Dec. 21—HIGH POINT — Two more players are in the Carolina Core FC fold.
The MLS Next Pro team that begins play this spring at Truist Point announced the signings of 20-year-old defender Jathan Juarez of San Diego and 18-year-old defensive midfielder Jesus Orejuela of Colombia.
Both come from the Houston Dynamo organization, where they advanced from a U-20 team to the Dynamo’s MLS Next Pro squad, the Houston Dynamo 2.
Orejuela played in five MLS Next Pro matches last season.
“Jesus had been in the MLS Academy since he was 15 years old as a central defensive midfielder,” Carolina Core head coach Roy Lassiter said. “I have been able to observe his progress over the last two years playing with Houston Dynamo U-20 and MLSNP D2 Team. He has also been training with the MLS 1st Team, and I feel his talents can help us here at CCFC.”
Juarez joined the Dynamo 2 in 2022, appeared in 23 matches and logged 16 starts. In 2023, he appeared in 24 matches and started in 17.
“Jathan is a talented, versatile player that can play in the wingback or centerback position,” Lassiter said. “I have observed Jathan for two years with the Houston Dynamo MLS NEXT Pro team and seen his development and look forward to seeing the contribution he will bring to Carolina Core FC.”
