Zarek Valentin - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Loons' Dayne St. Clair wins MLS goalkeeper of the year Instead of a standard flight attendant, Minnesota United assistant coach Zarek Valentin was heard over the airplane’s intercom system before...

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 • TWINCITIES.COM

Announces retirement Valentin announced his retirement from professional football after tearing his Achilles.

Impact Valentin has called it quits following a few seasons of severe injuries. He began his career in MLS back in 2011 with Chivas USA, spending most of his time with in the U.S. He's made 233 appearances in the league, totaling five goals. Valentin also spent three years in Norway with Glimt, making 58 appearances while winning the league in 2013.

OCTOBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out with leg injury Valentin is out for Saturday's clash with St. Louis, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Valentin is a surprise addition to the injury report with a leg issue. It's unclear when he picked the injury up, as he hasn't been part of the first team throughout the season. His absence changes little except bench depth.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out to face Dallas Valentin has been called up to the Puerto Rican national team, leaving him out for Saturday's match against Dallas.

Impact Valentin will set out the club's upcoming match, as he will be serving with Puerto Rico in a pair of World Cup qualifiers. Luckily for the club, this is a minor absence, as he has yet to start this season.

JUNE 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

In squad against Charlotte Valentin (thigh) is among the substitutes for Sunday's visit to Charlotte FC.

Impact Valentin could play his first minutes since March 10 in this match after being able to train during the week. However, the defender is usually limited to a bench role with both DJ Taylor and Joseph Rosales favored in the full-back positions.

APRIL 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available to play Sunday Valentin (thigh) trained throughout the week and will be available to play Sunday against Charlotte FC, Minnesota United reporter Jon Marthaler writes.

Impact Valentin recovered earlier than expected, and his return to action will provide a boost for Minnesota's defensive line, especially after the news of Hugo Bacharach suffering a knee injury that will sideline him for multiple weeks. Valentin has been limited to just two appearances off the bench, so he shouldn't have a lot of fantasy upside, although he'll add some much needed depth at the back.

APRIL 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Held out with thigh injury Valentin is not an option for Saturday's match against Philadelphia after picking up a thigh injury.

Impact Valentin will have to sit out Saturday, as he looks to have picked up a thigh injury in the buildup to Saturday's contest. Luckily for the club, this will be a minor issue, as he has only appeared on the field twice as a substitute this season, registering 16 minutes. However, they will still hope to add his depth back into the team by their next contest against Real Salt Lake on April 6.

MARCH 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sold debut Valentin assisted twice and made 20 appearances during his first MLS season in Minnesota.

Impact Valentin had his contract option for 2024 picked up after putting together a solid debut season. He didn't take a major starting role but he did produce when called upon and ended with two goal contributions. Valentin will remain a more defensive full back option heading into 2024.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist Valentin assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 4-1 victory versus Portland Timbers.

Impact Valentin logged the assist to Minnesota United's third goal, scored by attacking midfielder Bongokuhle Hlongwane. The right-back now has two goals across his 2023 MLS season.

JULY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Back with club team Valentin (not injury related) should be available to feature in Saturday's clash against RSL after returning from international duty, Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press reports.

Impact Valentin was with the Puerto Rican national team during the June window over the last week or so but the country failed to qualify for the Gold Cup and he has returned to Minnesota. Valentin has started six MLS matches at right-back this season, and he's set to continue in the XI while Kemar Lawrence (not injury related) is away with Jamaica.

JUNE 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist Valentin assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Vancouver.

Impact After going quiet across his first three MNU games, Valentin had a chance at redemption Saturday, following fellow full-back Kemar Lawrence's national team call-up. He took advantage of it by logging an assist to a goal scored by Mender Garcia.

MARCH 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Has quiet game in draw Valentin made a clearance and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw against the Red Bulls.

Impact Valentin has started each of Minnesota's first two games of the season at right-back over last year's preferred option DJ Taylor.

MARCH 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Minnesota United sign defender Zarek Valentin via free agency Minnesota United have signed veteran defender Zarek Valentin on a one-year deal via free agency.

DECEMBER 9, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Minnesota United sign defender Zarek Valentin in free agency | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing Minnesota United FC have signed free-agent defender Zarek Valentin to a one-year deal with a club option fo...

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Heads to Minnesota Valentin signed for Minnesota United on a one-year contract, it was announced Thursday.

Impact Valentin spent the last three seasons with Houston but made just five appearances (four starts) in 2022. He's capable of competing with DJ Taylor for a starting spot, but he only has a one-year contract to make that happen.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Orlando City hosts the Houston Dynamo in non-conference action

Orlando City plays the Houston Dynamo in non-conference action

JUNE 17, 2022 • Associated Press

On bench in season finale Valentin was an unused substitute in last week's defeat against CF Montreal.

Impact Valentin kept three clean sheets in 29 MLS appearances (28 starts) this season, mostly at right back but also occasionally as part of a back three.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Duissi scores before halftime, helps Austin beat Dynamo 2-1

Sebastián Driussi scored in first-half injury time and expansion Austin FC beat the Houston Dynamo 2-1 on Sunday

OCTOBER 24, 2021 • Associated Press

Own goal in rout Valentin scored an own goal and made three interceptions during Wednesday's 3-0 loss to LA Galaxy.

Impact Valentin scored an own goal and looked largely uncomfortable during Wednesday's loss as he started at center-back. The natural full-back has struggled in his new role, and has next to no fantasy value when he's not at full-back.

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Kljestan scores in 2nd straight game, LA Galaxy beat Dynamo

Sacha Kljestan and Kevin Cabral scored in the LA Galaxy’s 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • Associated Press

Picks up fifth yellow card Valentin sent in one inaccurate cross, made one block and picked up a yellow card in Saturday's 3-2 win over Dallas.

Impact Valentin couldn't do much in the field before subbing off in the 60th minute. But the right-back also picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the process.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in draw Valentin made an assist and created two chances during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Dallas.

Impact Valentin was having a very quiet performance until the 72nd minute, when he went up the field and assisted Matias Vera for the goal that sealed the 2-2 draw. This was the first appearance on the scoresheet of the season for the right back, who's known mainly for what he can provide on the defensive end. Up next for Valentin is Saturday's home match against Minnesota.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Pochettino, Domínguez score, Austin FC beats Dynamo 3-2

Tomás Pochettino and Cecilio Domínguez each scored to help expansion Austin FC beat the 10-man Houston Dynamo 3-2 on Wednesday night

AUGUST 5, 2021 • Associated Press

Scores own goal in draw Valentin scored an own goal, delivered one cross, won one tackle and made four clearances in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus San Jose Earthquakes.

Impact Valentin was unlucky to score an own goal in the first half Saturday. The fullback has not been much involved on the offensive end this season as he has not registered any goals nor assists in 14 appearances. However, he has produced six crosses, three chances created, five tackles won and five interceptions in his last three outings.

JULY 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Valentin scores, San Jose draws Houston 1-1

Zarek Valentin scored an own goal to help the San Jose Earthquakes tie the Houston Dynamo 1-1

JULY 25, 2021 • Associated Press

ZAREK VALENTIN NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

Orlando City hosts the Houston Dynamo in non-conference action

Duissi scores before halftime, helps Austin beat Dynamo 2-1

Kljestan scores in 2nd straight game, LA Galaxy beat Dynamo

Pochettino, Domínguez score, Austin FC beats Dynamo 3-2

Valentin scores, San Jose draws Houston 1-1