reward. It is also a blessing from God. I am very happy.”
No fluke
Pedro Cruz’s 2026 season has shown exactly why he captured the 2025 Goalie Wars championship belt and earned a place among the finalists for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award.
This season, the Houston Dynamo 2 goalkeeper has helped lead one of the league’s top teams to the best start in club history while earning back-to-back MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month honors in March and April.
Now, he has another opportunity to prove his first Goalie Wars title was no fluke.
“Winning last year meant a lot to me,” Cruz said. “Now, I am grateful for God’s will. I am calm, I am working, and I believe I can become champion again.”
Through 11 starts, Cruz has recorded five clean sheets, the second-most in MLS NEXT Pro, while posting a league-leading 85.7 percent save percentage.
He is also averaging 4.4 saves per game, the second-highest mark in the league.
Most impressively, Cruz has conceded just 0.7 goals per 90 minutes in close to 1,000 minutes of play.
Enjoy the moment
Cruz will now have another opportunity to test himself against some of the league’s best, beginning with a matchup against Huntsville City FC goalkeeper Will Mackay.
A victory through a gauntlet featuring MLS and Liga MX talent would cement Cruz’s place in Goalie Wars history.
Regardless of the final result, Cruz knows the competition is also an opportunity for every goalkeeper to enjoy the moment.
“They just have to be good with themselves and believe in themselves,” Cruz said. “I hope God blesses them, and I hope it’s a great competition.”
Catch Cruz competing in Goalie Wars at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by Old Spice on Tuesday, July 28, streaming live on on Apple TV.
