Houston signs Lopez as young DP

Houston, TX – The Houston Dynamo confirmed on Wednesday that the club has finalized a deal with Honduran midfielder Alexander Lopez, who will join the team as a young Designated Player.

The 21-year-old joins Houston from Honduran club Olimpia, where he scored 18 goals in 51 appearances.

"I think it's a good move overall for the team," head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "We felt it was good to have a young guy with experience. He's played in a handful of games for Honduras, especially in the last Gold Cup. You have an eye for the future, but you can never predict the future so you plan for the present, and I think he can help us now."

Lopez earned his first cap for Honduras in 2010 and took part in the Gold Cup this summer for his country.

"He's got a nice first touch, passes the ball well and he's not afraid to want the ball and receive the ball in tight spaces," Kinnear said. "He's played in big games before in Honduras and Olimpia, so we know he won't be overawed with anything that comes our way."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and Lopez will join the Dynamo upon receipt of his international transfer certificate and P1 visa.

Houston is hopeful that Lopez will be able to make his debut for the club against Seattle on Aug. 17.