SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026) – San Diego FC (SDFC) announced today that the Club has acquired defender Sam Vines on loan through 2026 with a Club option through December 2027 from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for SDFC’s natural third-round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft.
Vines, 27, joins SDFC after spending the 2026 season with the Houston Dynamo where he made three appearances this season.
The Colorado Springs Native, developed across the academy systems at the Colorado Rapids and the Charlotte Independence before signing an MLS Homegrown Contract with the Rapids ahead of the 2018 season. He made his professional debut during the 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes coming off the bench in the 45th minute on Oct. 21, 2018 at PayPal Park. Vines made 55 appearances and registered one goal and three assists with the Rapids from 2018 to 2021 before joining Belgian side Royal Antwerp FC in August of 2021 on a permanent transfer.
From 2021 to 2024 Vines registered 58 appearances (45 starts) across all competitions for Royal Antwerp capturing a Belgian League title during the 22/23 season, the 2023 Belgian Cup, and the Belgian Super Cup during the 23/24 season before returning the Colorado Rapids in ahead of the 2024 MLS Regular Season.
In his second stint with the Rapids, Vines made 61 appearances and registered one goal and three assists across all competitions from 2024 to 2025 before joining the Houston Dynamo.
Internationally, Vines has registered nine senior caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team helping capture the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Vines also represented the U.S. Youth National Team across the U-15 through the U-23 levels.
Transaction: SDFC acquires defender Sam Vines on loan through 2026 with a Club option through December 2027 in exchange for the SDFC’s natural third-round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft.
Name: Sam Vines
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Born: 5/31/1999
Age: 27
Birthplace: Colorado Springs, CO
Pronunciation: Sam VYNS
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