Guilherme Hat Trick Powers Dynamo to Torneo de Tejas Glory

Photo by Julio Alvarez - Foxtrot Media

HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo closed out their preseason campaign in spectacular fashion, lifting silverware and debuting a bold new look as they defeated Red Bull New York to become the inaugural Torneo de Tejas champions. The match served as the final tune-up before the regular season, and the Dynamo took the pitch looking like the future of the league, literally. The squad debuted their highly anticipated "Mission Control" alternative kits, a sleek design that paid homage to Houston's Space City roots as they took center stage for the tournament final.

GUILHERME TAKES CONTROL

Despite a somewhat sluggish opening few minutes, it didn't take long for the Dynamo to find their orbit. In the 9th minute, the breakthrough arrived. Following a slick sequence of play, Dynamo earned a set piece and Guilherme found the back of the net to put Houston

up 1-0 early.

The first half highlighted a budding partnership that should have MLS defenders losing sleep: Lawrence Ennali and Guilherme. The duo terrorized the Red Bulls' left flank most of the game, combining speed and technical precision to keep the visitors on their heels. While the Dynamo controlled the tempo for the majority of the first half, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed New York back into the game. Catching the Houston defense high up the pitch on a clinical counterattack, the Red Bulls leveled the score at 1-1 heading into the break.

SECOND HALF SURGE

The stalemate didn't last long. Just two minutes after the second-half whistle, Guilherme struck again. This time, it was a pure "banger"- a spectacular strike that left the keeper rooted to the spot and restored the Dynamo lead.

In the 65th minute, the pressure from the Dynamo attack became too much to handle. Griffin Dorsey used his trademark pace to burst into the box, drawing a foul and earning a penalty kick. Guilherme stepped up to the spot with ice in his veins, clinical as ever, to complete his hat trick and extend the lead to 3-1.

HERRERA RETURNS AND A NERVOUS FINISH

The loudest roar of the night wasn't for a goal, however. It came for the return of Héctor Herrera, who stepped back onto the pitch to a thunderous round of applause. Seeing the midfield maestro healthy and moving well was the ultimate "win" for Dynamo fans looking ahead to the long season.

The match wasn't without its late drama. In the 83rd minute, the Dynamo defense was caught behind the ball once more. Red Bull New York managed to break through and beat goalkeeper Jonathan Bond in a 1v1 situation to pull the score to 3-2.

CHAMPIONS OF TEJAS

Despite the late pressure, the Dynamo held firm to secure the victory. As the final

whistle blew, Houston officially claimed the title of Torneo de Tejas Champions. With a trophy already in the cabinet, a superstar hat trick under Guilherme's belt, and the return of HH, the Dynamo head into the regular season with all the momentum in the world. The "Mission Control" era has officially launched.