Houston Dynamo FC

Marcelo Palomino scores first professional goal, McCue debuts, RGV FC remain unbeaten

Marcelo Palomino

Dynamo Academy product Marcelo Palomino scored his first professional goal on Friday in Charlotte Independence’s 3-0 victory over the Charleston Battery. 


Twelve minutes into the match, the Houston-born midfielder capitalized on a loose ball in the box that bounced off the crossbar. Palomino was first to react to the rebound and headed the ball past the Charleston goalkeeper to secure Charlotte’s first victory of the season. Palomino and the Independence visit the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. 


Fellow Academy product Erik McCue, on loan with Charleston, entered the match as a substitute in the 69thminute and made his regular season debut with the Battery on Friday. The Battery host New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, May 23 at Patriots Point. 


Rio Grande Valley FC, the USL Championship affiliate of the Houston Dynamo FC, remains unbeaten after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over San Antonio FC. Christian Sorto’s solo effort in the second half secured the Toros’ third victory of the year. Rio Grande travel to West Texas on Saturday to face El Paso Locomotive at Southwest University Park at 8:30 p.m. CT.