The Dynamo added a new face on Friday by trading for Columbus forward Jason Garey, a former MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield champion and Hermann Trophy winner. With Garey, the Dynamo get younger at forward and get local, with Garey’s hometown of Gonzales, Louisiana, just a five-hour drive from Houston.
“I spent a lot of time in Houston going to youth tournaments when I was younger,” Garey told HoustonDynamo.com in his first interview after being traded. “My sister got married in Houston last spring and lives there now, so I’ve definitely spent a lot of time there, and I’m looking forward to moving back.”
READ: Jason Garey player bio
READ: Dynamo acquire forward Jason Garey
The Gulf Coast region is near and dear to Garey’s heart. In 2005, during a senior season at the University of Maryland in which he won the Hermann Trophy and led the Terrapins to the national championship, Garey also became active in relief efforts in Louisiana following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In 2010, he served as a spokesman for Vanishing Paradise, a campaign to raise awareness of the effects of the BP oil spill.
“Being from the Gulf Coast area, the Dynamo have always been the hometown team of Louisiana, because even being in Houston, they’re pretty close,” Garey said. “So I’m very excited and looking forward to getting to play with those guys.”
Garey has seen middling playing time for Columbus over the last several years; he has not started more than nine MLS games since his rookie season of 2006. He did, however, see regular playing time in this year’s Champions League group stage, helping Columbus advance with a goal and an assist. He feels the Dynamo’s style of play will fit his own.
“They play a 4-4-2, which is where I was most effective and played in college,” Garey said. “Their possession game is great. I love the way they attack and get crosses into the box, and guys like Brad Davis and Geoff Cameron create a lot of chances. Playing forward, I’ve envied the chances those guys create.”
Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear, reached in Martinique where he is scouting the Caribbean Cup, said he is excited to add a player of Garey’s experience yet relative youth.
““I’ve always thought he was a good player,” Kinnear said. “When he played against us, I enjoyed his work rate and his hunger to help the team, so we’re looking forward to seeing him in Houston.”
