FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2026
HTX Boys Teams Battle at ECNL Regional League Playoffs
Houston, Texas — Six HTX Soccer boys teams traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in the ECNL Regional League Playoffs held June 12-16 at Rolling Hills Soccer Complex. The event brought together top U13 through U18/19 teams from across the ECNL Regional League South Region, all competing for the opportunity to extend their season and earn a place at the ECNL Regional League Finals in Virginia this July. The following teams advanced - ECNL RL U14B S | ECNL RL U16B S.
Reflecting on the club's performance, HTX Boys Director Dave Dengerink and the coaching staff praised the collective effort that led to one of the program's strongest postseason showings.
"Having six teams qualify for the ECNL Regional League Playoffs is a fantastic achievement for our boys program and a testament to the hard work that has gone in throughout the entire season," said Dave Dengerink, Boys Director. "A tremendous accomplishment for the U14S & U16S teams to repeat as champions and the U13B and U17B North teams to make it to the finals. Having four teams from the club in the finals matching last year record is tremendous."
"I couldn't be more proud of this team. What these boys have accomplished is not easy, especially winning back-to-back South Region Championships two years in a row. Every player on this roster has worked tirelessly and earned the opportunity to be where they are today, said Jorge Escobar, ECNL-RL South Director. "Their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to one another have been incredible to watch. Returning to Nationals is a tremendous accomplishment, and it's something they should be extremely proud of. I'm also incredibly grateful for our families and coaching staff, whose support and hard work behind the scenes have played a huge role in helping these players succeed. We are extremely proud of what these boys have accomplished, and we're excited for the opportunity to compete on the national stage once again."
“Having three teams qualify for ECNL-RL Regionals, the most in program history was a tremendous accomplishment for the ECNL-RL North program. I am incredibly proud of the commitment and hard work shown by our players, families, and coaching staff throughout the season," said Stuart Fitzsimons, ECNL-RL North Director. "To have all three teams earn a spot at Regionals was special, and seeing both our 2009 and 2013 teams advance all the way to the finals made the experience even more rewarding. Of the three teams that attended, two reached the championship match, which speaks to the quality of our players and the continued growth of the program.”
"I want to express how incredibly proud I am of the ECNL-RL 09B N team. While we fell short in the finals, that result does not diminish what this group accomplished throughout the year. Success is measured by more than a single game, and this team has established a high standard for themselves," said Cesar Gutierrez, Head Team Coach. "Throughout the season, our players demonstrated tremendous commitment, resilience, and character. They consistently represented our club with professionalism and competed at a high level against some of the strongest teams in the nation. Their dedication to training, willingness to learn, and commitment to one another were evident every step of the way. Well done boys and I’m sure we will bounce back next season."
"This achievement is the result of countless hours of hard work, commitment, and belief from this group of players. What stands out most is the growth, resilience, and character these boys have shown throughout the journey," said Clodo Cervantes, Head Team Coach. "They have continued to push themselves every day and have earned every bit of this success. I'm incredibly proud of this team and our families, who have supported them along the way. Winning back-to-back South Region Championships and returning to nationals is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are excited for the opportunity ahead. This group has set a high standard, and they deserve to celebrate everything they have achieved."
The ECNL Regional League Playoffs serve as a critical pathway to postseason success, bringing together qualifying teams that have earned their place through strong performances during the regular season. The atmosphere at Rolling Hills Soccer Complex reflected the significance of the event, with hundreds of players competing for the chance to continue their journey on the national stage in front of college coaching staff and scouts.
Advancing team rosters -
ECNL-RL 12B S Team Roster: Aaron Koch, Aidan Ramirez, Allen Lu, Bo Zhou, Cheick Toure, Cristian Gonzalez, Damian Wehbe, Ethan Walters, Jon-Michael Tucker II, Lucas Avila, Maximo Lopez, Michael Browne, Navy Andrews, Thomas Frost, Tobi Samuels.
ECNL-RL 10B S Team Roster: Aiden Gutierrez, Andres Gusart, Carlos Davalos, Conor Rieger, Derek Lopez, Drake Thompson, Elias Rodriguez, Hayden Pequeño, Jesus Delgado, Jose Guadarrama, Kai Duran, Luke Mathew, Marcelo Cepeda, Marek Hudson, Radman Matinfar, Simon Perafan.
Coaching Staff Present: Dave Dengerink (Boys Director), Stuart Fitzsimons (North Director), Jorge Escobar (South Director), Clodo Cervantes (Coach), Andy Gaworecki (Coach), Cesar Gutierrez (Coach).
| ECNL-RL TEAM | OPPONENT | RESULT |
| B09 North | FC Dallas Navy | Won 3-1 |
| B09 North | Challenge United | Won 3-1 |
| B09 North | FC Tulsa Academy | Won 3-1 |
| B09 North | Houstonians FC | Lost 1-4 (Final) |
| B10 South | NTX Celtic | Won 3-1 |
| B10 South | JS Legends | Won 6-0 |
| B10 South | FC Tulsa Academy | Tied 2-2 |
| B10 South | BVB International Academy | Tied 0-0 |
| B10 North | Houstonians FC | Lost 1-2 |
| B10 North | Arkansas Comets | Won 2-1 |
| B10 North | Imperial SC | Won 2-1 |
| B12 South | PSC Next Up | Won 4-1 |
| B12 South | Atletico Dallas | Won 5-1 |
| B12 South | West Alliance Red | Won 2-0 |
| B12 South | MAFC | Won 2-1 (Final) |
| B13 North | FC Dallas | Won 6-2 |
| B13 North | Cosmos FC | Won 2-0 |
| B13 North | Arkansas Comets | Won 3-1 |
| B13 North | Solar SC | Tied 2-2 (lost on PKs) |
| B13 South | Kernow Storm FC | Lost 2-3 |
| B13 South | Solar SC | Lost 1-2 |
| B13 South | Sting SC | Won 3-1 |
To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com
HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 810 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 17 players go on to play professionally around the world.
HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.
HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions
🏆 🏆 Back-to-back USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2024 & 2025)
HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.
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