The Houston Dynamo and defender Zarek Valentin have reached an agreement on a contract extension through the 2022 season with an option to extend to 2023, the club announced today.
The seven-year MLS veteran joined the Dynamo last November in a trade with Nashville SC after he was selected in the 2019 Expansion Draft. The versatile outside back has started in 18 games for the Dynamo this season and leads the backline with three assists, a career-high for the Pennsylvania native.
“When we acquired Zarek last offseason we knew we were adding a top professional both on and off the field.” said SVP/General Manager Matt Jordan. “We are very pleased he’s made the decision to be a part of what we are building here, rather than explore free agency.”
Valentin was key in securing a point in the home opener on Feb. 29 against the LA Galaxy when he found forward Mauro Manotas in the second half for the equalizer. The defender’s second assist of the season came in the first victory of the year on Aug. 25 against Sporting Kansas City. Valentin found Manotas again, this time for the game-winning goal, on Sept. 5 at BBVA Stadium to give Houston a 2-1 victory over Kansas City.
The defender joined the Dynamo after a four-year run with the Portland Timbers from 2016-2019. Valentin started in five of his six appearances in the Timbers’ postseason run to the 2018 MLS Cup, including a full 90-minute shift in the Final at Atlanta.
TRANSACTION: The Houston Dynamo sign defender Zarek Valentin to a contract extension through the 2022 season with an option to extend to 2023.
