The Houston Dynamo signed Dynamo Academy product Nico Lemoine from the club’s USL affiliate Rio Grande Valley FC (RGV FC), the club announced today.
RGV FC is the Dynamo’s hybrid affiliate in the USL Championship, and Lemoine returns to Houston after one season with the Toros. The speedy winger finished with two goals and an assist in his first season as a professional.
“We are pleased to add Nico to our roster as we prepare to re-start our season heading into the Orlando tournament. He is a player who spent the preseason with the First Team and showed he has the ability to effectively create chances in the wide areas of the field,” said Dynamo Senior Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan. “Nico has worked his way up through our system, and at just 20 years old we look forward to seeing his continued development.”
Lemoine was a standout performer for the Dynamo U-19 Academy team. The 20-year-old signed a USL contract with RGV FC on March 8, 2019 and scored his first goal as a professional against the Tulsa Roughnecks on March 29, 2019, his second appearance for the Toros. Lemoine went on to play in 19 games for the South Texas club in 2019.
The 20-year-old is the fourth Dynamo Academy product on the First Team roster, joining defender Erik McCue, midfielder Marcelo Palomino and midfielder Memo Rodriguez. He is the 12th Academy alumnus to sign with the Dynamo First Team.
With the addition of Lemoine, the Dynamo now have 28 players under contract for the 2020 season.
TRANSACTION: The Houston Dynamo sign FW Nico Lemoine from Rio Grande Valley FC.
NICO LEMOINE PROFILE
Full Name: Niccolo Garrett Lemoine
Position: Winger/Forward
Height: 5-8
Weight: 140 lbs.
Date of Birth: April 10, 2000 (20 years old)
Hometown: Livermore, Calif.
FIFA Nationality: United States
Last Club: Rio Grande Valley FC (USL Championship)
How Acquired: Signed to a First Team contract on Thursday, June 11, 2020.