MLS NEXT PRO: Houston Dynamo 2 and Rodolfo Aloko Headline Matchweek 3 Honors

Staff Writer
4 hours ago
2 min read

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NEW YORK — Following a weekend defined by clinical finishing and defensive dominance, MLS NEXT PRO has officially announced the honorees for Matchweek 3 of the 2026 season. Houston Dynamo 2 earned Team of the Matchweek recognition, while Crown Legacy FC’s Rodolfo Aloko and Orlando City B’s Caleb Trombino claimed individual awards for their standout performances.

The weekly honors highlight a league landscape where high-flying offenses are beginning to separate themselves, even as a select few defensive units remain impenetrable.

Team of the Matchweek: Houston Dynamo 2

"Dynamo Dos" took home their first team honor of the season following a 5-0 dismantling of Portland Timbers2. Perhaps most impressively, Houston remains the final team in the league yet to concede a goal this season.

Under interim head coach Jeremy Hurdle, Houston showcased a balanced attack with five different players finding the scoresheet. The duo of Arthur Sousa and Matthew Arana set the tone early, trading goals and assists, before Tomas Wiesner made it 3-0 prior to the half. Late substitutes JJ Bell and Vinicious Silva added the finishing touches to a performance that limited a previously unbeaten Portland side to just three shots on target.

Player of the Matchweek: Rodolfo Aloko (Crown Legacy FC)

The 19-year-old Beninese striker continued his blistering start to the 2026 campaign during Crown Legacy’s 3-0 victory over Inter Miami II. On loan from Croatian side NK Kustošija, Rodolfo Aloko recorded a goal and an assist, bringing his season totals to an eye-popping five goals and two assists through just three weeks.

Aloko opened the scoring in the 25th minute, navigating a tight window between two Miami defenders to slot home a through ball from Hugo Mbongue. He later turned provider in the 53rd minute, dancing along the endline to set up Nimfasha Berchimas. Aloko is now within striking distance of the MLS NEXT Pro record for goals in a single month (seven), with several matches still remaining in March.

Rising Star of the Matchweek: Caleb Trombino (Orlando City B)

At just 16 years old, Caleb Trombino proved that the Orlando City Academy continues to produce clutch talent. Entering as an 84th-minute substitute in a tense road match against Carolina Core FC, Trombino played the role of the "super sub" to perfection.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Trombino found space on a set piece to bury a "slam-dunk" header, securing a dramatic win for OCB. It took the youngster only 76 total minutes of professional play across two appearances to open his account, firmly establishing him as a player to watch as the 2026 season intensifies.

Matchweek 3 Winners at a Glance: