With one week remaining until the start of the 2010 MLS season, the Houston Dynamo roster has taken a considerably different look.
DEPARTURES: In the offseason, Houston parted ways with John Michael Hayden, Ricardo Clark, Abe Thompson and Stuart Holden. Hayden was the only player taking up a developmental roster spot at the time. As a result, three senior roster spots and one developmental spot were left vacant due to departures.
ADDITIONS: Two of the senior roster spots will be taken by the return to health of Eddie Robinson and Richard Mulrooney, who split time on injured reserve last year.
Houston recently acquired Adrian Serioux to fill the other senior roster spot and Francisco Navas Cobo will occupy the available developmental opening.
Eric Ustruck was promoted in the offseason from a developmental player to a senior player. As a result, the only open roster spot at this time is a developmental spot.
FUTURE MOVES: If Houston were to make an acquisition of a senior player, it seems likely that a current senior player would have to be traded or released. Otherwise Ustruck, barely 25 years old, would have to agree to return to a developmental roster spot in order for the team to remain compliant with the current roster rules.
Corey Ashe, Brad Davis, and Dominic Oduro are in the final year of their contracts. As a result, the Dynamo will have difficult decisions to make regarding all three players as the year progresses.
INJURIES:Mulrooney is on schedule to be ready to play the opening match on March 27 against FC Dallas. Brad Davis is also easing his way back into action.
Brian Ching suffered a set back with a hamstring injury but he says it is not serious.
Andrew Hainault is completely recovered, while Robinson is back and better than ever. “I feel like I did three years ago,” Robinson said. “I feel awesome.”
LOCAL SOCCER: On the local scene, the High School 4A and 5A playoffs begin this week.
On March 20, Awty International School will host a college men’s soccer exhibition between North Carolina and SMU (5 p.m. CT). Three former Dynamo Academy players will feature in the match: Alex Dixon (UNC), Josue Soto and Pana Vasquez (SMU).
Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at www.albionhurricanes.org.
To reach Dwain Capodice with any local soccer information and events: dwaincapodice@gmail.com.
