The Houston Dynamo have acquired Colombian forward Mauro Manotas from Uniautónoma F.C. in Colombia’s First Division, the club announced today. Manotas will be added to the Dynamo roster upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and international transfer certificate. Per club and league policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to add Mauro Manotas to our roster before the close of the primary transfer window,” Dynamo VP/general manager Matt Jordan said. “He is a young, talented and dynamic prospect that will be a positive addition to our attacking group. At 19 years of age we are looking forward to seeing him develop within our system and contribute to the success of our team moving forward."
Manotas, 19, scored six goals in 32 appearances across all competitions (Primera A and Copa Colombia) with Uniautónoma. The 6-foot striker scored the crucial goal to keep Uniautónoma in the Colombian top flight in 2014, a late winner in the last regular season game to qualify for a playoff.
“We are delighted to sign a very young and talented player, one we believe has the potential to grow into a very good player,” Dynamo head coach Owen Coyle said. “He has a good physique, can score goals, has pace, and is intelligent. He will have to adapt to MLS, but we look forward to another exciting young player joining the Houston Dynamo.”
The Sabanalarga native helped the Colombia Under-20 national team qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a second place finish at the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship in Uruguay this January and February. Manotas appeared in three games (one start) and scored against Brazil in the group stage.
Before debuting with the first team, Manotas starred with Uniautónoma’s U-20 team in 2013 and later in the Campeonato Postobon.
The Dynamo host the Portland Timbers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets are available HERE, by calling 713-276-GOAL, or by visiting the BBVA Compass Stadium box office (2200 Texas St., Houston) from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
MAURO MANOTAS
Full name: Mauro Andrés Manotas Páez
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: July 15, 1995
Birthplace: Sabanalarga, Colombia
Height: 6’0”
Previous club: Uniautónoma F.C.
How acquired: Transferred on May 13, 2015
