Quick Read
- Houston Dynamo 2 signed Academy forward Jahmani Bell to a pro contract through 2027.
- Dynamo faces Sporting Kansas City in the regular season finale, with both teams missing playoffs.
- Several Dynamo players are out or questionable due to injury, while Sporting KC is at full health.
- Dynamo’s Brooklyn Raines and other players recently returned from international duty.
- Ezequiel Ponce leads Dynamo’s attack with 12 goals this season.
As the 2025 MLS regular season draws to a close, Houston Dynamo finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the promise of youth, the realities of injuries, and the anticipation of a classic showdown against Sporting Kansas City. For Dynamo fans, this is a moment filled with reflection, hope, and a bit of uncertainty, as the club’s trajectory for next season starts to take shape.
Jahmani Bell: Dynamo Academy’s Newest Pro
Perhaps the biggest news off the pitch this week is the signing of Jahmani “JJ” Bell to Houston Dynamo 2, marking a major milestone for both the young forward and the club’s Academy system. Bell becomes the tenth Dynamo Academy product—and the fourth this year—to earn a professional contract with Dynamo 2. His journey is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent, a strategy that’s increasingly shaping the future of MLS teams.
Bell’s story is one of resilience and ambition. He moved from Jamaica to Houston in 2023, driven by a family legacy steeped in soccer. Both his father and great grandfather played at the collegiate level, and Bell himself started his soccer journey at just two years old. After joining the Dynamo Academy at 15, he quickly made an impact with the U-17 squad, helping them reach the Round of 16 at the 2024 Generation Adidas Cup and making decisive contributions in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament.
His professional debut came at age 16, a sign of his rapid progression. Bell featured in seven matches for Dynamo 2 during the 2024 season, including a starting appearance against Minnesota United FC 2. The Dynamo Academy’s youth contingent has made headlines this year, logging more minutes than any other team in MLS NEXT Pro, and Bell’s rise embodies the organization’s faith in young talent. Assistant General Manager Nick Kowba summed up the sentiment, stating, “Jahmani has made a big impact on and off the field with his skill and character.”
On the international stage, Bell has already been called up twice to Jamaica’s youth national teams, most notably helping the U-17s reach the Round of 16 at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship. His performances there—scoring against Cuba and assisting versus Costa Rica—hint at a future that could extend well beyond the Dynamo organization.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
As Houston Dynamo prepares for its final match of the season, the injury list presents challenges for head coach Ben Olsen. According to the Sports Medicine Report from SportingKC.com, Dynamo will be missing several key players:
- Goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell (Knee)
- Defender Franco Escobar (Illness)
- Defender Daniel Steres (Lower Body)
- Midfielder Jack McGlynn (Lower Body)
Additionally, forwards Nelson Quinones and Sergio Santos are listed as questionable due to lower body issues. For a squad hoping to end the season on a positive note, these absences could affect both tactics and morale.
In contrast, Sporting Kansas City approaches the finale at full health for the first time all season—a rare luxury that could give them an edge. The match, set for Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park, is expected to draw passionate crowds and high energy despite both teams being out of playoff contention.
Season Finale: Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City
The upcoming match isn’t just another fixture—it’s the 46th regular season meeting between two historic rivals. While the stakes may be lower with playoff hopes dashed, pride and legacy are on the line. Houston holds a 22-19-18 record against Kansas City across all competitions, with memorable playoff battles in years past.
Houston’s recent form has been mixed. The team heads into the weekend following a 4-2 loss to San Diego FC, in which defender Felipe Andrade and forward Sérgio Santos found the net. Santos’ goal, his first for the club, came after a late substitution—an encouraging sign for a player returning from injury.
Forward Ezequiel Ponce remains the Dynamo’s main attacking threat, tallying 12 goals this season, while midfielder Jack McGlynn (currently sidelined) has contributed seven goals and eight assists. Defender Griffin Dorsey adds six assists, highlighting the team’s balanced approach in the final third.
Kansas City, meanwhile, is seeking redemption after a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United FC. With five straight losses, their morale is fragile, but the return to full health could spark a final flourish. Dejan Joveljić leads their offense with 18 goals, and Manu García tops the assist chart.
There are personal connections to watch: Jose “Memo” Rodriguez, once a Dynamo Academy standout, now plays for Kansas City and has made 19 appearances this season. On the Dynamo’s bench, assistant coach Aurélien Collin brings memories of his own championship runs with Sporting KC.
International Duties and Emerging Talent
Houston’s youthful core has been busy beyond club duties. Homegrown midfielder Brooklyn Raines recently returned from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, helping the U.S. reach the quarterfinals and earning a spot in the prestigious 2025 22 Under 22 class. Raines played every match for the U.S., scoring against France and assisting in a record win over New Caledonia.
Other Dynamo players have also featured on the international stage: Ondřej Lingr represented the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifying, Damion Lowe played for Jamaica, and Sebastian Rodriguez joined Mexico’s U-18 squad for a tour in Portugal. These experiences, while not immediately impacting the club’s league results, are invaluable for player development and team depth.
As the season wraps up, fans are left to ponder: Can Dynamo’s blend of youthful ambition and seasoned leadership lay the groundwork for a more successful campaign next year? The evidence—both in player progression and organizational strategy—suggests the club is betting big on its Academy and international experience.
The Houston Dynamo’s current moment is a mosaic of challenge and opportunity. The emergence of players like Jahmani Bell, the resilience of international call-ups, and the club’s investment in youth development are clear signals of a long-term vision. Navigating the present injury setbacks and closing the season against a historic rival offer valuable lessons—if harnessed, they could fuel a new chapter for the Dynamo in 2026.