Manotas fitting in on and off the field
Mauro Manotas had not been in Texas long when he encountered a car wash for the first time.
From the passenger seat, Manotas asked the driver: “We’re just going to drive through this thing?”
The driver confirmed. That’s when Manotas realize he was not in Colombia anymore.
Manotas arrived in Houston last summer as a 19-year-old transfer with the Dynamo. Just like his rise to the top of the depth chart, his efforts to assimilate to life in the United States have taken significant time. Home way from home
Professional soccer is full of players who play in foreign countries. Most of them are not as fortunate as Manotas to have their team set them up with a host family. They are left to fend for themselves in a new world.
It all changed when he met Ed and Ingrid Chavez, who welcomed him into their Missouri City home, where they already had teenagers Chad and Hailey.
“I am not sure how things would have turned out (without the Chavezes),” Manotas said through a translator. “Having a family setting provides that structure that helps me to be where I am right now.”
Right now, Manotas has the potential to emerge as the face of the Dynamo. Last month, the 21-year-old striker became the sixth player in club history to score a hat trick.
He scored two more in an Oct. 8 loss to Colorado, giving him a team-high six for the season, even though all eight of his starts have come in the last 10 games. Solid footing
It did not take Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan long to be impressed with Manotas’ finishing skills. Jordan noticed how clean and calm Manotas is in front of a goal. Manotas has a great first touch and above average feet for someone with his size and pace.
Those qualities likely are born from the Barranquilla region in which Manotas grew up. The fields are in poor condition, mostly made of dirt and rocks. It forces players to develop good feet and first touches.
Manotas said his biggest reasons for choosing the Dynamo were the personal touch Jordan provided, and that he was willing to let Manotas spend a couple of months with his family before leaving Colombia.
“I assured his parents he would be in good hands, with a good club and good people,” Jordan said.
Ed and Ingrid Chavez considered becoming foster parents years ago, but the timing was not right. The timing was better in the early summer of 2015, when the Dynamo asked if they would house Manotas.
Manotas got his own room with a television and quickly made himself at home. “He was walking around without his shirt pretty fast,” Chad said. Do as they do
The Chavezes did all they could to accommodate him and make him feel comfortable. They have taken him to the Kemah boardwalk, San Antonio, Schlitterbahn, high school football games, University of Houston football games and Astros games.
Manotas rarely goes somewhere without Chad. They often go to the Galleria. He watches Chad play in local men’s soccer leagues and made comments in the stands while watching Hailey play with Dulles High School.
The Chavezes taught Manotas how to drive and how to use a dishwasher. Ed taught Manotas to be patient in the early going, when he was not playing much.
“He has really blended in with us perfectly,” Ingrid said. “He is my other son.”
Like any son, Manotas has chores. Sometimes he has to be reminded to take out the trash. Before he leaves on a road trip, he has to clean his room and wash his sheets.
Manotas said family life with the Chavezes is like it was in Colombia. That is fitting because the two families keep in constant contact on social media.
Ingrid texts updates and photos from games to his family in Colombia.
After Manotas scored his hat trick, Ingrid said his mother was crying out of happiness. Ingrid promised her she would give Manotas a hug for her, but that wasn’t enough.“Give him a kiss, too,” his mompleaded.