MLS NEXT Pro News

MLS NEXT Pro Game of the Week: Earthquakes II look to extend three-match win streak against Western Conference competitors Houston Dynamo 2

In week 15 of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season, these two Western Conference playoff contenders will go head-to-head under the Friday night lights, with both coming off of impressive week 14 performances.

Quakes II will look to continue their climb up the Western Conference while Dynamo Dos will look to reignite their season after a 5-0-0 start turned into an eight match stretch that saw them go 3-4-1 in the process.

How to watch:

This and every match will be available to stream live and free of charge on MLSNEXTPro.com. 

MLS NEXT Pro has teamed up with automated camera technology provider Spiideo to deliver live streams of all MLS NEXT Pro matches, ensuring every game this season will be available for viewing on MLSNEXTPro.com.

For the first time this season, Earthquakes II were voted into the top five MLS NEXT Pro power rankings at the conclusion of week 14; Quakes II found themselves sitting in the fifth and final spot after an impressive 3-2 victory over WFC2. William Richmond’s 71st minute winner saw them claim all three points on the road.

The No. 6 ranked team in the West find themselves on a three-match win streak heading into the weekend, and they’re looking to extend it against a team that they fell to in week two, 1-0.

Players to watch:

Rodolfo Castro, forward: Castro leads the team in scoring this season with five goals in nine appearances.

Maximilian Arfsten, forward: Arfsten has been their most versatile asset in the final-third, with three goals and four assists in 13 appearances.

Eduardo Blancas, midfielder: Blancas has three goals to his name this season, but has started all 13 games for Quakes II so far this season. He’s the rock of their midfield.

Dynamo Dos had an incredible start to their 2022 campaign, but they hollowed out quickly and now results are catching up to them. They ended a four-match winless streak in week 14 with an impressive 1-0 win over the previously No. 1 ranked Western Conference side Tacoma Defiance. Marcelo Palomino’s 89th minute free kick goal saw celebrations start both on the field and in the stands.

Now, on the heels of that impressive victory, Kenny Bundy’s side will look to continue their winning ways and bring consistency back to their side. It’s going to be a tough road trip for his side, but if they want to find their way back to the top, three points against an up-and-coming Quakes II side is a good place to start.

Players to watch:

Marcelo Palomino, forward: Palomino is coming off a week where he scored his second direct free kick goal of the season, which happened to be a game-winner. He’s full of confidence.

Papa Ndoye, forward: Ndoye has four goals and three assists so far this season, averaging .36 G/90.

Jon-Talen Maples, Defender: Maples has started all 13 games for Dynamo Dos this season, helping lead the defense to six clean sheets and scoring three goals.