HOUSTON – While many MLS teams were busy making plenty of changes to their rosters during the offseason, the Houston Dynamo largely stood pat. As a team that has made the MLS Cup or Eastern Conference Championship three years running, they know they have plenty of quality.
And although Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear did not indicate any moves were on the horizon for his club, he admitted he is always looking to help the team.
"I look at our roster and I’m pretty happy with what I have right now, but you have to always be aware,” Kinnear told reporters Monday. “There’s not one thing to target, but if something comes along you have to take a look at it."
In looking at training camp, it appears 20 players are sure to return, including all but one starter, Bobby Boswell, who is back with D.C. United.
Houston addressed the primary issues with their roster in the offseason. The club added Tony Cascio on loan and brought back Andrew Driver on the wings while center backs David Horst and AJ Cochran provide depth in defense.
While he has his roster in good and nearly complete shape, Kinnear did not rule out further changes.
“If there’s a player that comes to our attention that improves our team, whether it be at the back, middle or front, you have to seriously take a look at it,” Kinnear said.
As for places the Dynamo could add, forward would be a possibility. Houston returns four forwards – Will Bruin, Giles Barnes, Omar Cummings and Jason Johnson -- but if a difference maker was available the club could strike.
Also, in an effort to look at adding depth at full back or in the midfield, the club has unsigned left back Mike Chabala in camp as well as midfielder Sito Seoane, 2013 PDL Championship MVP, as a trialist. Euan Holden, former Dynamo draft pick and brother to Stuart, is in camp as a guest player after being released by English League Two side Bury.
“I think it’s the job of the staff to constantly be looking for those opportunities to improve,” said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. “Those opportunities are being pursued, but there’s nothing imminent right now.”
Two familiar faces missing Monday were Warren Creavalle and Jermaine Taylor. Taylor is recovering from foot surgery, an injury that kept him out of the playoffs last season, while Creavalle is coming off surgery to relieve tendonitis in both knees.
The players received treatment during the training session Monday, with Kinnear saying they would be in the training room for “another week or two, maybe longer.” Taylor is expected to make the trip with the club to Tucson next week while Creavalle’s return is not yet known, however Kinnear said both are expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
