Returning forward Duilio Herrera highlights the largest class of signings (8) in RGV FC history;
Dylan Hernandez, Jose Luna return for second season on First Team roster.
EDINBURG, Texas (Friday, March 10, 2023) – Rio Grande Valley FC announced today the signing
of seven players to USL Academy contracts ahead of the 2023 USL Championship campaign.
RGV FC’s First Team squad now includes eight USL Academy signings overall, the largest class in
club history.
The Toros’ continued investment in both local and international youth has produced growth in
the club’s USL Academy development program since its inaugural class of five players was
announced in 2022. Since then, two players have moved on to collegiate soccer; goalkeeper
Alexis Gonzalez signed to nearby University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and midfielder Aner
Gael Gonzalez took his talents to Grand Canyon University this offseason, proof of the
advantages that the USL Academy contract produces in terms of exposure and development.
Returning forward Duilio Herrera has been placed on a USL Academy watchlist for young talent
as the 2023 USL Championship rolls around. The Edinburg native appeared in 14 matches for
the Toros last season and scored his first career goal at just 17 years of age. Other players
returning for another season as USL Academy signings are Jose Luna, a 16-year-old from
Weslaco and the youngest signing in club history, 15-year-old Dylan Hernandez of Pharr.
Joining the roster this year is another product out of Edinburg in 16-year-old goalkeeper
Alberto Yanez, who will benefit from veteran leadership as he trains alongside Toros
goalkeepers Tyler Deric and Carlos Merancio, both of whom have extensive experience in the
USL Championship and League One.
RGV FC also extended offers to three youth international products following the conclusion of
the preseason; 18-year-old defender Diego Rivera of Reynosa, Mexico, a nearby border town in
the Rio Grande Valley, and two midfielders from Colombia in Edwin Orduy and Kevin Orduy.
The entire class of youngsters will benefit greatly from the leadership in the locker room and on
the pitch as they develop alongside veteran players such as Jose Francisco Torres, Juan David
Cabezas and Erik Pimentel, all of whom have been proactive in the development of teammates
and maintaining a family locker room environment which provides an opportunity for all to
grow professionally on and off the pitch.
2023 Rio Grande Valley FC USL Academy signings as of 3/9/23
Goalkeepers: Alberto Yanez
Defenders: Diego Rivera, Tomas Ritandole
Midfielders: Kevin Orduy, Edwin Orduy
Forward: Duilio Herrera, Dylan Hernandez, Jose Luna
