New Faces, New Contracts, & New Shows

Several weeks ago on the 1560 The Game Soccer Show here in Houston (7:00 pm cst, Mondays), we speculated on the potential of the Houston Dynamo signing USMNT U-20 forward, Felix Garcia. A native of Texas, the 18 year old has been plying his trade with the PDL's Laredo Heat. Word of a big signing has been floating around Houston. This afternoon the Dynamo sent out a press release indicating that they would be introducing their newest signing at a press conference this Thursday afternoon, and more recently, Soccer by Ives has reported the Felix Garcia signing.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/01/dynamo-sign-felix-garcia.html

When asked about Garcia on a subsequent show, Dynamo COO Chris Canetti indicated that the Dynamo had some interest, but they played down the potential of signing him, indicating that he would have to enter the MLS via the MLS Draft. Looks like that route was avoided because Garcia signed a professional contract with the Laredo Heat. It was well known that Garcia wanted to stay in Texas, and despite getting some attention from FC Dallas, their I-45 rivals managed to make the signing. I haven't seen any information as to what type of transfer fee was paid for Garcia, but he is a Generation Addidas player so his salary will not count against the cap.

Just under a year ago, ESPN's Justin Rodriguez profiled Felix Garcia:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=512344&root=us&&cc=5901

In my Opinion, South Texas - from Laredo down to Brownsville and over to Harlingen, is probably one of the largest sources of untapped soccer talent in the United States. Home to many poorer high schools whose teams give the wealthier northern schools a run for their money on a regular basis. I give credit to the Houston Dynamo and the MLS for taking a chance on a young player from this region, a move that should only increase the Dynamo's fan base in south Texas.

For those interested in seeing Felix Garcia in action, I direct you to this video:



Meanwhile, on the other end of the pitch, the Houston Dynamo have resigned Defender Bobby Boswell. The former MLS Defender of the Year claimed a regular starting spot on the Dynamo's back line this past season, but he recently went out of contract and tested the waters in Turkey. It appears that foriegn player rules were a roadblock to Boswell obtaining a deal, so he's returned to Texas and has signed a multi-year deal with the Houston Dynamo. Boswell's return and his contract increase means that it was time for Patrick Ianni, who is no longer a Generation Addidas player, to hang up his orange kit. The Dynamo have traded him to Seattle where he'll rejoin former teammate Nate Jaqua.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/soc/6230951.html#

Finally, the Dynamo have also signed goalkeeper Tally Hall as a back-up for Pat Onstad. The 23 year old American keeper has been playing with Esbjerg fB in Denmark.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/scorecard/othernews.asp?articleID=250630

After a multi-week trial, Houston Radio station, 1560 The Game, the only independent sports talk station in Houston, has officially made the Soccer Show part of its weekly line-up. We got some love from the Houston Chronicle, even if Bernardo mispelled my first name.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/soc/6231838.html

By the way, Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear will join us in studio next Monday night.

Tomorrow, the 2009 season schedules should be out. Meanwhile, the Dynamo start camp on February 2nd.