Dynamo sign Matthew Arana, 15, to first-team contract

Field Level Media|published: 02/21/2026, 11:57am EST

May 24, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; General view of the ball before the start of the first half between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Houston Dynamo at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The Houston Dynamo signed 15-year-old midfielder Matthew Arana on Saturday, making him the youngest first-team signing in franchise history.

The Dynamo Academy product and Houston native signed a Homegrown Player contract through the 2027-28 season with club options through the 2029-30 campaign.

"I am very proud to announce the signing of Matthew Arana," president of soccer Pat Onstad said. "... He made the most of his opportunities since joining the Dynamo Academy in 2021, advancing quickly through our pathway and making an impact at the first team level this preseason. He has a bright future ahead of him.

"We want to thank Matthew's parents, Bibiana and Miguel, RISE SC and everyone who supported him on his journey to today, and we look forward to his continued development with his hometown club."

Another young Houston talent rising to the occasion ??

We have signed Matthew Arana to a homegrown contract.
??? https://t.co/9NRXryMKse pic.twitter.com/0yL9taN03c
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) February 21, 2026

Arana made his professional debut in 2025 for Houston's MLS NEXT Pro team, contributing one assist in five games (one start) for Dynamo 2.

The Dynamo open the 2026 MLS regular season at home Saturday night against the Chicago Fire.

--Field Level Media