Houston Dynamo Start 2013 MLS Season with a 2-0 Win over DC United

Photo by Nigel Brooks.

The Houston Dynamo kicked off the 2013 MLS Season at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday March 2nd with a 2-0 victory over D.C. United, with Ricardo Clark having a role in both goals.

Over 20,000 soccer fans showed up in the eastend of Downtown Houston on a chilly, windy winter evening to get a first glimpse of how the team that lost the last two MLS Cup finals is shaping up for their next run at the MLS Cup final. The first half was a bit sluggish as both teams tried to shake off the last of the off-season rust. As the first half clock moved past the thirty minute mark, the Dynamo's offense was pressing the attack and a foul on Ricardo Clark set up a penalty kick for Brad Davis in the 40th minute; however, it was a poor clock and United keeper Bill Hamid guessed correctly, blocking the shot. This was Davis' third missed penalty kick in a row. Television viewers felt that the foul took place outside of the box and that it should not have been a penalty, but following the match, Ricardo Clark said that he felt it was in the box.

The first goal of the match came in the 80th minute on a corner kick. The goal was initially credited to Ricardo Clark, but a review of the play showed it to be an own goal by United defender James Riley. Clark finally got his goal 8 minutes later, thanks to an assist by Warren Creavalle, who had just substituted in for Brad Davis.

With Saturday's victory, the Dynamo continued their regular season dominance of D.C. United with an 8-0-1 record and 19 goals to United's 4 goals. In Saturday's match, United was not credited with a single shot on goal.

The Dynamo's next match is at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 5th when they host Santos Laguna in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

The Dynamo do not have another league match until St. Patrick's Day when they travel to Frisco, Texas to face F.C. Dallas at noon central time. Dallas also opened the 2013 season at home on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Colorado.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Sporting Kansas City beatdown the Philadelphia Union, 3-1; the Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off a 1-0 victory over Toronto F.C.; Columbus Crew rolled over reborn Chivas USA, 3-1; and the Montreal Impact picked up a 1-0 away win against the Seattle Sounders.

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The National Anthem was sung by Asli Omar, lead singer of the Tontons, here's some Tontons for those who are not familiar with the Houston band:

Houston Dynamo Odds & Ends - March 1, 2012

The 2013 MLS season starts tomorrow, Saturday March 2nd, and the Houston Dynamo will be hosting D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium. Click here to purchase tickets. It's been a somewhat busy week for the Dynamo as they get ready for the new season and another shot at the MLS Cup.

Contracts have been a big issue this week with Brian Ching and Mike Chabala getting new contracts and Chris Canetti getting a contract extension.

Brian Ching signed his new contract sometime within the past 24 hours. This is a one season contract, and it is clear that this will be Brian Ching's final season as a player for the Houston Dynamo, but that doesn't mean that the native of Haleiwa, Hawai’i (on the lovely island of O'ahu) will be leaving the Dynamo after this season. The contract provides that Ching will be a player/assistant coach, opening the door to a future on the coaching staff or being in the front office.

Ching was a member of the old San Jose Earthquakes team that made the move to Houston in 2006, and his long tenure and star power here in Houston puts him the same realm of former Astros players Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.

“We are happy to keep Brian on the team,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “Throughout his career, Brian has been a key part of who we are. He has also been an important player on the field and in the locker room.”

“(Houston) is where I always wanted to be,” said Ching. “I was completely optimistic that we would get this deal done. I wanted to come back and play again, so I’m looking forward to continuing the same role I finished the season with last year and hopefully making a difference on the field.”

“It’s nice to formally wrap up Brian’s contract for 2013. Having him here was never in question; it just took some time to iron out the details. He is an integral part of our club today and will be into the future,” said Dynamo president Chris Canetti.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Houston Dynamo CEO Chris Canetti signed a contract extension that will keep him as the team's President for three more years. Canetti first joined the Dynamo front office when he became the Chief Operating Officer in 2006, and was promoted to President when Oliver Luck left the role to become the Athletic Director at the University of West Virginia in 2010.

“Under Chris’ leadership, the Dynamo have not only achieved some of the most successful seasons (on and off the pitch) in MLS history, they have truly been a model franchise for all of professional sports,” said Tim Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG, managing partners, Houston Dynamo. “While waiting years to open one of the great soccer stadiums, Chris continued to set records for attendance and revenue and now, with BBVA Compass Stadium, we have no doubt that with Chris guiding the organization, the best is yet to come for the Houston Dynamo franchise and their fans.” Leiweke continued: “On behalf of Oscar De La Hoya, Gabriel Brener, and Phil Anschutz, we could not be more pleased to ensure that Chris will remain with the Dynamo for years to come.”

“I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to continue to lead this great club into what is a very bright future,” said Canetti. “I love coming to work every day and am committed to helping the Dynamo achieve the highest levels of success. I’d like to thank our ownership group for its confidence in me and for all of the support they have given over the years.”

An old face signed a new contract with the Houston Dynamo, it was announced on earlier this week that Mike Chabala, who was invited to trial with the club during preseason, and will now be much needed depth on the back line. Read more about Chabala rejoining the Dynamo at Dynamo Theory.

On Monday, the Dynamo unveiled their new jerseys:

This season will mark the first season the Dynamo have included the Texas flag on their kit.

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Houston Dynamo Sign Andrew Driver & Trade Je-Vaughn Watson

With just over a week before starting the 2013 MLS season, the Houston Dynamo have made a couple moves as they get closer to solidifying their roster for the start of the season. On Tuesday February 19th, the Dynamo traded Jamaican International Je-Vaughn Watson to F.C. Dallas for a second round pick in the 2015 SuperDraft. While some might think the Dynamo are getting the raw end of that deal, the trade was primarily made to open up an international roster slot for today's signing of English midfielder Andrew Driver.

Driver, 25, has been playing for Heart of Midlothian F.C. in the Scottish Premier League since 2006. The Dynamo acquired Driver from Hearts on a loan deal.

“Andrew is good at taking people on, he crosses a good ball and can take set pieces,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “He is a hard-working player and I think he will definitely fit in with the team. He has a good attitude on the field and is versatile. He can play on the left or right side of midfield.”

“I am very excited about the opportunity to come and play for the Dynamo,” Driver said. “I have followed MLS over the years and Houston has stood out as one of the top teams. I know a lot of success has been because of the work of Dominic Kinnear, so I am delighted to have the chance to learn from him and improve as a player under him.”

“It’s always exciting to add a young international player with talent and experience,” said Dynamo President Chris Canetti. “Andrew will add valuable depth to the squad at a time when we are set to face a heavy load of games between MLS and Champions League."

The Dynamo start the 2013 season on March 2nd, when they host D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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Mega TV is the New Spanish Language Home of Houston Dynamo Telecasts

On Wednesday February 6, 2013, it was announced that the Houston Dynamo have entered into an agreement with Mega TV (KTBU Channel 55) as its official Spanish-language TV partner.

Under the deal, Mega TV, which is owned and operated by Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc., will broadcast seven Dynamo road games during the 2013 MLS Season. Game broadcasts will include a 30-minute pregame and 30-minute postgame show. Additionally, Mega TV will include Dynamo highlights and news in its weekly magazine show, “Portada”.

“We feel it is very important for us to have Dynamo games available on Spanish language television, and this deal allow us to continue that tradition” said Dynamo President Chris Canetti. “Mega TV is a rapidly growing station among the Houston television landscape and fully distributed in the marketplace. We are pleased to be able to provide our fans with options for viewing Dynamo games and look forward to growing our relationship with Mega TV over the years.”

The agreement completes the Dynamo’s broadcast platform for the new season, which becomes one of the most comprehensive in Major League Soccer. The platform includes local television partnerships with Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN), KPRC Local 2 (NBC affiliate), and Mega TV. Additionally, Houston will have a total of 18 nationally-televised games during the 2013 MLS season. The platform also includes local radio partnerships with Gow Media (1560 AM, 97.5 FM) and Liberman Broadcasting (850 AM, Spanish). Altogether, the Dynamo’s local media platform will offer approximately 600 hours of on-air programming during the year, with 239 hours of TV and 366 hours of radio coverage.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with the Dynamo,” said Mega TV General Sales Manager Gerardo Reyes. “The Dynamo have always offered an excellent product on the field, so we’re very proud to be a part of the team and the excitement around it. We look forward to bringing the Dynamo closer than ever to our Spanish-speaking audience.”

In addition to their game broadcasts, Mega TV will also produce a 30-minute season preview and a season wrap up show. Air dates for both programs will be announced at a later date.

“This agreement is tremendously beneficial for both parties,” added Reyes. It will not only help us elevate our brand in the Houston community, but it will, at the same time, help the Dynamo reach a key segment of their fan base.”

“It is critical for us to have media partners that share the passion and commitment for growing the game and the Dynamo fan base,” adds Canetti. “Mega TV fits that mold and is an integral part of our media platform.”

Mega TV games will be simulcast on CSN.

The Dynamo open the 2013 season on Saturday, March 2 when they host D.C. United at 7 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium in a rematch of the 2012 Eastern Conference Championship. Click here to buy tickets.

The above information is from a Houston Dynamo press release.

Houston Dynamo Sign Three Year Television Deal with Comcast SportsNet Houston

On Wednesday January 30, 2013, the Houston Dynamo announced that the team has entered into a multiyear partnership with Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN).

The two sides reached a three-year agreement that will make CSN the home for regionally broadcast Dynamo matches from 2013 to 2015, which will be approximately 15 to 20 Dynamo games per season. Additionally, CSN will produce Pregame Live and Postgame Live shows, a weekly in-season magazine show, a monthly off-season show, a pre-season preview, a post-season wrap up special, and a behind-the-scenes documentary series.

“The key thing was finding a television partner who believes in the Dynamo and shares the passion and commitment for growing the game," said Dynamo President Chris Canetti. “CSN is that partner and is demonstrating its commitment through high-quality match production and an array of in-depth programming that will be rich with content and fuel discussion about the team.”

“The Dynamo’s success in MLS has been matched by a devoted and enthusiastic fan base,” CSN President and General Manager Matt Hutchings said. “We’re pleased to add their matches to our lineup, as well as give fans unprecedented access to the team with our related programming.”

As part of the agreement, the Dynamo and CSN will continue to partner with KPRC Local 2 (NBC) to air a select number of Dynamo games. The finalized broadcast schedule for the 2013 season will be announced at a later date.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that CSN and the Houston Dynamo, two of our favorite partners, have signed a three-year agreement,” said KPRC Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with both of them throughout the length of this partnership and beyond.”

CSN currently broadcasts Rockets games and will begin broadcasting Astros games this year.

“From a media and broadcast perspective, the CSN commitment is unlike anything the Dynamo has experienced in our seven year history,” Canetti continued. “It is one of the best television deals in MLS and symbolizes the incredible growth and development of our club and League.”

The first Dynamo game to be broadcast on CSN is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 when the Dynamo host the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The pre-season preview show will debut on Monday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. The first weekly magazine show, called Dynamo Weekly, will debut on Thursday, March 7 at 4:00 p.m.

While CSN is carried on Comcast's Xfinity cable service and some smaller cable providers in the Houston area, it is not currently carried on DirecTV, Dish, or U-Verse.

Portions of the above material were taken from a Houston Dynamo press release.

Houston Dynamo's Corey Ashe & Omar Cummings Undergo Surgery

Houston Dynamo defender Corey Ashe and forward Omar Cummings each underwent surgery on Friday January 25, 2013.

Ashe had surgery to address minor chronic irritation in his left kneel, while Cummings had surgery to address a right knee injury that was aggravated in training this week. The injury was originally sustained in a recent training stint with the Jamaican national team.

"It was the medical staff’s opinion that Corey and Omar should elect to undergo these minor procedures right now to avoid potential problems during the season,” said Dynamo Head Athletic Trainer Theron Enns. “The surgeries went according to plan, and we expect a full recovery for both with the goal of having them ready for opening day."

Both procedures were performed at Methodist Hospital by Dynamo team physician Dr. Kaare Kolstad. Approximate recovery time for both players is expected to be four to six weeks.

This information was from a Houston Dynamo Press Release.

Houston Dynamo Select Three Players in Supplemental Draft

Major League Soccer held its 2013 Supplemental Draft, via conference call, on Tuesday afternoon, and the Houston Dynamo selected three players .

Houston selected defender Anthony Arena in the first round, midfielder Nic Ryan in the third round, and forward Yannick Smith in the fourth round. All three of these players will be invited to the Dynamo’s preseason training camp and given a shot at earning a roster spot.

Arena appeared in 79 games during his four-years with Wake Forest University's Demon Deacons. A native of Kenmore, Washington, Arena was selected to the All-ACC freshman team in 2009 and the All-ACC second team in 2010. He has previously received invitations to U.S. U-18s and U-20s training camps.

Ryan appeared in 79 games during his four-years at the University of California – Santa Barbara. The San Jose, California native tallied 10 goals and 4 assists for the Gauchos, including eight goals and three assists during his senior year. Ryan was named Big West Conference Midfielder of the Year and to the All-Far West Region third team in 2012.

Smith appeared in 72 games for the Old Dominion University's Monarchs. The New Jersey native scored 23 goals and added 14 assists during his collegiate career. In 2011, Smith was named an NSCAA All-American and earned All-CAA first team honors after tallying 16 goals and two assists.

The Houston Dynamo started preseason training this past Monday and will open their 2013 season at BBVA Compass Stadium on March 2 when they host D.C. United.

Individual game tickets are not yet available, but tickets for all matches can be purchased through full or partial season ticket packages. For more information visit HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-GOAL.

Houston Dynamo Draft Forward & Defender at 2013 SuperDraft

MLS held its 2013 SuperDraft in Indianapolis on Thursday January 17th, and the Houston Dynamo used the draft to cushion its depth on the front and back lines.

In the first round, with the 13th overall pick, the Dynamo drafted Jason Johnson, a Jamaican native who played froward at Virginia Commonwealth University. Johnson received his first cap with the Jamaican national team in February of 2010 against Argentina.

Johnson shouldn't be too homesick when he joins the Dynamo since the squad already boasts three other Jamaican players: Jermaine Taylor, Je-Vaughn Watson, and Omar Cummings.

In the second round, with the 37th overall pick, the Dynamo drafted defender Jimmy Nealis. The New York native picked up six assists for Georgetown in 2012. At 6 feet, Nealis brings some needed height to the Dynamo's defense.

The recent loss of André Hainault to the Scottish Premier League means that Nealis will have a good shot at earning some playing time this season.

While Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear expressed favorable opinions on how Johnson and Nealis performed at the combine, Kinnear and the Dynamo maintained the tradition of trying to draft Generation Adidas players, with both Johnson and Nealis being classified as Generation Adidas for salary cap purposes.

The Dynamo begin their preseason camp this coming Monday and then begin the 2013 MLS season by hosting D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday March 2nd.

Dynamo full-season ticket packages start at $400 and include 20 home games. The club is also offering a new Family Season Ticket Package for the 2013 season. For every full price adult season ticket purchased for $400, fans can purchase an additional season ticket for a child 10 years or younger for just $200, located in the Texas Children’s Health Plan Family Section (Section 201). To purchase your package or for more information on 2013 season tickets, call (713) 276-GOAL.

Houston Dynamo Sign Multi-Year Radio Deal with Gow Media

According to David Barron at the Houston Chronicle, today the Houston Dynamo and Gow Media will announce a new multi-year deal to broadcast Houston Dynamo matches over the radio.

Most of the matches will likely be aired on KGOW - Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560, but some will also be aired on KFNC - ESPN 97.5, both of which are owned by Gow Media (which also owns the Yahoo! Sports Radio Network).

In addition to carrying most of the Dynamo matches, which will again be called by Matt Pederson, KGOW will begin airing Glenn Davis' Dynamo All-Access Show starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday January 21, 2013. Last month, Glenn Davis moved his Soccer Matters show over to KFNC.

The Houston Dynamo's 2013 MLS Season starts at BBVA Compass Stadium on March 2nd, when they host D.C. United. The match is set to start at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Houston Dynamo Announce 2013 Season Ticket Packges

This week, the Houston Dynamo announced details for 2013 season ticket packages, which begin at $400.00. These packages will include the 17 home MLS matches and three CONCACAF Champions League matches.

New this year is a Family Season Ticket package which includes $200.00 pricing for children under the age of 10. Seats included in this package are only located in the Texas Children's Health Plan Family Section, a/k/a Section 201.

In addition to season ticket packages, the Dynamo are also offering 10-game and 5-game plans.

Full season ticket packages include perks such as playoff ticket priority, access to private events, access to the flexible ticket exchange program, and a VIP card providing discounts at the team's store and with some Dynamo sponsors.

To obtain more information on Houston Dynamo tickets and ticket packages, click here.

The Houston Dynamo's 2013 MLS season starts with a visit to BBVA Compass Stadium by D.C. United on March 2, 2013. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Click here for a look at the Houston Dynamo's full 2013 schedule.