The Houston Dynamo have acquired midfielder José Escalante on loan from RGV FC through the end of the year, the club announced today.
Escalante, a left-footed winger, is the first player to move from Rio Grande Valley FC, the Dynamo’s hybrid USL affiliate, to the Dynamo on a full MLS contract. The 21-year-old joined RGV FC on loan from Olimpia in March and scored three goals and added two assists in 14 appearances for the Toros, who are in sixth place in the Western Conference with 29 points, second-most among six USL expansion clubs.
“José has been a key and consistent performer this season for our USL team RGV FC,” Dynamo VP/general manager Matt Jordan said. “He’s earned this opportunity with the First Team and we look forward to his continued growth with our Club.”
Escalante is the fourth player acquired by the Dynamo with Olimpia ties, the most successful club in Honduras. He follows Dynamo veteran Boniek García along with former players Luis Garrido and Alexander López from Olimpia to Houston.
“With this signing we’d also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of RGV FC head coach Wilmer Cabrera and his staff in our inaugural season,” Jordan said. “This signing is a great example of our club and ownership group’s commitment to the player development process with this important USL initiative.”
A native of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Escalante was captain of Los Catrachos at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and played for the Honduras U-17 national team. He made his Olimpia debut in 2012 and made 20 first team appearances for Los Leones.
Escalante is the third player acquired by the Dynamo during the summer transfer window. The club also added midfielder Yair Arboleda on loan from Independiente Santa Fe last Friday and midfielder Eric Alexander via trade from the Montreal Impact on July 22. Escalante will occupy an international roster spot on the Dynamo roster, along with Agus García, Cristian Maidana, Erick Torres, Mauro Manotas and Arboleda.
TRANSACTION: Houston Dynamo acquire midfielder José Escalante on loan from RGV FC for the remainder of the year on August 3, 2016.
JOSÉ ESCALANTE
Full name: José Alberto Escalante Rápalo
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: May 29, 1995
Birthplace: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Height: 5’10”
Jersey Number: 23
Previous clubs: CD Olimpia and Rio Grande Valley FC (loan)
How acquired: On loan from Rio Grande Valley FC for the remainder of the year on August 3, 2016.
