10 MLS homegrowns excelling in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023
2022's inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season has provided many young players with the platform to take their games to the next level, and there’s been no shortage of that once again in 2023.
Player Details
Name
Gerardo ValenzuelaHeight
6' 0"Date of Birth
9.28.2004 (19)Birthplace
Boca Raton, FL, USAPosition
MidfielderRoster Category
Supplemental Slots 31Player Category
Homegrown
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Career Summary
FC Cincinnati signed midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela as a Homegrown Player. Valenzuela signs a contract through the 2026 season, with a two-year option for 2027 and 2028. Â Valenzuela, 18, becomes the seventh former FC Cincinnati Academy player to join the Orange and Blue on a first-team deal.
2023 (FC Cincinnati): Appeared in two games for the Orange and Blue … made his first career appearance in an MLS match in a 3-0 win over Toronto FC on June 21 … With FC Cincinnati 2, started in 15-of-16 appearances, scoring three goals and adding three assists … scored the game-winning goal, his first of the season, in a 4-2 opening day win over Toronto FC 2 on March 27.
2022 (FC Cincinnati): Made 14 starts in 16 appearances for FC Cincinnati 2 … scored one goal and added two assists … scored the first professional goal of his career on April 30 against Toronto FC 2 … picked up his first career multi-goal contribution on Aug. 14 with two assists in a 4-2 win over Columbus Crew 2.
