There were a few newcomers in Houston Dynamo practice Friday morning, players that would have left even the most fervent fans searching a roster to match a name with a number.
But both newcomers are veterans of the Dynamo organization; they are players from the Dynamo Academy.
Goalkeeper Tyler Deric trained with the Dynamo on Thursday and Friday, and he was joined by forward Alex Dixon on Friday morning, just before the team left for Columbus.
"This is what our whole program is about. Our aim is to provide players good enough to play for the Houston Dynamo," Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson said. "We are the only organization that can provide players opportunities like this - to train with the two-time defending MLS Cup champions."
Deric, a freshman at the University of North Carolina, and Dixon, a senior at Atascocita High School in nearby Humble, will be eligible to eventually sign with the Dynamo via the home-grown player list.
"It was a great first day," Deric said after Thursday's workout. "The speed of play was definitely a major step up from college soccer. It was great, and I enjoyed it a lot, and I got a good workout there."
On Thursday, Deric worked with goalkeepers coach Mike Toshack and reserve goalkeeper Corbin Waller most of the time, then stepped into a four-goalkeeper rotation during finishing drills at the end of practice. A few high-velocity shots left Deric motionless, but with some pointers from veteran Tony Caig, the 19-year-old held his own.
"[Caig] was telling me mainly about starting position and basic footwork and following the ball and always making a quick reaction on the play," Deric said. "It's going to be great going back [to UNC]. I know a lot more stuff than I did last year. I've played with better guys and faced harder shots, so it'll be good."
A graduate of Klein High School, Deric started for North Carolina as a freshman and posted a 0.94 GAA despite the team's 7-8-5 record.
Dixon, a former standout with the United States U-17 national team, trained with the first team Friday morning. The 18-year-old has committed to attend North Carolina in the fall.
