USL Championship’s Rio Grande Valley FC will take over all aspects of soccer operations and continuing its own business operations, as Houston Dynamo FC will maintain MLS rights to RGVFC players, and the pair will continue to hold options for short-term transfers.
The revised affiliation agreement runs only through 2021, although there is the option for an extension.
The move means RGVFC will pay and select players as well as the coaching and technical staff. As a result, RGVFC will begin the process of selecting a new head coach immediately. On the plus side, the Toros will be eligible to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in 2021. The agreement also maintains a direct pathway to Major League Soccer and a first-division career for players on the Toros’ roster.
“The next era of our valuable relationship with Houston Dynamo FC is exciting for both clubs. The Valley deserves a winning team and this new chapter in the partnership between these two great organizations can help us all accomplish our goals,” said Rio Grande Valley FC President Ron Patel via press release. “I’m extremely appreciative of all the hard work John Walker, Matt Jordan, Nick Kowba and all of the Dynamo staff have put into this and will continue to do into the future. This partnership is a ‘Win’ for both clubs and for the people of the Rio Grande Valley.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic created a number of challenges for both of our clubs this year on and off the pitch, and that led us all to reevaluate the nature of the partnership going forward,” said Houston Dynamo FC President John Walker via press release. “It has been a long process to get to this point, but thanks to the leadership of Ron Patel at RGV FC, we were able to work out an agreement that sets both organizations up for success going forward.”
Over the first five years of the partnership, 12 players have been signed to the Houston Dynamo FC roster after first playing for the Toros. Additionally, another 37 players have seen minutes for RGVFC while on loan from Houston.
Photo courtesy Rio Grande Valley FC.
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