Former Penn State men’s soccer standout Femi Awodesu signed a professional contract with Houston Dynamo’s second team after a successful stint with the club during its two preseason trips. 

Awodesu played his last four seasons with the Nittany Lions, racking up 65 appearances. The defender also achieved impressive honors throughout his career with the blue and white, including Big Ten Defender of the Year in 2023 and inclusion on All-Big Ten teams in his junior and senior seasons.  

Despite consistent top-level performances this fall, Awodesu went undrafted in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and wasn’t signed by a team in the following days. Awodesu eventually proved his skills with Houston Dynamo 2 through an invite to its preseason camp in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Dynamo were impressed and invited the Philadelphia native back for another camp in Orlando, Florida.  

“He had a successful collegiate career, winning individual accolades and championships. That is the type of competitor we want on the team, one that will demand more from our group,” Dynamo Assistant General Manager Nick Kowba told the club.  

This fall, Awodesu played a vital part in Penn State’s regular-season Big Ten Championship run. Starting all 18 games he was available, he notched three goals playing as a center back or holding midfielder.

Awodesu and the Houston Dynamo 2 will open their season at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, as they take on Sporting Kansas City 2.