FORMER RGV FC USL ACADEMY PLAYER, GAEL GONZALEZ INKS WITH GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
The former USL Academy standout inked a collegiate deal after a full season at RGV FC as a USL Academy signing.
EDINBURG, Texas (Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023) – Rio Grande Valley FC announced today the achievement of USL Academy standout Aner Gael Gonzalez as the first-ever USL Academy product to ink a collegiate deal. The Mexican national from Reynosa, Tamaulipas signed a national letter of intent to compete at Grand Canyon University, the only Division 1 men’s soccer program in Arizona.
The 18-year-old midfielder originally signed with RGV FC as a USL Academy signing on May 27,2022 as part of the historic five player class for the club. The USL Academy type signing retained Gonzalez’s eligibility to pursue a collegiate career at the conclusion of his contract. Throughout the course of the 2022 USL Championship season, Gonzalez competed with the RGV FC Academy at various tournaments across Texas and the United States.
The MLS Next Pro and various academy tournaments are perfect exposure grounds for athletes pursuing a collegiate deal, as multiple university soccer scouts attended regularly. Talent seekers took notice as Gael Gonzalez made his mark on the field for the Toros Academy squads with his agile play style and strong physique at tournaments, ultimately making a formal offer to the Palmview, Texas native.
RGV FC Sporting Director Wilmer Cabrera took notice of the talents that Gonzalez possessed early in the 2022 preseason, which ultimately led to the extension of the amateur deal to the young prospect back in May of 2022; “Aner is a very strong and talented young midfielder who has played and developed his soccer skills in the academy. He is ready for a new challenge, we believe he is talented enough to compete at any level.”
After a full season of competing with the first team, Gael agrees that this was the most beneficial outcome of his time on the main roster. “The opportunity to train with the first team truly prepared me for competing at any level alongside some of the most experienced players.”
Wilmer Cabrera taught simplicity according to Gonzalez, “he taught us to be consistent on our simple one-two touch actions which developed into a consistent play style for all” the young midfielder mentioned.
Toros Sporting Director + Head Coach, Wilmer Cabrera, spoke on Gonzalez’ development within the academy ranks and as an individual player; “Gael is a very strong and talented player that grew through the RGV FC academy ranks. He represents the “Valley” lifestyle well with his hard working mentality and passion for the game. We are proud of his growth and decision to continue his career at the collegiate level where he will make a positive impact from the start.”
As a Rio Grande Valley native, he emphasized the importance of learning and having the true opportunity to showcase his talents nationally and internationally to scouts and coaches such as Cabrera who possesses a strong resume of coaching young athletes into strong contenders at various leagues. These opportunities are golden as the RGV FC system looks to continue growing its roots in the community and finding hidden gems in their own backyard for the benefit of the club and the player as their career progresses. As of last season the RGV FC USL Academy signings broke records by signing its largest class, five players, who ranged from ages 15-18.
ABOUT RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (RGV FC) enter their eighth season in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship in 2023. The club plays at H-E-B Park, a state-of-the-art soccer specific stadium that holds 9,700 people, the club trains in H-E-B Park’s world class training facility adjacent to the stadium. RGV FC is the only professional soccer team located within the Rio Grande Valley. For more information, please visit www.RGVFC.com.
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