FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 16, 2026) – North Texas SC announced today the signing of midfielder Umberto Pelà to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract, with a club option for a third year, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Pelà became the second Cavalier drafted by FC Dallas in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft with the 44th overall pick. At Virginia, Pelà appeared in 57 matches, scored five goals and added eight assists. He captained the Cavaliers in 2024 and 2025 seasons, leading them to an ACC regular season title (2025), two ACC semifinal appearances (2024, 2025) and one appearance in the ACC championship game (2025). He earned United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American honors in 2025.
"We are very much looking forward to Umberto joining our ranks," North Texas SC's head coach John Gall said. "A well-rounded Italian central midfield player that is comfortable on the ball and covers a lot of ground doing so. He is a player who is calm and collected that will help us manage the football and help us spring our attacking options forward with his quality. He’s a player that has proved his worth at the collegiate level, and will be a big factor in MLS NEXT Pro."
Before his senior year at Virginia, Pela competed for now defunct Lane United FC of USL League Two. In 2025, Pelà helped the club set a club record for most wins (7) and points (25) in a season.
A Milan, Italy, native, Pelà played club soccer for Serie A side Como 1907. He captained the club in the 2021-22 season, and made his debut with the club on Nov. 20, 2021 against Entella U-19.
TRANSACTION:
Full Name: Umberto Pelà
Pronunciation: oom-BEHR-toh peh-LAH
Connect with Umberto: Instagram
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: Oct. 27, 2003 (22)
Birthplace: Uccle, Belgium
Hometown: Milan, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 165 lbs
Last Club: University of Virginia
Transaction: North Texas SC signs midfielder Umberto Pelà to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract, with a club option for a third year, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
