The Dynamo went through a light workout this morning ahead of tomorrow’s MLS encounter at Robertson Stadium against FC Dallas.
The good news is that the poor Robertson Stadium surface is looking in good shape and is a vivid green.

PHILADELPHIA NAME AND LOGO LEAKED

It is the PHILADELPHIA UNION. That is the new name of the Philly franchise that begins play in MLS in 2010.
I personally love the name! According to the club the name represents the working class roots of Philly plus the city’s role in the formation of our government.
The logo and name were leaked on the MLS web-page and the name also is similar to those used in South America like Union de Sante Fe.
Pretty cool.
Now lets hope that some politician on Monday (Unveiling of name and logo) doesn’t find a way to politicize the name when it is unveiled. Reminds me of a past naming issue? Remember?

Three Dynamo youth players are heading to Germany this month to represent the United States at the u15 level against Germany.
Two of the three are local youth area products who will be a part of a soccer changing exerience.
Forward Bryan Celis , goalkeeper Fernando Pina are both local players from the Dynamo Academy while Eric Sanchez hails from the Dynamo South Texas Academy.
A great start? You bet.
For these three players they will experience a trip of a lifetime that could catapult their vision of the sport and their place in it.
A good performance in Germany and any one of the trio could land a spot at the Bradenton Academy in Florida in the U.S. u17 residency program that has produced players like Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley.
James Clarkson heads up the Dynamo Academy.

FC DALLAS

Make no mistake. This is a big game for both teams and having been at Dynamo practice yesterday and heading down today and it is clear the Dynamo are focused.
FC Dallas is in free-fall having won only one game.
Is it me or has this squad been re-building for 10 years? Poor signings including Duilio Davino and Denilson were stretches to change the course of success and the squad has gone through coaches rapidly like Colin Clarke (now Puerto Rico Islanders who play tonite at Austin), Steve Morrow and now Schellas Hyndman.
FC Dallas is clearly pointing at this emotional rivalry game to try and turn their season around on national tv (Espn).
Now as someone who calls games for Espn, the network loves it when their are passionate crowds so lets fill Robertson and make a statement Saturday night.
Incidentally, after the game come join me near autograph alley for the live post game radio call in show on 790 The Sports Animal.
Tomorrow morning I will break down the Dynamo and FC Dallas in my weekly Houston Chronicle soccer column.
Great ticket values for this game can be found at HoustonDynamo.com, ticket specials also can be found at Fiesta. Expect a post-game fireworks show and more!

ANTON PETERLIN

You probably never heard of him but he is a new signing for Everton in England.
Peterlin spent 10 days in Liverpool recently and was awarded a contract with the Toffees whose squad includes U.S. international goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Peterlin played college soccer at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Peterlin got the tryout after being discovered playing for the PDL squad the Ventura County Fusion.
Fusion coach Graham Smith recommended him to Everton coach David Moyes.
Peterlin has described training sessions at Everton with players like Australian international Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.
Peterlin will sign his contract apparently in July when Everton comes to the states to play the MLS All Stars.
Stay tuned for more on this Monday on Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis…

DIDIER APOLOGIZES
Didier Drogba apologized for his out-burst after the recent Champions League draw with Barcelona.
“I was very upset at what happened during the game, but have seen pictures on tv and I accept that I over-reacted,” said Drogba.

MEXICAN LEAGUE OPENS UP THE GATES
It will be strange because the Mexican Federation is putting some conditions on the opening of stadiums in the final week of regular season play.
Fans must wear facemasks, wash their hands upon entering the stadium, walk to their seats in single file. Every fan will be quizzed on their health while every other seat will be empty. Families will be allowed to sit together.
Mexican league possibilities remain wide open heading into the final weekend .

GOOD TV WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

Check out the Austin Aztex vs. Puerto Rico Islanders on FSC tonite. Former area player Sandi Gbandi plays in midfield for the Islanders and scored two goals against Cruz Azul in the Concacaf sem-finals. Ironically, former FC Dallas coach Colin Clarke manages Puerto Rico.

Saturday:
Everton vs. Spurs 9am FSC
West Ham vs. Liverpool 11am FSC
Club America vs,. Necaxa at 9pm Telefutura

Sunday
Man U vs Man City 7:30 AM Setanta
Arsenal vs. Chelsea 10:00 am FSC
Milan vs Juventus 1:30 FSC
Sounders vs. LA 2pm Telefutura

What games will you be watching and what does your soccer weekend entail?