HOUSTON - Spartan men’s soccer alum Gilberto Rivera has signed a first team contract with Houston Dynamo FC of the MLS for the 2027 season, with club options for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, the club announced on Saturday. He was previously playing for the Houston Dynamo 2 of the MLS NEXT PRO league.
Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad said, “[Rivera] has embraced each step of his development from the collegiate level, to Dynamo 2 and gaining valuable experience in the USL Championship, and has demonstrated the composure and competitive mentality needed to impact the midfield. We are excited to welcome him to the first team and look forward to supporting his continued development.”
Rivera was drafted in the third round at pick number 88 overall, in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft to the Dynamo. Rivera became the eighth Spartan in history to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft and joined current San Jose Earthquake Beau Leroux as the only Spartans to be drafted since 2003. Rivera also becomes the second 2026 MLS SuperDraft selection by the Dynamo to sign a first team contract this season. With the Dynamo 2, he made 10 appearances, recording two goals and one assist and helping his team clinch a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the fourth time in team history.
From the midfield for the Spartans, 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 the 2025 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.
Gilberto Rivera, Midfielder, Hayward, Calif.
- First Team All-Far West Region in 2025
- 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
- Had three goals and ten assists in his college career
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