Houston Dynamo bring Escalante back on 12-month loan

Jose Escalante impressed the Houston Dynamo last year when he arrived on loan to the club's affiliate Rio Grande Valley FC out of Honduran outfit Olimpia, so much so that he's now back for another chance with the senior team.

The MLS club announced Friday the 21-year-old winger has signed a 12-month loan for the 2017 season.

Escalante originally joined Houston on loan in March 2016, but was swapped over to the Toros, where he made 16 appearances, scoring thrice.

He was soon recalled to the senior team and made three appearances, including a start against the Seattle Sounders, where he featured for 87 minutes.

His limited time with the senior team, coupled with his success in the lower division, impressed the Dynamo staff, and new head coach Wilmer Cabrera is seemingly willing to trust former boss Wade Barrett's decision by offering Escalante another loan deal.

But a return was not assured for Escalante, who, despite grabbing his chance to play for the senior team, did not seem firmly set on coming back in 2017.

"Given the situation of the team, (I) hope there are opportunities where I am able to see more action. If not, we'll explore other avenues," he said in September, as the last-placed Dynamo cemented its fate for the season.

Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan was pleased with the move, and welcomed back the left-footed attacker.

"During his time with our club last season he demonstrated his potential and ability to grow within our system," Jordan said. "At just 21 years old he has adapted well to our club and city and we look forward to him being a part of our team moving forward."

Houston has become something of a meeting place for Honduran footballers, as Escalante joins compatriots Romell Quioto, Alberth Elis, and Boniek Garcia in Cabrera's new-look team.