SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State men's soccer midfielder, Gilberto Rivera, was selected by Houston Dynamo FC in the third round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. Rivera was picked in the third round, pick number 88 overall.
“A well deserved opportunity for Gil who has made tremendous strides in his three years at SJSU,” said SJSU men’s soccer Head Coach Simon Tobin. “He is still only a junior. Houston will be very happy with their choice as I know Gil can play at the highest level. I’m really happy for him and wish him every success.”
With the 88th pick of the 2026 @MLS SuperDraft, we have selected Gilberto Rivera from @SanJoseStateMS pic.twitter.com/qNFSuJR7Pv
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) December 18, 2025
From the midfield, Rivera has played a vital role in the team’s success over the past three seasons, including leading the team to appearances in the WAC Tournament Championship game in 2024 and 2025. In his career with the Spartans, the Hayward, California native has recorded three goals and ten assists.
This past season, Rivera was named First Team All-Far West Region, First Team All-WAC and was also named to the WAC All-Tournament Team. Rivera started in all 19 appearances, tallying two goals and eight assists. Also as a defensive midfielder, Rivera led the Spartans in securing a WAC leading eight shutouts on the season.
Rivera becomes the eighth Spartan in history to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, joining Beau Leroux as the only Spartans to be drafted since 2003. Rivera is the first Spartan to be selected by Houston Dynamo FC and the third Spartan to be drafted by a team outside of San Jose.
Gilberto Rivera, Midfielder, Junior, Hayward, Calif.
- First Team All-Far West Region
- Named 2025 First Team All-WAC
- Placed on the 2024 and 2025 WAC All-Tournament Teams
- Recorded two goals and eight assists in the 2025 season
- Started in all 19 of his appearances in 2025 and played 1,648 minutes
- Has three goals and ten assists in his college career
- Earned an invite to the 2025 MLS College Showcase
SJSU MLS Draft History
- 2026 - Gilberto Rivera, Houston Dynamo FC, Round three pick 88
- 2024 - Beau Leroux, San Jose Earthquakes, Round two pick 42
- 2003 - Frank Sanfilippo, San Jose Earthquakes, Round six pick 56
- 2002 - Lars Lyssand, San Jose Earthquakes, Round six pick 70
- 2001 - Ryan Suarez, Dallas Burn, Round one pick seven
- 2001 - Isaias Bardales, LA Galaxy, Round one pick 11
- 2001- Jorge Martinez, San Jose Earthquakes, Round six pick 61
- 1999 - Todd Duncan, San Jose Clash, Round three pick 27
#AllSpartans