Walberto Vasquez, also known as Pana, is a freshman at SMU and was the first player selected to the Houston Dynamo's Youth Academy team. He remains one of four college players on the Dynamo's Home Grown Player List, meaning he could make the leap to MLS with the Dynamo without going through the SuperDraft.
The well-rounded Vasquez, who can play forward or midfield, had a chance to see what MLS play will be like in a scrimmage against FC Dallas Feb. 27. Vasquez started at an outside midfield spot.
"Well first of all, I was really excited about this opportunity because it was a great chance to play a professional team," Vasquez said. "But it was definitely a great experience, as I now know more about what it takes to make it to the next level."
The Dynamo Academy helped prepare Vasquez to make a smooth transition into college soccer, because he has already had professional training while participating in the Dynamo Academy.
"A lot of the trainings that James Clarkson taught me are similar to some of the trainings that my coach at SMU, Schellas Hyndman, teaches us in practice," said Vasquez. "James always emphasized faster pace in the game; good quality balls, fitness, defense, and definitely possession."
In his freshman year at SMU, Vasquez saw time in eight games as a substitute forward. The former Cy Falls and Houstonians star got a chance to see the speed of an MLS team first-hand last week, but he said his team was ready for the challenge, and SMU showed it by earning a 0-0 tie.
"I would say the MLS speed is a bit faster than the college game, but Coach Hyndman and the assistants, Tim McClements and Kevin Hudson, always push and emphasize about how the game speed is so important in the next level," said Vasquez. "My SMU team plays by this philosophy, and I believe we play a much faster-paced game than most other college squads do."
One major thing Vasquez learned against FC Dallas is that improvement requires consistency, and Vasquez knows there are some things he still needs to learn.
"I definitely learned that possession of the ball is a critical aspect of the game. Defending in general was another key component to the game, because it helped us stay scoreless against FC Dallas. We had a really small squad in this game due to injuries and still we managed to draw against a professional team, which is huge for us," said Vasquez. "I also learned that you have to play quicker in every part of the game, because pressure is really high. Absolutely you have to be fit, because if you're not, you can't perform. Last, you have to be confident."
After being a part of the Dynamo Academy and having completed one season at SMU, Vasquez knows that he is almost ready to become an MLS player.
"I believe with more hard work and dedication and with help from my coaches, I believe that I can one day make that transition to the MLS," Vasquez said. "I just have to work hard and want it."
For more information about the Dynamo Academy, its Centers of Excellence or Dynamo Camps, fans can call 713-276-2500 or visit the Dynamo Youth Development website.
