Real Sociedad announced its 21-player traveling roster for the BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup, hosted by the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday, May 24 at BBVA Compass Stadium (6:15 p.m.; TICKETS). Mexico National Team star Carlos Vela highlights the roster for Real Sociedad, who are scheduled to arrive in Houston on May 20. The full roster is below.
Sociedad completed the Liga BBVA season with two consecutive wins to finish tied for eighth place in Spain’s top division. The 2015-16 season for the White-and-Blue was highlighted by a win over eventual league champions FC Barcelona on April 3.
Real Sociedad is managed by Eusebio Sacristán, who started the 1992 European Cup victory for FC Barcelona, highlighting an eight-year stint with the club. Captain and MF Xabi Prieto rose from the Sociedad youth academy and has made over 375 appearances for his hometown club since 2003. MF Asier Illarramendi is a former Spanish youth international and spent three seasons with Real Madrid.
Founded in 1909, Real Sociedad has won two La Liga titles (1980-81, 1981-82) and two Copa del Rey trophies (1909, 1986-87), and has competed in Spanish soccer’s top division in 45 of the last 48 seasons. Based in San Sebastián, in Spain’s Basque Country, Sociedad has reached the UEFA Champions League three times, most recently in 2013-14 after La Real finished in fourth place in the 2012-13 Liga BBVA season.
The BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup is an annual exhibition match in which the Dynamo take on a team from outside of Major League Soccer, with all proceeds benefitting a local nonprofit organization. This year's match will benefit the Pursuit for those with disABILITIES bicycle ride, a 3,500-mile cross-country trek to raise money and awareness for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Real Sociedad is the eighth international opponent overall to face the Dynamo in the Charities Cup, following Santos Laguna (Mexico), Aston Villa (England), Stoke City (England), Valencia (Spain), Bolton Wanderers (England), Club Deportivo Aguila (El Salvador) and CF Monterrey (Mexico).
Real Sociedad’s training schedule during its stay in Houston will be announced at a later date.
Real Sociedad traveling roster for BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup vs. Houston Dynamo on May 24:
Goalkeepers (2): Gerónimo Rulli, Ander Bardají
Defenders (7): Joseba Zaldua, Aritz Elustondo, Mikel Gonzalez, Alvaro Odriozola, Srdan Babic, Alberto de la Bella, Yuri Berchiche
Midfielders (10): Mikel Oyarzabal Ugarte, Markel Bergara, Asier “Illarra” Illarramendi, Esteban Granero, Rubén Pardo, Alejandro Sanz, Igor Zubeldia, Xabi Prieto, David Zurutuza, Eneko Capilla
Forwards (2): Carlos Vela, Jon Bautista
