Junior Gonzalez Takes Over As RGVFC Head Coach

The Houston Dynamo announced Othoniel “Junior” Gonzalez as the new head coach of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Junior will be assisted by Brett Uttley. Both men spent last season with Seattle Sounders FC 2, the USL affiliate of the new MLS Cup champions. Previously coaching and scouting for US junior squads, Gonzalez has a similar background to the previous Toros’ manager, Wilmer Cabrera, who was promoted to lead the Dynamo this offseason. He also worked with Cabrera, serving as an assistant coach and directer of scouting for Chivas USA.

Memo Rodriguez, whose option was picked up by RGVFC, is ready to play for Junior. “You know I'm excited! I'm sure the Dynamo staff picked him for a reason. He probably has similar philosophy that Wilmer did, so it'll be exciting to see how next season comes out under him,” explained Rodriguez.

Uttley recently completed a stay in Spain, learning at the MBP School of Coaches in Barcelona. He was the coach of the Sounders’ U-13, and fitness coach for S2.

RGVFC picked up options Charlie Ward, Christian Lucatero, Dzenan Catic, Eric Bird, Eric Verso, Jose “Memo” Rodriguez, Juan “Charly” Flores, Kai Greene, Kyle Murphy, Leo Ayala, Ruben Luna and Taylor Hunter. Ivan Magalhães signed an extension, and the club is still interested in bringing back Todd Wharton, George Malki, TJ Casner, and Arturo Sanchez.