Houston Dynamo FC has signed forward Roberto “Beto” Avila and defender Talen Maples to short-term loans. As a result, both players will be available for tonight’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Rio Grande Valley FC at PNC Stadium.
Avila is a product of the Houston Dynamo Academy, having played there during the 2017/2018 season. After playing for the Dynamo Academy, Avila joined Lonestar SC for the 2018-2019 season, where he scored 12 goals in 18 appearances.
In 2019, Avila then signed with the USL Championship’s Austin Bold, where he played until he was loaned to Canadian Premier League side Edmonton FC. Beto signed an MLS NEXT Pro Professional contract with Dynamo 2 on February 19, 2022. Avila recorded the first and only hat trick in MLS NEXT Pro history on April 10 against SKC II.
Maples signed an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with Dynamo 2 on February 19, 2022. Maples has played every minute for Dynamo 2 thus far this season and has been named captain in every game. The Texas native was drafted 72nd overall by Toronto FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft and made his debut for Toronto FC II on May 22, 2021 against North Texas SC. During the 2021 season, Maples made 19 appearances and scored one goal.
Prior to joining TFC, Maples played two seasons for the Dynamo’s Premier Development League affiliate Brazos Valley Cavalry, where he played under Houston Dynamo 2 head coach Kenny Bundy and Dynamo 2 assistant coach Daniel Roberts. Maples also played college soccer for Southern Methodist University, where he earned AAC First Team All-Conference honors in 2018 and AAC All-Rookie Team honors in 2017. During that 2018 season, Maples started every game for the Mustangs.
Houston Dynamo 365 Members will receive their seats to tonight’s match at no cost as a benefit of their Membership. Tickets for the general public start at $10 and are available at HoustonDynamoFC.com/Tickets.
