RGV FC Sign 7 to USL Academy Contracts
March 10, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC announced today the signing of seven players to USL Academy contracts ahead of the 2023 USL Championship campaign. RGV FC's First Team squad now includes eight USL Academy signings overall, the largest class in club history.
The Toros' continued investment in both local and international youth has produced growth in the club's USL Academy development program since its inaugural class of five players was announced in 2022. Since then, two players have moved on to collegiate soccer; goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez signed to nearby University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley and midfielder Aner Gael Gonzalez took his talents to Grand Canyon University this offseason, proof of the advantages that the USL Academy contract produces in terms of exposure and development.
Returning forward Duilio Herrera has been placed on a USL Academy watchlist for young talent as the 2023 USL Championship rolls around. The Edinburg native appeared in 14 matches for the Toros last season and scored his first career goal at just 17 years of age. Other players returning for another season as USL Academy signings are Jose Luna, a 16-year-old from Weslaco and the youngest signing in club history, 15-year-old Dylan Hernandez of Pharr.
Joining the roster this year is another product out of Edinburg in 16-year-old goalkeeper Alberto Yanez, who will benefit from veteran leadership as he trains alongside Toros goalkeepers Tyler Deric and Carlos Merancio, both of whom have extensive experience in the USL Championship and League One.
RGV FC also extended offers to three youth international products following the conclusion of the preseason; 18-year-old defender Diego Rivera of Reynosa, Mexico, a nearby border town in the Rio Grande Valley, and two midfielders from Colombia in Edwin Orduy and Kevin Orduy.
The entire class of youngsters will benefit greatly from the leadership in the locker room and on the pitch as they develop alongside veteran players such as Jose Francisco Torres, Juan David Cabezas and Erik Pimentel, all of whom have been proactive in the development of teammates and maintaining a family locker room environment which provides an opportunity for all to grow professionally on and off the pitch.
2023 Rio Grande Valley FC USL Academy signings as of 3/9/23
Goalkeepers: Alberto Yanez
Defenders: Diego Rivera, Tomas Ritandole
Midfielders: Kevin Orduy, Edwin Orduy
Forward: Duilio Herrera, Dylan Hernandez, Jose Luna
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