Houston Dynamo

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For Houston, time for youth movement is now

Sarkodie, Bruin expected to contribute to Dynamo immediately

HOUSTON – The Dynamo introduced their four-man rookie class on Wednesday, the culmination of an offseason that has seen the club lower the average age of its roster from 28 to 24.

As newly drafted Kofi Sarkodie and Will Bruin and Academy signees Josue Soto and Alex Dixon held up their new orange jerseys for photographers at team headquarters, it represented a clear sign to fans and the rest of the league that the club will rely heavily on young players for the first time since coming to Houston five years ago.

“Change is good sometimes,” head coach Dominic Kinnear told reporters. “We went through this type of transition in 2005 in San Jose and we ended up with one of our best rosters the next year.”

Enter Sarkodie and Bruin, two players who were considered difference-makers heading into last week’s SuperDraft. Houston intend for both players to play big roles in the club’s transition in 2011. Both are polished enough to contribute right away, but still have the potential to get better. That combination made them unable to pass up.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...h-movement-now

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Houston Dynamo switch to Eastern Conference

Additions of Portland, Vancouver push Texas franchise east

League officials on Friday announced the highly awaited plans for conference realignment with the inclusion of expansion sides Portland and Vancouver, and the Houston Dynamo will make the shift from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference.

Both conferences will carry nine teams for the 2011 season, and teams will play each other twice as part of the league’s new balanced 34-game schedule.

Houston were realigned because they were the franchise furthest east in the Western Conference, roughly 100 miles east of in-state rivals FC Dallas.

“With the addition of Portland and Vancouver in 2011, MLS wanted to have two conferences of nine teams each,” MLS President Mark Abbott said. ”The most logical solution was for the Houston Dynamo – the easternmost club in the 2010 Western Conference – to move to the Eastern Conference.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ern-conference

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The Houston Dynamo have a deal in place for a new stadium to be built and ready for use in April 2012.

Harris County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday for a 20,000-seat stadium in partnership with the Major League Soccer team and the city of Houston. The proposal for the $95 million project had been approved last week by Houston City Council.

As part of the agreement, Texas Southern University will use the stadium for its home football games.

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/u...w-stadium-deal

Dynamo get green light to build stadium
Houston to break ground Saturday, hope to finish by April 2012

HOUSTON – Six years after relocating from San Jose, the Houston Dynamo will finally be able to go forward with plans for a soccer-specific stadium.

On Tuesday, the Houston City Council unanimously approved the Tax Increment Revenue Zone (TIRZ), clearing the final hurdle for the Dynamo to begin construction on their new home.

The prospect of building a soccer-specific stadium was a primary reason for the club to relocate to Houston from San Jose in 2005. Six years later, the feeling is certainly one of better-late-than-never.

“Obviously, it’s a huge step. We moved six years ago to come down here and get a stadium,” said Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis. “It’s taken a little while, but I’m finally happy to say it’s here.”

The approval for the project took major steps forward in the past year, with the club receiving approval on the site and TIRZ from the Harris County Commissioner’s Court.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-build-stadium

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Stadium dream becomes reality as Dynamo break ground

Houston to begin build immediately, target April 2012 opening

HOUSTON – Building a soccer-specific stadium has been a goal of both the Houston Dynamo and local government officials since the team arrived in Houston at the end of 2005. Saturday’s ceremonial ground-breaking marks the end of the negotiations and beginning for the construction of the only downtown soccer-specific stadium in the United States.

“The Dynamo organization has enjoyed many memorable moments in its first five years, but up until today, this moment has only been a dream,” said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. “Now, our dream is coming true, and with this moment, our very own stadium will soon be a reality. We couldn’t be more excited and thrilled.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...o-break-ground

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Houston beat deadline with Koke, Watson deals

Dynamo say Spanish attacker not DP; Jamaican brings MF depth

HOUSTON – Despite working on tight time schedule, the Houston Dynamo were able to beat the clock and make a last-minute splash in the MLS spring transfer window.

The Dynamo announced two transfer deadline-day deals on Friday for Spanish forward Sergio “Koke” Contreras and Jamaican international midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson.

“We’re excited,” said Dynamo president of business operations Chris Canetti. "We knew we needed to make some moves and that was our desire to get it done before the transfer window."

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...e-watson-deals

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Preview: El Capitán rivalry renews for struggling Houston, surging FCD

Both team back in action after short week; Dynamo hold all-time edge in Texas series

The Texas derby for “El Capitán” is again renewed when the Houston Dynamo play host to FC Dallas on Saturday evening at Robertson Stadium. Houston has not been a place of much success for Dallas, who won there for the first time ever in their last meeting. Both teams come off midweek games on the road, the Dynamo falling 1-0 at the LA Galaxy, while FC Dallas extended their club-record shutout streak in a 1-0 win at Seattle Sounders FC.


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...on-surging-fcd

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Dynamo add Honduran international forward Carlo Costly
29-year-old forward joins club on loan from Mexican side Atlas

HOUSTON — After months of scouting for a potential impact player, the Houston Dynamo announced on Thursday they have signed Honduran international forward Carlo Costly.

Despite reports that Costly had been released by Atlas last week, the forward comes to Houston as part of a loan deal with Mexican first-division side. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but MLSsoccer.com has confirmed that Costly will not count as a Designated Player.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...d-carlo-costly

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Dynamo reinforce midfield with signing of Luiz Camargo
Brazilian central midfielder joins Houston on loan from Club Paraná


HOUSTON — After striking a loan deal last week for forward Carlo Costly, the Houston Dynamo reinforced their central midfield with the signing of Brazilian Luiz Camargo on Tuesday.

While terms of the deal were not disclosed, MLSsoccer.com confirmed that, like Costly, Camargo is coming to Houston on loan.

The 24-year-old joins the Dynamo from Clube Paraná, who currently sit in fourth place in the Brazilian second division, and has the characteristics of being able to contribute on both sides of the ball. His first day to participate in team activities is dependent on the approval of his P-1 visa and obtaining an international transfer certificate.

The move makes sense on a few levels for Houston. The club has undergone significant personnel changes with trades and injuries affecting the club in recent weeks. With the team keen to reinforce its roster, bringing the Brazilian into the fold was an easy decision

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...g-luiz-camargo

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Dynamo pound Monterrey in decidedly unfriendly match

Houston come out on top in card-filled, physical "friendly"

HOUSTON — In what was anything but a friendly match, the Houston Dynamo downed Monterrey, 3-0, a physical, card-filled affair on Sunday night.

Houston got goals from Cam Weaver, Brad Davis, and Jason Garey, but when it was all over, the major plotline showed up on the disciplinary report. The match saw 10 cautions — eight yellows, two straight reds and four ejections — in total, including two ejections before halftime.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...friendly-match

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20 sections sold out in new Dynamo Stadium

Season tickets go on sale to general public on Tuesday


The Houston Dynamo announced today that 20 sections in the team’s new stadium have sold out for the 2012 season through season ticket purchases. Seats will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, September 20.

“I’d like to thank the fans for their tremendous support,” said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. “Their overall and early response represents the excitement that surrounds the team right now. The demand and the urgency have been at an all-time high with seats moving at a brisk pace. I am looking forward to an even greater response next week when seats go on public sale.”

The club’s premium seats have sold out, as have field-side seats, two of the three sections set aside for supporters’ groups, and six sections in the stadium’s 100 level. Seats still remain throughout the 100 level, including at midfield on the east side of the stadium, and in most of the 200 level

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...dynamo-stadium

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Coming soon!
An updated vision of the Dynamo's new stadium


he new Dynamo stadium will be a state-of-the-art, open-air stadium designed to host Dynamo matches as well as additional sporting and concert events. When it opens in 2012, the 22,000-seat stadium will be the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer located in a city's downtown district.

Spectators will be able to experience unobstructed views from both the lower and upper seating bowls, which are supported by a single concourse. The concourse provides full access around the stadium with easy access to concession and toilet facilities. The fan experience will be enhanced by modern sound and video elements throughout the stadium. Fully integrated broadcast facilities will allow viewers and listeners to feel part of the atmosphere.

http://www.houstondynamo.com/stadium

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Houston Dynamo Owner Oscar De La Hoya
Chartering a Bus and Joining Supporters in Stands at MLS Cup


After his gold-medal conquest at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Oscar De La Hoya grew accustomed to being the main event at some of the biggest fights of his generation. Even when not competing, the Golden Boy has usually been close to the action.

But Sunday night at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., De La Hoya will savor a different perspective as he cheers for his Dynamo in the MLS Cup against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

De La Hoya doesn’t just want to paint his face orange and sit with the fans. He also is chartering a bus to take members of the club’s four supporters groups – El Battallon, the Texian Army, La Bateria and Brick Wall – to the game and back.


http://www.mls-rumors.net/21092/2011...nds-at-mls-cup

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7251020

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Impact select Ching, future unclear
Dynamo captain has said he would rather retire than leave the club


The Montreal Impact stunned Major League Soccer by selecting Dynamo captain Brian Ching in Wednesday's Expansion Draft, casting doubt on Ching's future.

A fixture in the Houston lineup since moving with the club from San Jose prior to the 2006 season, Ching is the club's all-time leading scorer and wore the captain's armband for head coach Dominic Kinnear over the last two seasons. Limited significantly by injuries in 2011 and due a significant salary in 2012, Ching was left unprotected by the Dynamo when lists were announced on Monday

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...future-unclear

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Dynamo home to be called BBVA Compass Stadium
Multinational bank secures naming rights for Houston's future home


The Houston Dynamo’s new stadium may be a work in progress, but reports emerging on Tuesday night suggest it has a name: BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston’s FOX affiliate is reporting the Dynamo have struck a deal with BBVA Compass for the multinational bank to secure the naming rights for the franchise’s new soccer specific stadium. The deal is reported to be for $20 million spanning 10 years.


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ompass-stadium

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Houston acquire midfielder Sturgis from Toronto FC
Well-traveled youngster expected to fit mold perfectly, says Canetti


The Houston Dynamo made their first acquisition of the offseason on Wednesday, acquiring midfielder/defender Nathan Sturgis from Toronto FC for a conditional pick in the 2014 SuperDraft, Dynamo president Chris Canetti confirmed to MLSsoccer.com.

And though Houston becomes the fifth stop on the well-traveled Sturgis’ young career, the move for has a familiar feel for the Dynamo. With Houston looking to build on their 2011 success, head coach Dominic Kinnear made a move consistent with those he made over the past year by bringing in a young player who has experience and, most importantly, fits his system


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...gis-toronto-fc

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Dynamo, KPRC-TV reach historic agreement
to broadcast games for 2012 season


The Houston Dynamo and Houston’s NBC affiliate, KPRC-TV, have reached an agreement to broadcast six regular season matches for the 2012 season. KPRC will exclusively air a “Match of the Month” on the station’s main channel, KPRC Local 2, and feature Dynamo ancillary programming on its digital channel throughout the season.


Saturday, April 21
@ Columbus Crew
6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28
@ D.C. United
6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 19
@ New England
6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 30
vs. Philadelphia
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 21
vs. Montreal
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 29
vs. New England
7:30 p.m.


http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...es-2012-season

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Dynamo's Davis confesses injury not totally healed yet
Midfielder working hard but unsure if he'll be ready for preseason


On his way back from a torn right quad muscle suffered in last season’s Eastern Conference Championship, Brad Davis has seen an alteration to his normal offseason regimen.

The injury has forced the 2011 MLS MVP runner-up to shift some of his focus from preparation and fitness to making sure he is healthy for preseason camp on Jan. 23. Nearly two months from the injury, Davis hopes to be able to go full speed when the balls roll on the field for the first time later this month.

Being ready, however, may require some patience. According to Davis, he has been running and working on the field “for a few weeks” but admits that he is not completely healed yet.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...lly-healed-yet

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Long-awaited deal sends Dynamo hero Ching back home


The Cold War standoff between the Houston Dynamo and Montreal Impact has come to a resolution.

The clubs announced on Thursday that they have reached an agreement for the Dynamo to reacquire franchise hero Brian Ching in return for a conditional first-round pick in the 2013 SuperDraft, bringing the star striker back to the team that left the door wide open for his departure nearly four months ago.

Ching is expected to join the Dynamo at training on Thursday morning.

“I am very happy to have Brian back with the team,” Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear said in a statement. “This is a very important year for the Dynamo, and if anyone deserves to be involved with the team, it’s Brian.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...hing-back-home

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Dynamo unveil third kit: New Kit, New stadium

New jersey pays homage to past while maintaining brand integrity of the present

2012 will mark a historic year for the Houston Dynamo franchise. In less than three weeks, the club will play its inaugural match in its brand-new home, BBVA Compass Stadium. At Houston Amateur Sports Park, the club’s training facility is well underway, and soon the Dynamo first team will have a training complex off the field to rival the success it has had on it. And on May 26, the Dynamo will move one step closer to leaving its footprint on the soccer community – both domestic and abroad - when it wears its third kit for the first time.

“It’s a soccer tradition to have a third kit,” Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. “Over the last few years, many MLS teams have unveiled third kits. We started this process with adidas a year-and-a-half ago and we are thrilled with the final product.”

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...veil-third-kit

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Rave reviews follow first session
at BBVA Compass Stadium


HOUSTON – Saturday’s open training session at BBVA Compass Stadium was the closest anyone – fans, media or players – have come to experiencing what the stadium could be like on game day.

After the inaugural hour-and-a-half training session, the Dynamo took the time to put words to their first on-field run through, an experience that didn’t disappoint. The facility was flawless, the pitch was picture perfect and the first reviews were nothing short of awe inspiring.

“When we walked out, we were all giddy,” Brian Ching said. “When I was jogging down to the concourse, I kind of slipped a little bit. The guys have a pep in their step and the organization has smiles on their faces. This is something to be proud of and this is a special day and it’ll be a more special day May 12.”

Roughly 1,000 fans were treated to a typical training session, complete with small-sided games and highlighted by a full-field scrimmage

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ompass-stadium

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Official soft opening
Thursday's match is open to season ticket holders, sponsors and select guests


Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, to host U.S. U-17 men’s national team tomorrow in soft opening of BBVA Compass Stadium

Thursday's match is open to season ticket holders, sponsors and select guests

The match will culminate a week’s worth of events, leading up to the grand opening of BBVA Compass Stadium on May 12 when the Dynamo host D.C. United, presented by Greenstar Recycling. This will be the second time the Dynamo Academy has played the U.S. U-17 MNT. The two teams played to a scoreless tie on May 22, 2010.

The BBVA Compass Stadium soft opening will be the first opportunity for Dynamo season ticket holders to watch a soccer match from their seats in BBVA Compass Stadium. In addition, the adidas Dynamo Team Store will be open for fans to purchase team apparel, and the stadium concessions stands will be open for food and beverage purchases.

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...w-soft-opening

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Opening Shot

Davis blast gives Houston win in BBVA Compass Stadium opener

HOUSTON – Brad Davis ushered in a new era for the Houston Dynamo in style on a sparkling Texas afternoon Saturday, scorching the game-winning goal from 35 yards out to fuel the Dynamo’s 1-0 over D.C. United in the first-ever game at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The decisive moment couldn’t have played out any better for the sellout crowd of 22,304 fans or Davis, one of a number of past and present Dynamo players memorialized on pillars throughout the newest soccer-specific stadium in MLS. His left-footed shot from the center of the field curled off the outstretched hand of D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid and into the net, sending the sea of orange-clad fans into ecstasy.

Davis, who like fellow Dynamo stars Brian Ching, Geoff Cameron and Bobby Boswell had never played a home game in a soccer-specific stadium until Saturday, didn’t hesitate with his celebration. He sprinted to the south stands, sprung over the end boards and was gone, swallowed up by a swooning group of team supporters who had waited since 2006 to call a new stadium their own.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter...hou-v-dc/recap

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Seeing Orange

Own goal, Hainault header send Dynamo to 2-1 win vs. Galaxy

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter...-la/highlights

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Dynamo sign Honduran international Garcia as newest DP


HOUSTON – After more than a year of negotiations, the Houston Dynamo announced on Thursday that they have finalized a transfer that will make Honduran international Oscar Boniek García the second Designated Player in club history.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed as per league policy, but this much is clear: The 27-year-old former Olimpia midfielder impressed the Dynamo brass when they caught an up-close glimpse of him last May.

That’s when García – who has 67 caps for Los Catrachos – took the field at Robertson Stadium for a match between Honduras and El Salvador, and the Dynamo have been chasing him ever since.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...rcia-newest-dp

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New start time for Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas match

Nationally-televised match to kick off at 6:30 p.m.


The start time for the Houston Dynamo match against FC Dallas, presented by Novo Nordisk, has been changed to 6:30 p.m. CT. The game, which will be played at BBVA Compass Stadium, was originally slated to begin at 4 p.m. CT.

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/20...c-dallas-match