Raul Rodriguez

HOW ACQUIRED: Veteran Spanish centerback signed as a discovery player on Jan. 9, 2015. Option declined following 2016 season.

A smooth and composed defender, Rodriguez splits time between central defense and right back, though he's much more of a natural at the first spot. His ability to distribute accurately is one of his hallmarks.

• HoustonDynamo.com: Rodriguez's Bio
• Rodriguez ready for a new adventure

INTERNATIONAL: Though he's never represented his home country of Spain at any level, he did earn a cap with his home region of Catalonia in 2011. Catalonia is not affiliated with either FIFA or UEFA, though they often play friendlies against full national teams from all over the world.

OUTSIDE MLS: Spent his entire career in Spain, first with Gramenet in the lower reaches of the Spanish professional pyramid before eventually moving to Espanyol in 2010. Over five years with his hometown club he made 80 first-team appearances, along with 14 outings for Espanyol B.