Houston Dynamo 2 signed defender Jathan Juarez to an MLS NEXT Pro Professional Contract, the club announced today. Juarez is a product of the Houston Dynamo Academy system, having joined the academy in 2018.
“Jathan has proven himself to be an integral member at every level of the Academy, and we believe that he will continue to do so with Dynamo 2,” said Houston Dynamo assistant general manager and director of soccer operations Nick Kowba. “We are incredibly proud of the number of academy players that have already contributed to the team’s success this season and are confident this signing will help establish Jathan as a key piece for us going forward. Signing Jathan, who has consistently trained with the first team, is yet another example of the important role of the integrated player pipeline that will continue to help push every level of the organization, including the first team, to reach its maximum potential.”
The San Antonio native becomes the fifth Houston Dynamo Academy product to sign a professional contract with Dynamo 2.
Thus far this season, Juarez has appeared in both Dynamo 2 games, helping to contribute to the team’s 2-0-0 record and a first-place position in the MLS NEXT Pro standings.
Houston Dynamo 2 are next in action on Sunday, April 10 at 6 p.m. when they travel to Kansas to face Sporting Kansas City II.