Houston’s small-sided soccer scene will be on full display as Tekker90 hosts the Tekker90 Winter Tournament, an 8v8 competition taking place on, December 19th at GFI Academy.
The tournament will feature 16 total teams competing for a $3,000 cash prize, bringing together clubs from across multiple leagues and levels. With its fast-paced 8v8 format, the event is designed to highlight creativity, intensity, and technical quality, giving players more touches and teams less margin for error in every match.
📍 Location: GFI Academy
⏰ Arrival Time: 5:30 PM
👥 Teams: 16
🏆 Prize: $3,000
H-Town Pulse is proud to serve as the exclusive media partner for the Tekker90 Winter Tournament. All official coverage will be handled only by @catalanoflicks and @melendez.productions, delivering professional photography, highlights, and tournament content throughout the night.
Group A Breakdown
Salsa Rosada FC
A Houston-made squad built around former Houston Dynamo talent from one of the club’s most prestigious age groups. Many players now compete at the Division I level, representing Loyola Marymount, Portland, UCLA, Grand Canyon University, and HCU.
Player to watch: @andre.gitau, currently enjoying a strong spell overseas with @1fsvmainz05 in Germany.
Ballers HFA (Volt League 1)
A tight-knit group of lifelong friends who’ve played together since high school. Under coach @levyy.g, Ballers reached the Division 2 final, earned promotion, and are now competing in Division 1 — all without sponsors. Built on grind, loyalty, and love for the game.
Vinotinto Houston FC (Volt League 1)
Proudly representing Venezuela in Houston, Vinotinto have delivered results, finishing as HFA 1A finalists (2022–23)and returning to claim the HFA 1B Championship (2023). Passion, pride, and Venezuelan flavor every time they step on the pitch.
Forza TakTik
One of the most internet-recognized youth clubs right now, Forza TakTik has exploded across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube with creativity and style — backed by real talent and real work. Led by Seif Soliman, they arrive ready to compete, entertain, and light up the tournament.
Group B Breakdown
CF10 Houston FC
Based in Katy, Texas, CF10 is built around real development and opportunity. Their 2008 Boys enter as back-to-back TYSL Champions (2023 & 2024) and EA League National Championship competitors, defined by discipline and teamwork.
Dynasty FC (USSL)
Founded in 2019 and led by Colombian coach David Arboleda, Dynasty FC has built a strong reputation for development. Their pathway includes 17-year-old @mohammadsamir_7, now with Houston Dynamo 2 and on the radar of the Russian and Afghan national teams.
Zoyo United
A true international squad featuring players from South America and Europe, backed by a core with experience at top U.S. universities and overseas. With quality, personality, and serious minutes at a high level, Zoyo United arrive ready to compete.
HTX Elite White
A disciplined and organized side bringing balance and structure into a competitive group.
Group C Breakdown
HTX Elite Black
A structured and athletic squad capable of controlling tempo and punishing mistakes.
Lightning Elite FC (UPSL)
Based out of Katy, Tomball, and Brookshire, Lightning Elite FC is led by Coach A and built for players who want freedom, expression, and intensity. A competitive UPSL side and platform for hungry ballers chasing the next level.
High tempo. High energy. No fear.
Asturias FC (Volt League 2)
Formed around 2021–22 from a long-standing core, Asturias is a family-oriented but competitive club. Winners of the Crossbar Super League, they now turn their focus to tournament success and momentum heading into their 2025/26 campaigns.
Ghosttown Saints FC (Volt League 1)
One of the largest and most recognized clubs in Volt League. After finishing second last season with a semifinal run, Ghosttown has expanded with Ghosttown Saints 2, setting the stage for an even bigger future.
Group D Breakdown
Houston Rangers (HFA)
Part of HFA since 1992, Houston Rangers bring decades of history and culture. Led by Pana Vasquez and Carl Eaves, with captains Arturo Alvarez and Miguel Zapata, the club has become a home for college players and current and former professionals.
Gorilones
Founded in 2015 as a pickup team, Gorilones have stacked trophies across Texas, winning three Copa Mariachis titlesand a back-to-back championship run with AC Juniors. They’ve also built Gorilones Jr, a youth program competing at the highest level.
Big tournaments. Big wins.
Real Houston (Volt League 1)
Founded in 2023 by Rigo Cortez and Juan Valdez, Real Houston is focused on providing opportunity to players from low-income communities. Already USSL State Champions (2024), with their second team winning Crossbar Super League (Spring 2025), the club is expanding into youth with a long-term professional vision.
Salt Athletic FC
A Houston-rooted squad loaded with experience. Featuring Joseph Farouz (former Egyptian youth national team, Houston Dynamo, Yale), Jhosua Jory (Dynamo Academy, D1 attacker), and Khalil Khenayzir, backed by leaders Rica, Dilo, Seba, José Ramos, and Benjamin Avilés. College, pro, and academy experience across the pitch.
Defending Champions
Elite FC (@wpbelitefc)
The reigning champions return to defend their crown. Founded in 2016 by Ariel Riquelme in West Palm Beach, FL, Elite FC grew from small-sided cash tournaments into national 11v11 showcase teams featuring players from ECNL, MLS NEXT, and college programs.
Now expanded into Houston, the club continues using platforms like Tekker90 to create exposure and opportunity.
Captains:
@jayden_m2007 (reigning champs)
@alexiscruzz10
The Tekker90 Winter Tournament continues Tekker90’s mission of elevating the Houston soccer community through competitive events that prioritize quality, opportunity, and exposure. With 16 teams, multiple leagues represented, and $3,000 on the line, the stage is set for a competitive night of soccer at GFI Academy.
Stay locked in with H-Town Pulse for live updates, post-match results, and full tournament coverage following the event.