Houston Dynamo agree to terms with ex-Espanyol defender Raul Rodriguez
The Houston Dynamo have added centerback Raul Rodriguez to their roster, the club announced Friday.
The 27-year-old played most recently for La Liga's Espanyol but had his contract terminated this month after falling out of the first-team squad under manager Sergio. Rodriguez made only two appearances in the Copa del Rey and came on for one minute of a league match after playing in 77 games for the club since 2010.
Despite the layoff, the Dynamo are confident Rodriguez can contribute to their club.
"He is an intelligent defender who reads the game well, is technically sound and will provide leadership to our back line," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said in a news release. "He joins our club at a very good age with a big ambition to succeed in Houston and MLS."
Houston has brought in a number of players during the offseason, including defender-midfielder Samuel Inkoom, goalkeeper Joe Willis and forward Erick "Cubo" Torres, who will join the club after spending the Cluausura with Chivas.
New coach Owen Coyle hopes to return the team to the playoffs after it missed the postseason in 2014.
"We are delighted to sign a player of the caliber of Raul Rodriguez, who has played at the highest level, showing great defensive qualities against some of the world's best attacking players," Coyle said in the release. "Raul also has great technical ability on the ball and is excited to be part of the Houston Dynamo."
Per league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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