2010 Houston Dynamo offseason thread

[desi tmac91]

The past two threads didn't get many replies so I thought I'd just stuff all Dynamo news/rumors for the offseason in one thread. It is a bit premature considering we have one game left but we are about to finish at the bottom of our conference, so no harm in starting the thread I guess.

Dynamo workout Cuban youth

HOUSTON – There was a new face in a Dynamo uniform during Monday’s practice in the form of trialist Yordany Álvarez, who will be training with Houston for the week. Álvarez was one of the members of the Cuban U-23 national team that defected during the 2008 Olympics qualifying tournament in Tampa, Fla. After defecting, he had a trial with the LA Galaxy, but they opted not to sign him. The player later caught on with the second-division Austin Aztex, and it was with them that Álvarez caught the eye of the Dynamo coaching staff. “We played Austin in the preseason and then went up and saw them against Montreal in the playoffs,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “We circled some names that we thought were pretty good players and, speaking with the coach, there was an opportunity to bring him in.” Álvarez will train with Houston until Thursday. According to the Aztex’s website, Álvarez has registered two goals and five assists for the central midfield spot, where he admits he is most comfortable. Austin’s season ended on Oct. 9 after the team was dumped out of the USSF D2 playoffs by the Montreal Impact. As a result, the Cuban felt a little rusty on Monday. “I felt a little tired because I haven’t been training regularly,” said Álvarez. “I felt good and confident, though. When my physical fitness improves, I will be better.” According to USLsoccer.com, Álvarez signed an extension with Austin prior to the 2010 campaign. But Kinnear doesn’t think that would be a problem should the Dynamo decide to pursue the player. “We’re fairly certain he’s under contract with Austin,” said Kinnear, “but the way [Aztex head coach] Adrian Heath has gone about business, he has been very fair especially with us.” For now, however, Álvarez is with Houston strictly on trial and Kinnear is looking forward to seeing what the midfielder can do once he settles in with the team. “[Monday was] the first day and he’s getting to know the guys,” said Kinnear. “He should not put too much pressure on himself, though, because he’s a good soccer player and good with the ball at his feet. We will find out more as the week goes on.”

Alvarez was popular with the farm team (Austin) and he seems like a decent prospect. Dynamo do have plenty of mid-fielders but if the coaching staff finds him to be worthy of a roster spot and worth developing then I don't see why we shouldn't do it.

[rockets247]

Originally Posted by desi tmac91 The past two threads didn't get many replies so I thought I'd just stuff all Dynamo news/rumors for the offseason in one thread. It is a bit premature considering we have one game left but we are about to finish at the bottom of our conference, so no harm in starting the thread I guess. Dynamo workout Cuban youth Alvarez was popular with the farm team (Austin) and he seems like a decent prospect. Dynamo do have plenty of mid-fielders but if the coaching staff finds him to be worthy of a roster spot and worth developing then I don't see why we shouldn't do it.

*Crickets churping* NOBODY CARES about soccer.

[desi tmac91]

Originally Posted by rockets247 *Crickets churping* NOBODY CARES about soccer.

Not true. There World Cup threads were great and there are some English Premiere League fans around too. Soccer is the single most popular sport in the world so to say "nobody cares about soccer' is nothing short of ignorant. You can make the case for the MLS though but if this thread bothers you so much then you can simply ignore it.

Columnist Davis lists potential Dynamo targets for DP

The Dynamo season is down to three games with the NE Revolution coming into town this Sunday. This is an important night as it is Breast Cancer Awareness night so get over to HoustonDynamo.com or FIESTA Ticketmaster and get out to the game on Sunday night. It is clear that fans do come to games in all sports many times for one specific individual and it is no different in MLS. What game is not made more interesting with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dwayne DeRosario, Landon Donovan or Fredy Montero coming to town? Fact, fans come for individuals in many cases. Which leads us to AEG head Tim Lieweke saying to the Dynamo that it is time for a designated player that can be impactful both on and off the field. So who would you like to see in a Dynamo uniform in the future? Here are a few to ponder? DIEGO FORLAN- At 31 years of age Forlan is still fit and injury free playing in Spain’s La Liga. A bona-fide star of the World Cup for Uruguay he would be a recognizable figure. A mobile, striker that is a finisher both from the run of play and the set piece. Forlan recently came out in the press talking about a potential move to England. Forlan has scored 69 goals at Atletico cementing his place as one of Europe’s top strikers. You never know until you ask? HUMBERTO SUAZO- The Chilean striker, had injury problems during the World Cup but is a predator in the penalty area. Currently playing at Monterrey in the MFL, Suazo has 9 goals currently for Rayados who are second in the overall table behind Cruz Azul. Suazo is 5″7 and built like a fire hyrdrant, low to the ground and powerful. Suazo is 29 years old. ANDRES D’ALESSANDRO- The Argentine midfielder could be the fulcrum to play through in midfield for the Dynamo. Currently at Internacional in Brazil, D’Alessandro helped Internacional of Brazil to the Copa Libertadores title in recent times. Argentine manager Sergio Batista recently called him up to the national squad for their September 7th friendly against Spain. He also has played in Europe with Wolfsburg in Germany and Zaragoza in Spain. ALBERTO MEDINA- The Mexican has appeared over 50 times for El Tri and over 250 times for Chivas. Maybe he is tired of the fake stuff at the new Estadio, Jalisco. What strikes me about Medina is that he is tough and focused. El Venado, the deer can play as a winger or a striker and could be a hit both on and off the field. Medina is 27 years of age and would be a better signing than Omar Bravo in KC based on his age, he also would satisfy the large Mexican community that follows the MFL. CHRISTIAN GIMENEZ- Currently on 6 goals for Cruz Azul, Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear has always been complimentary of the play of the Argentine. Who can forget some of the magic he produced against the Dynamo while at Pachuca? Gimenez if fiery, skilled and would be step in as the club’s leader. With the right players around him, “Chaco” would lift the squad to another level. Started his career at famed Boca Jrs. and scored over 40 goals at Pachuca. So these are just a few thoughts. Now notice that I stuck to players from Mexico and South America as potentials as I believe that culturally this is what our market needs in the future. Yes, I know that it doesn’t matter where the player comes from but if that player comes from Europe he needs to be a big enough name to be impactful off the field as well. I also chose to focus on a few that are in their latter twenties with the exception being Forlan who is 31, reason being they might just be ready for a move. A-lot has to fall in place to acquire players like these and at times it is the most unlikely of reasons as to why someone might make a change. Security in Mexico is an issue for professional soccer players and that along with a new stadium and a city with lots of roots to Mexico, South America and Central America is also a selling point. Location can’t hurt here as well. I am waiting for the first person to tell me why Adolfo Bautista of Chivas would be a good choice for the Dynamo? He might draw some fans but for me it would be too much risk. He would have been a good choice back between 2004-2007 while at Chivas but at 31 with baggage wouldn’t go there. Finding the right DP for the Dynamo will be a real challenge and one would suspect that it would come during the summer transfer window but you never know. And as far as a player in Europe, remember that on Sports Talk 790 Chris Canetti mentioned that David Beckham of the LA Galaxy could be utilized to help draw a player from Europe to Houston!!! Dynamo Coo Chris Canetti is on the road and will be at PPL Park tonight looking at the stadium before heading to Red Bull Arena. So lets get some real reaction from you? Who would you like to see as a DP? Does it have to be someone from South America or Mexico? Thank you FIESTA, MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE and DANISH INSPIRATIONS CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE for your support of soccer! Fans, support those who support your game!!! Twitter: Soccermattersgd

http://www.glenndavissoccer.com/socc...nd-in-houston/

Interesting read but there is absolutely no chance on getting Forlan, many Dynamo fans have this extremely longshot belief that we could be in the running for him like us Rockets fans did with Bosh/Melo except getting Forlan is far less likely. If the Dynamo were to get a Diego Forlan I would buy season tickets on the spot.

[rhino17]

Originally Posted by rockets247 *Crickets churping* NOBODY CARES about soccer.

I watched more Dynamo games than Astros games this year

[rockets247]

don't you get the hint that when nobody posts about the Dynamo for a long while translates to meaning NOBODY CARES? Sorry, the Dynamo don't classify as world cup athletes, they classify as a team just like the Aeros, A TEAM THAT NOBODY GIVES A CRAP ABOUT.

[JayGoogle]

Originally Posted by rockets247 don't you get the hint that when nobody posts about the Dynamo for a long while translates to meaning NOBODY CARES? Sorry, the Dynamo don't classify as world cup athletes, they classify as a team just like the Aeros, A TEAM THAT NOBODY GIVES A CRAP ABOUT.

Move along then, look at the name of the forum you are in.


Texans, Astros, Dynamo

[rhino17]

Originally Posted by rockets247 don't you get the hint that when nobody posts about the Dynamo for a long while translates to meaning NOBODY CARES? Sorry, the Dynamo don't classify as world cup athletes, they classify as a team just like the Aeros, A TEAM THAT NOBODY GIVES A CRAP ABOUT.

Yep, no world cup players, definitely not that guy that started at central midfield for team USA or the first guy off the bench in the World Cup.....those guys were definitely never on the Dynamo


Aeros are minor league hockey team, the Dynamo have won the last 2 championships this city has gotten

[rockets247]

How many people acknowledge the Dynamo winning two championships in this city? It is MINOR LEAGUE. Many in Houston don't acknowledge the Dynamo championships.

GUESS WHAT THE DYNAMO WON THIS YEAR??? A date with their couches. LOSERS.

[rhino17]

Originally Posted by desi tmac91 If the Dynamo were to get a Diego Forlan I would buy season tickets on the spot.

Getting Forlan would be ridiculous. But he can still play at a high level. Someone like Henry was down to a #4 option at striker. Forlan was fantastic at the World Cup, I bet it is a few more years before he comes over here.

[Kam]

Originally Posted by rockets247 don't you get the hint that when nobody posts about the Dynamo for a long while translates to meaning NOBODY CARES? Sorry, the Dynamo don't classify as world cup athletes, they classify as a team just like the Aeros, A TEAM THAT NOBODY GIVES A CRAP ABOUT.

The last couple of years, the Dynamo had players that was on the World Cup Roster.

Brian Ching was on the World Cup roster in 2006, and probably would have made in on the 2010 injury if he wasn't injured earlier in the spring time.

Stuart Holden, who currently plays in England, was on the roster. He will definitely be on the 2014 roster.

Ricardo Clark, who currently plays in Germany, was on the roster.

Geoff Cameron who is currently on the roster has a pretty good shot at being on the 2014 roster.

This is the first year the Dynamo missed the playoffs.

In five years here, they've been in the playoffs four teams. They won it in 2006 and 2007 and was in the conference finals in 2009.


That World Cup thread was one of the bigger threads this year.

Every year, there is a running EPL thread. Also, there is a Champions League thread that gets bumped up.




You posted a lot in this thread, so keep bumping it. Don't like it, don't come here reading it.

[xcrunner51]

Onstad and DeRo play for team Canada.

But yea, most of the good players from the championship years are gone. Oliver Luck is gone too which is arguably the biggest loss.

[luisantonio1014]

Carlos Salcido would've been a good pickup. He can play any midfield position, maybe even striker. He's got a strong leg.

[REEKO_HTOWN]

Originally Posted by rockets247 *Crickets churping* NOBODY CARES about soccer.

that's why Soccer teams are the richest, most popular, followed teams in the World.

[SwoLy-D]

Like I said, no more washed up players as the "designated player." Get a good South American or a good European Striker to compliment our already speedy African forwards Orduro and Ngwenya. Let's use the 4-3-3. Get a new goalie, too.

Originally Posted by rockets247 How many people acknowledge the Dynamo winning two championships in this city? It is MINOR LEAGUE. Many in Houston don't acknowledge the Dynamo championships. GUESS WHAT THE DYNAMO WON THIS YEAR??? A date with their couches. LOSERS.

Dude, it's the first year the Dynamo don't go to the playoffs. They've been consistently good since being here starting 2006. The fact that we're so good makes English and overall European teams take our players. We're cream of the crop in the MLS (whether a minor league as you point out or not) year in and year out, except for this year.

You have so much hate for something you're arguing with people who obviously have a different opinion, but it's your opinion. Get rid of the hate, man.

[da Whopper]

I don't know why people feel the need to insult soccer.

I tried to get into it August and September, but it's just not my cup of tea. Still, it's a hugely popular sport with a lot of history and there is no need to disparage it here. If you are not interested in it, just ignore the thread.

[DonkeyMagic]

Originally Posted by da Whopper I don't know why people feel the need to insult soccer. .

Bobby, I didn't think I'd ever need to tell you this, but I would be a bad parent if I didn't. Soccer was invented by European ladies to keep them busy while their husbands did the cooking.

[leroy]

Just ignore the idiot. Responding to morons like that only makes their resolve stronger and guarantees that their next post will be even more moronic than the last one. Lump him in with the brian_chapass of the world and move on.

On to the matters at hand...

Priorities for 2011..

1) Central Midfield - DP or not, this position needs a serious upgrade after the losses of DeRo, Holden, and, to a lesser extent, Rico Clark. This season proved why Kinnear's system requires a central mid with goal scoring abilities. It opens up more space for Ching and the other forward.

2) Keeper - Pat Onstead is freaking old. It's time to move on. His age and injuries this year killed this team.

3) Forward - Brian Ching is not a creator. He's a very good finisher when set up. With the weak sauce that's been constantly paired with him over the last 2 seasons, opposing backs have an easy time keeping him in check and out wide where he cannot do damage. The Dynamo need a dynamic scorer who can run at defenses. Plus, with Ching's injury history, there has to be someone else on the field that can finish besides him.

If these 3 things can be fixed this offseason, the Dynamo will be back in the playoffs and a contender next season.

[FrancisFan3]

Last game of the season on Saturday afternoon, Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders, 3pm @ UH Robertson Stadium. There's also an article about MLS improving attendance. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...288685240.html

THE COUNT OCTOBER 21, 2010 Who Says the MLS Isn't a Big Draw? With the Major League Soccer regular season winding down this weekend, we ask just one question of this country's sports fans: Please stop saying nobody in the U.S. cares about soccer. Half of the league's teams are averaging more than 15,000 fans per match, and while that's not astronomical—the NFL's lowest-drawing teams get 40,000-plus—it actually puts the league in the same conversation with a handful of NBA teams, who start their own regular seasons next week. Thirteen of the 16 MLS teams are based in the same area as NBA teams and five of them are outdrawing what their basketball counterparts did in 2009-10, including the Houston Dynamo (16,832) besting the Houston Rockets (16,528) and the New York Red Bulls (18,625) drawing 42% more fans than the New Jersey Nets (13,103). As impressive as these numbers may be, it would be silly to assume that soccer has knocked off the NBA. MLS teams charge a fraction of what NBA teams do for tickets. Moreover, some NBA teams can't draw more fans because they don't have any more tickets to sell. While the Los Angeles Galaxy average 11.5% more fans per game than the Lakers, the Galaxy are only at 80% capacity. The Lakers are sold out. —David Biderman

The Soccer Towns Examples of areas where the local MLS team has more people going to games than the NBA team—not accounting for attendance capacity at the teams' stadiums. MLS TEAM (2010 Avg. Attendance), NBA TEAM (2009-10 Avg. Attendance), DIFF.; New York Red Bulls (18,625), New Jersey Nets (13,103), 42.1%; Philadelphia Union (19,254), Philadelphia 76ers (14,224), 35.4%; Los Angeles Galaxy (21,182), Los Angeles Clippers (16,343), 29.6%; Toronto FC (20,453), Toronto Raptors (17,897), 14.3%; Los Angeles Galaxy (21,182), Los Angeles Lakers (18,997), 11.5%; Houston Dynamo (16,832), Houston Rockets (16,528), 1.8%

[DrLudicrous]

Originally Posted by leroy420 2) Keeper - Pat Onstead is freaking old. It's time to move on. His age and injuries this year killed this team.

Tally Hall and Tyler Deric have both looked good when they played this year, and as much as I love Onstad it's obvious that his time has come and gone.

And I think the defense is also a huge concern, we've given up an absurd number of goals this year, which is the biggest difference between the current team and past versions. If we can bring in a good central midfielder then we can move Cameron back into defense which would help out two of our problem areas.

[desi tmac91]

Great...with our win against Seattle our pick just dropped to from #4 to #7.

Mock from draftsite.com had us taking Diego Restrepo, a keeper. He would replace Onstead but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a trade up that would snag us Omar Salgado.