Hello Dynamo Fans,
Dominic, the team and the front office are incredibly excited about the signing of Richard Mulrooney. As many of you know, Richard started his career with the Earthquakes in 2001 and as a result is familiar with many of the Dynamo players. He has been a solid performer for both San Jose, where he started as a rookie in 2001. He was named to the 2002 MLS All-Star team (he is a three time MLS All Star) and scored the decisive goal in the Earthquakes' 2003 MLS Cup victory. His durability, consistency, toughness and versatility are unquestioned. In 2004 he was the only player on the Quakes to play every minute of every match.
Yes, he did play for a few seasons in Dallas, but let's not hold that against him. We all make mistakes in life.
Richard started both of FC Toronto's games this season before we made the move to pick him up. Why is this addition helpful to the Dynamo? Richard is an extremely versatile player who can play a number of positions. One of our challenges this summer will be the busy national team schedule with two major tournaments going on for Bob Bradley's boys, the Gold Cup (with games right here in Houston) as well as the Copa Suramerica. Word is that Coach Bradley will in effect have two distinct national teams formed for each of the tournaments so there is a strong probability that we may lose a handful of Dynamo stalwarts to international competition. This winter a number of our guys were called up for national team duty-Ricardo Clark, Wade Barrett, Eddie Robinson, and Brian Mullan. Of course, Dwayne DeRosario will get the call from Canada for duty. Suffice it to say, we could be shorthanded as we go into the summer months and the experience and consistency that Richard brings to the table will become evident this summer. His resume' will be put to the test during SuperLiga, too.
Finally, let me put one rumor to rest. Richard, a graduate of Creighton University, is a native Tennessean, having been born and raised in Memphis. It is no secret that he wanted to get back south of the Mason-Dixon line. There is speculation that when Toronto FC informed him that the trade with Houston was consummated he replied with the same words used by another native Tennessean who made his mark in Texas, Davy Crockett: "You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
Richard, welcome to Houston. We are delighted to have you here.
