TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
Juan David Cabezas
is staying in
Houston
.
After spending the 2017 season with the Dynamo on loan, the 26-year-old midfielder was acquired by Houston on a full transfer from Colombian club Deportivo Cali on Thursday.
“Juan was one of our steadiest performers this year and acquiring him on a full transfer from Deportivo Cali was one of our priorities this offseason,” Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan said in a release. “He has transitioned well to Major League Soccer and his quality as a player on the field, along with his professional attitude off the field will be important for our club moving forward.”
Cabezas was a key performer for a Houston team that made it to the Western Conference Championship, playing in 27 matches during the regular season and every minute of their five playoff games. The Cali, Colombia native led the team with 1,052 passes attempted and his 86.4 pass completion percentage was the second-highest among regular starters.
The two-way midfielder also had the most tackles per 90 minutes (4.11) of anyone in MLS who played at least 1,800 minutes. His 102 total tackles and 77 tackles won both led the team, as did his 52 interceptions.
“Juan David impacted the Houston Dynamo with his presence on the field throughout the season. He was a top player in the midfield for us and is a natural ball winner,” Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “This year he showed his discipline, that he can tackle the ball, win the ball and strike the ball. He was very solid and an important element for the team to be successful this season.”
With the addition of Cabezas, the Houston Dynamo now have 15 players under contract for the 2018 season. The Colombian will occupy an international roster spot for the Dynamo.
