Houston Dynamo FC signed Colombian attacker Nelson Quiñónes on a year-long loan from Once Caldas S.A. in Colombia with an option to purchase, the clubs announced today. The loan is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
The 19-year-old joins the Dynamo after two seasons in his native Colombia with Once Caldas. The winger earned 31 appearances for the club after he graduated from the club’s academy system. He made his debut as an 18-year-old coming off the bench on July 25, 2021 against Jaguares FC. The winger scored and finished with an assist in Once Caldas’ 2-1 victory over Envigado FC on Nov. 16, 2021.
“We are excited to welcome Nelson to Houston Dynamo FC. He is a dynamic wide-attacking player with the ability to change a game. As soon as he completes his visa process, he will join our first team to help push for this year’s playoffs,” said Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad. “We are working to establish a pathway from Central and South America to Houston for ambitious, young players hoping to advance their careers. Nelson fits the profile of player who will do well in our city and our league. We look forward to seeing him develop in our environment.”
The winger appeared in 17 games in the first division for Once Caldas in 2022. He also played in three matches in the Torneo BetPlay Dimayor this year, the second division of Colombian soccer. Once Caldas recently began their Torneo Finalización campaign and are tied for fifth place.
Quiñónes is a graduate of the Once Caldas academy and played at the U-17 and U-20 levels prior to making his professional debut in 2021. The Once Caldas academy has developed players that now ply their trade around the globe and represent Colombia at the international level such as Dayro Moreno, Luis Sinisterra and Óscar Estupiñán.
The Tumaco, Colombia native will occupy both a senior and an international roster spot for the 2022 season.
