February 17, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Houston Dynamo 2 News Release
HOUSTON – Houston Dynamo 2 have signed four Dynamo Academy products to MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts, the Club announced today. The group will participate in the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro, the final piece in Major League Soccer’s pro player pathway.
The four players signed are forward Roberto “Beto” Avila, forward Joyner Castillo, midfielder Diego Gonzalez and defender Mujeeb Murana.
“As we prepare for the first season of MLS NEXT Pro, I couldn’t be happier that the first four signings in Dynamo 2 history are all products of the Club’s academy system,” Nick Kowba, Assistant General Manager and Director of Soccer Operations said. “It’s a credit to the hard work being done in the Academy and the dedication from these players. We believe that all four of these players will contribute to the ultimate success of the team, and we’re excited to continue to play a part in their development.”
Murana’s signing represents a reunion between the player and club. Murana first joined the Dynamo Academy when he was just 12 years old. While with the Dynamo Academy, Murana was the two-time Student of the Year and captained the U-19 team. The Nigeria-native then went on to college at Saint Louis University, where he spent three successful seasons in which he was twice named to the All-Atlantic 10 team and finished the 2021 season second among all SLU field players in minutes played. In that 2021 season, Murana helped lead the Billikens to a 16-1-4 record and an appearance in the quarterfinals of the College Cup. After his sophomore season at SLU, Murana signed with the USL 2’s Flint City Bucks, where he appeared in seven matches and scored one goal.
Castillo signs with Dynamo 2 directly from the Dynamo Academy. After being born in Honduras, Castillo immigrated to the United States with his family and moved around the country before settling in the Space City. Castillo played soccer for Sharpstown High School before joining the Dynamo Academy at 16.
Gonzalez also joins Dynamo 2 directly from the Dynamo Academy, where he has been a crucial cog in the midfield for numerous teams. Gonzalez joined the Dynamo at the age of 12 and has been a part of the club ever since. Most recently, he played for and captained the Academy’s U-23 team last season.
Avila is another player returning to the Houston Dynamo after a stint in the USL. 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.
Transaction: Houston Dynamo FC signs Roberto Avila, Joyner Castillo, Diego Gonzalez and Mujeeb Murana to MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts.
PLAYER BIOS
Name: Mujeeb Murana
Pronunciation: moo-JEEB muh-RAH-nah
Position: Defender
DOB: September 23, 2000 (21)
Birthplace: Ibandan, Nigeria
Height: 6 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 184 lbs.
Nationality: United States
Last Club: Flint City Bucks
Name: Joyner Castillo
Position: Forward
DOB: January 21, 2003 (19)
Birthplace: Puerto Cortez, Honduras
Height: 5 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 162 lbs.
Nationality: Honduras
Last Club: Houston Dynamo Academy
Name: Diego Gonzalez
Position: Midfielder
DOB: October 16, 2002 (19)
Birthplace: Houston, Texas
Height: 5 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 143 lbs.
Nationality: United States
Last Club: Houston Dynamo Academy
Name: Roberto Avila
Pronunciation: a-VEE-la
Position: Forward
DOB: October 16, 2000 (21)
Birthplace: Austin, Texas
Height: 5 ft. 9 in.
Weight: 167 lbs.
Nationality: United States
Last Club: Austin Bold FC
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