The defending back-to-back champions Houston Dynamo will have a nice blend of veterans and rookies on the roster this year. On a team where everyone contributes and looks to bring in something unique to build another successful season, the rookies are no exception.
"It is going to be fun to learn from a lot of the veteran guys who have been around the league for a long time," said Jeremy Barlow. "They are obviously really good players and learning from them will help me on in my career."
Veterans and coaches alike are always looking for a way to help the young guys in their careers, not only from an individual standpoint but from a team standpoint as well. If the young players adjust early, they will be a bigger part of the team than what is normally expected from a first-year player.
"You get to come in here and learn from the veteran guys by taking in everything like a sponge and soaking up the good things that they are providing for us," said Geoff Cameron. "Listening to what the coaches have to say is also invaluable, because you get to use their advice to your advantage. In spite of that, though, you also have to come in here with an attitude because that is the reason why they chose you. You have to prove it to them, and make sure you are doing all the right things on the field."
Playing on a winning team is something that these young players are thankful for, because they understand that the atmosphere is a little more exciting.
"It is always exciting to play for a winning team. It is exciting to play with established winners in the league that know what it takes to win the league," said Barlow.
Learning from veterans is precisely how these young players are going to adapt to life in the MLS.
"There is nothing better to come to a team that knows how to win. You look at Wade (Barrett), he is the fittest guy on the team and he is 32 years old," said Cameron. "He is the captain, and he leads us on and off the field. For me, I would want to be like him because he knows what it takes. He does everything on the field correctly."
