Guilherme Named to MLS Team of the Matchday After Explosive Debut

Guilherme celebrates one of his two goals Saturday night vs Chicago Fire l Manuel Gonzalez - Foxtrot Media

HOUSTON (Feb. 23, 2026) — Houston Dynamo FC attacker Guilherme has been named to the MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday for Matchday 1 after delivering a spectacular debut performance against Chicago Fire FC.

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The 30‑year‑old Brazilian Designated Player marked his first MLS appearance with a second‑half brace, lifting the Dynamo to a 2–1 season‑opening victory at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night.

A Dream Debut: Guilherme Scores Twice in the Second Half

Guilherme became just the third player in Houston Dynamo history to score multiple goals in his club debut and the first since 2020. The only two other players to accomplish the feat were:

• Brian Ching — four goals vs. Colorado on April 2, 2006

• Ariel Lassiter — two goals vs. Minnesota on Sept. 2, 2020

  
  

His performance electrified the opening-night crowd of 20,254, Houston’s largest home‑opener attendance in a decade.

Houston’s equalizer arrived in the 67th minute, when midfielder Jack McGlynn threaded a perfectly weighted pass into space. Guilherme sprinted onto the ball, drove into the box, and curled a low shot inside the bottom left corner.

He completed his brace in the 78th minute after forward Ezequiel Ponce forced a rebound inside the penalty area. Guilherme reacted instantly, slotting a left‑footed shot through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Houston a 2–1 lead — and ultimately, all three points.

Dynamo Begin 2026 With Statement Win

Saturday’s win pushed the Dynamo to an impressive all‑time record of 11‑2‑8 (W‑L‑D) in MLS home openers. More importantly, it showcased the attacking firepower and renewed energy the club added during the offseason.

Guilherme’s contribution was decisive, not only securing three points but also signaling the start of what could be a milestone season for the club’s newest Designated Player.

What This Means for the Dynamo Moving Forward

With a successful debut and early MLS recognition, Guilherme looks poised to become a key figure in Houston’s 2026 campaign. His scoring instincts, pace, and physicality provide the Dynamo with a new dimension in the final third.