In the three games the Dynamo used regulars for about three halves and reserves and those re-gaining fitness in the other halves. The casualty out of this tournament was Brad Davis pulling a hamstring on Friday night. Speaking to him in Cibolo he told me the injury ocurred just while running and without contact. He will miss the Municipal game this Wednesday (FSC and ESPN Deportes).

I pulled into Cibolo just as the game was preparing to start on a very windy day that wreaked a bit of havoc on the quality of the game . DC United did not play with Argentine Marcelo Gallardo who had left San Antonio to deal with visa issues. DC United head to Jamaica to take on Harbour View in their Concacaf match-up. DC has a number of changes that will alter their squad quite a bit . New defender Gonzalo Perralta looks the real deal as an organizer and a commanding presecence in central defense. He will partner with Gonzalo Martinez a former Colombian international.

Franco Caraccio opened the scoring in this game for the Dynamo and looked good in his second half of play with Houston.
Dealing with MLS speed of play and the physical nature of MLS will be an adjustment but you could see his application and level of seriousness is there. It will be nice to see if the Dynamo can play through his feet in and around the penalty area.

Dwayne DeRosario is sharp and buzzing as is Dynamo striker Brian Ching. Both look ready and hungry for big years. It is great that we now get to the real competition in the next two weeks with Municipal. Dynamo will look to come out of Guatemala positioned for the second leg at home in Houston.

Pat Onstad told me that he is coming off his most grueling off-season workouts ever. Onstad produced a great save in the second half and looks to carry on his quality play ably challenged by Tony Caig. Friday night the Dynamo first team looked their sharpest and clearly seem ahead of the three other teams based on familiarity and the nature of their squad.

El Battalon and the Texian Army also went through some pre-season training with at least 100-150 of the supporters in Cibolo and I must say they were in excellent form singing throughout the 90 minutes and bringing serious attitude and enjoyment to the game. They look set for a great season of team support , loyalty and enjoyment. Great job from these fans who left a good impression.

Dynamo playersStuart Holden and Patrick Ianni both made the roster for Olympic qualifying which begins Tuesday for the U.S. against Cuba. Notable ommissions include Arturo Alvarez of FC Dallas and Mayde Creek High School and Benny Feilhaber who were not picked by coach Peter Nowak.
Yes Benny Feilhaber of Derby Country who apparently has struggled during camp and played against Mexico at Reliant on February 6th. Lack of playing time in England could be part of the reason here but I can’t think it can be all of it? Missed opportunity for the talented Alvarez.
Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Spector all included on the squad. Robbie Findlay of RSL also makes the squad after a solid season in MLS on two less than impressive teams.

A shame to not see more Houston media at these events. It is a great oportunity to see four teams in a unique environment.
One day it could be like the pilgramage to Astros spring training and Texans pre-season.

Join me tonite on 790TheSportsAnimal at 7-9pm as you will hear from numerous Dynamo players on the upcoming Municipal game. Head coach Dominic Kinnear will also weigh in. Other guests are being lined up at this time including Chivas USA coach Preki and Tom Soehn of DC United.

Call in number is 713-212-5790 to talk your game plus the show streams live on the internet at 790TheSportsanimal.com
Other topics include an amazing weekend in European play, Monterrey Derby excitment, possible player strike in 2010 in MLS plus the changing youth soccer enviroment in Houston.
With the last three crowds at Robertson to close out the season last year at 30,000 plus being defending Champions wouldn’t you think the Dynamo can start the year off drawing 25,000 plus? Doesn’t the internation competition intrigue you? Or are fans still not aware of what the Concacaf Champions Cup is?