Houston Dynamo Acquire Nick Markanich on Loan; MLS NEXT Pro Unveils 2026 Schedule

Houston Dynamo FC has secured American forward Nick Markanich on loan from CD Castellón for the entire 2026 MLS season [3]. Meanwhile, MLS NEXT Pro has released its 2026 regular-season schedule, and Philadelphia Union II sees two of its players selected for the U.S. U-17 roster [1, 2].

Markanich Joins Dynamo

Nick Markanich, the 26-year-old American striker, is set to join Houston Dynamo on loan from Spanish club CD Castellón [3]. This move marks Markanich's return to U.S. soccer, as he will spend the entirety of the 2026 calendar year in Major League Soccer [3]. The Dynamo will look to Markanich to bolster their attacking options as they aim for a successful season.

MLS NEXT Pro Schedule Released

MLS NEXT Pro has announced its schedule for the 2026 regular season [1]. The season will feature each of the league's 30 teams playing 28 matches over a 30-week period [1]. Tacoma Defiance will kick off its fifth MLS NEXT Pro season at home against Pacific Division rival LAFC 2 [1]. The full schedule promises a competitive and exciting season for fans of the league.

Union II Players Selected for U.S. U-17 Team

Philadelphia Union II is celebrating the selection of two of its players for the U.S. U-17 National Team [2]. Forward Malik Jakupovic and midfielder [omitted for brevity] have been chosen for the 21-player roster that will represent the United States at the 2026 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers, scheduled from February 5-10 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines [2]. Their selection highlights the quality of young talent being developed within the Union II program.

TL;DR

  • Houston Dynamo has acquired American striker Nick Markanich on loan from CD Castellón for the 2026 MLS season [3].
  • MLS NEXT Pro has released its 2026 regular season schedule, featuring 30 teams playing 28 matches each [1].
  • Philadelphia Union II players Malik Jakupovic and [omitted for brevity] were selected to the U.S. U-17 National Team for Concacaf Qualifiers [2].