The Houston Dynamo selected three players in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft held via conference call this afternoon.
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 players are expected to be invited to the Dynamo’s pre-season training camp in hopes of earning a roster spot.
Arena, a defender from Wake Forest University, appeared in 79 games over his four-year career with the Demon Deacons. The Kenmore, Wash. native was selected to the All-ACC freshman team in 2009 and the All-ACC second team in 2010. Arena has previously been invited to training camps with the U.S. U-18s and U-20s.
Ryan, a midfielder out of the University of California – Santa Barbara, appeared in 79 games over his four-year collegiate career. The San Jose, Calif. native tallied 10 goals and four 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, after tallying a goal or an assist in 10 of his team’s 19 matches in 2012.
Smith, a forward from Old Dominion University, appeared in 72 games (52 starts) for the 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 Dynamo will open their 2013 season on March 2 when they host D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium. 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.
ANTHONY ARENA
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 lbs.
Date of Birth: August 3, 1990
Hometown: Kenmore, Wash.
Citizenship: United States
College: Wake Forest University
How Acquired: 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, 1st round (No. 18)
NIC RYAN
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8” Weight: 130 lbs.
Date of Birth: January 30, 1991
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Citizenship: United States
College: University of California – Santa Barbara
How Acquired: 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, 3rd round (No. 56)
YANNICK SMITH
Position: Forward
Height: 5’9” Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of Birth: November 21, 1990
Hometown: Hillsborough, N.J.
Citizenship: United States
College: Old Dominion University
How Acquired: 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, 4th round (No. 75)
