When Dynamo striker Calen Carr was diagnosed with a severe knee injury the pressure increased on the Dynamo to find a striker that can stretch defenses.
Carr is expected to be out for 8-12 months and the Dynamo have been quick to respond with the signing of Omar Cummings from the Colorado Rapids.
The Dynamo give up defender Nathan Sturgis plus allocation money to get the MLS Cup winner from 2010 who partnered Conor Casey.

Cummings, 30 yrs old, was an MLS All Star in 2011 and scored 39 goals in a 6 year span with the Rapids.
Additionally, he is a Jamaican international who has scored 7 times and has helped the “Reggae Boyz” to the last round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying.

So what are the benefits of signing Cummings outside of the obvious pace that he brings?
He clearly will be motivated coming to a new situation in Houston after playing in the hinterlands of Colorado in front of small crowds and could provide the perfect “foil” to Will Bruin up front.
Bruin will need to continue to improve his hold up play in order to help get the best out of Cummings. In addition, Cummings would also could be a great partner for Brian Ching off the bench late in games if in fact Ching returns.
With Colorado changing their playing style last year under Oscar Pareja it may not have been conducive to the playing style of Cummings.
The Dynamo midfield of Brad Davis, Boniek Garcia, Adam Moffat and Ricardo Clark will have a wonderful mobile target to supply in Cummings.
He will be familiar with Jamaican teammates on the Dynamo and will no doubt be able to find a better plate of jerk chicken in Houston than in Colorado!

ASHLEY WILLIAMS GUILTY
Swansea’s Ashley Williams was clearly guilty of driving the ball into the head of Robin Van Persie of Manchester United after RVP was fouled and prone on the ground.
Anyone who has played the game realizes this was intentional. No questions asked.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

The Champions League draw has taken place for the final 16 teams and English teams have real opportunity and real challenge:

Bayern Munich v. Arsenal
Real Madrid v. Manchester United
Barcelona v. AC Milan
Borussia Dortmund v. Shaktar Donetsk
Juventus v. Celtic
Schalke v. Galatasaray
Paris St. Germaine v. Valencia
Malaga v. Porto

Some key storylines include Manchester United and Real Madrid who have combined for 12 European Cup/Champions League titles.
AC Milan and Barcelona have 11….your thoughts?

MLS to link up with USL Pro

Let’s see how this all works out but it is encouraging to me that different levels of the game are working together to try and come up with ideas.
We have been notorious in this country for operating as individual entities in soccer.

Apparently if an MLS city has USL Pro team nearby, MLS will provide 5 players and pay their salary.
If there’s no USL Pro team the MLS reserve side will become a new, permanent team in USL Pro.
All USL Pro teams will have an MLS affiliate where apparently player movement will occur.

The challenge is still to accelerate player development and this potentially can bring more games to player 25-30 on the MLS roster.

Will there be mechanism’s in place for players to move in and out of USL Pro teams? Can an injured player get a game there before being re-introduced to the full first team?
Will Dynamo midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia be flying to Tuscson to play in a USL PRO game to re-hab an injury, unlikely.
The fact is in many places around the world players have incentive in place and have the opportunity consistently in top reserve league’s to play in front of coaching staff’s.
This is motivating.
Simply ask yourself how much farther along many MLS players would be with consistent games and not just laboring through a summer of training?
We also must consider the quality of play that will potentially come with this and how this will be unique to different markets.

Geography plays a role in this also.

Lets also not forget the financial side of an agreement like this but for sure money spent on developing players to take on more roles of responsibility is a necessary investment.

As for Academy players graduating into MLS squads few have had impact as consistent starters and these players would benefit greatly from this next step.

It is positive that discussion and possibility is being examined.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Join me tonight for SOCCER MATTERS on Espn 97-5 radio at 7pm.

Lots of EPL, Dynamo updates and more!

Guest: Geoff Cameron Stoke City
Eric Brunner- Dynamo new defender

More guests to follow!

Bring some opinion and follow on twitter: GlennDavisSoc

When the U.S. Womens National team played at BBVA Compass Stadium this past week I walked away thinking a turn-out of around 15,000 fans was a success.
It was a great night with the U.S. Women clearly out-classing China in every category. Yes,C China was simply a “sparring partner” on this “fan appreciation” tour.
Quality soccer was seen but I walked away thinking what a great night for those in attendance but why was this not a full stadium?

I have often field the question of when the U.S. men’s team would play a game in Houston not piggy-backed as the “back up band” for Mexico.
Well guess what?
That opportunity has just been given to Houston to show itself off in support of the U.S. Men’s national team.
Today U.S. Soccer announced that the men will play Canada here at BBVA Compass Stadium on the 29th of January.
I am going to set the bar high and challenge this soccer community to make this a sell-out.
Plan now.
Shut down training at youth clubs to attend this game on a Tuesday night and make it a part of player development seeing the U.S. national team live.
College coaches encourage your players to attend! Adult leagues get on board and let’s make it happen.
If your are an association head of a soccer organization then step up to the plate of the “big picture”. Lead your organization and it’s constituents to this game and be big!
Don’t condition it and come up with excuses why you can’t be there.
If we can’t with a potential 6 million people in the Houston area sell this game out then why should we consider ourselves one of the top soccer communities in the U.S.?
Be there, be nationalistic, be prideful of Houston and it’s soccer culture.
I believe that 15,000 fans will be a disappointment. If you want more national team games here then lets send the message.
Butts in seats! This is opportunity!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Houston Soccer Community,

This past weekend the KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS took place throughout sites in Houston and also in Lafayette, LA and Richmond Virginia.

In Lafayette the camp was run by Danny Foster and Braveheart, in Richmond by former U18 National team coach Bob Jenkins a childhood friend of mine who grew up in the same neighborhood.

As I walked up to sites I was visiting Friday and Saturday it was an amazing to see so many out on these days in support of charity.

We missed out on yesterday due to the inclement weather in Houston but in the end the camp again was a step forward and a grand success thanks to the Houston Soccer Community!
Last night I was energized and began to think of all the possibility and ideas for improvement of this camp that benefits the CURING CHILDRENS CANCER FUND and earmarks ALL PROCEEDS for pediatric cancer research at TEXAS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL.
Personally, I can’t tell you how thankful I am and speaking for Mallori Ramey of Curing Childrens Cancer Fund a 501 C Charity, I know how excited and thankful she is.

1.) PILLARS OF THIS EVENT:
I can’t say enough about these amazing partners on this event which is the YOUTH SOCCER CLUB. So to ALBION HURRICANES, ECLIPSE, HOUSTON EXPRESS, DYNAMOS,KINGWOOD ALLIANCE, SPACE CITY FUTBOL, KATY YOUTH SOCCER I can only say that words can’t express the gratitude.
The energy of the staff, the understanding of the purpose of the camp portrayed was amazing!
This thank you stretches also to the volunteers of the club behind the scenes as well!!
I will add to this mix also SOCCERTOTS who provided expert guidance with the littlest of our campers and HBU for allowed use to use your facility!
I know the year was long for all of you and to donate your time and expertise was remarkable and fully appreciated having run a youth club for many years myself.
These soccer clubs and organizations need to be commended for seeing the “big picture” and we must realize that we have amazing dedicated soccer “experts” , trainers in our youth community who hit the fields every day with passion and knowledge to impart on our youth.
It can all be measured as simple having youth around amazing adults who are teachers and tremendous for modeling.

2.) PARENTS AND THOSE WHO DONATED
For those who made the effort to sign up your youth players to support this cause a huge thank you! Without campers and parents who made the effort and reached into their pockets we have no camp! Thank you and thank you for your support!

3.) IN HONOR OF
This camp was in honor of those whom we have lost, those currently fighting the disease and all the amazing families, volunteers, staff and doctors who are involved on a daily basis. We all are connected to cancer in some shape or form.
I have stood in awe of your efforts and the way you handle all situations. It is not hard to realize sometimes our situations are not as big as we think they are.

4.) GUESTS
We had numerous guests including coaching staff of the Dynamo with Dominic Kinnear, Tim Hanley, Steve Ralston. Former Dynamo players like Danny Cruz, Mike Chabala and former Mexican Womens National team player Monica Gonzalez flew in.
Davey Arnaud of the Montreal Impact drove up from his hometown of Nederland, Texas to make and appearance at both the Houston Express and Eclipse sites.
Others committed but were rained out like Brian Ching, Brad Davis and former Dynamo Richard Mulrooney.
Ex-pro’s like Bill McDonald (Houston Dynamos), Tony Johnson (Houston Dynamos) Eric Quill (Tampa Bay Mutiny), Ziad Allan (Houston Hotshots), Ray Echevarry (Houston Hotshots), Sarah Kate Nofsinger were all involved and committed.
G Guerreri of Texas AM made his yearly visit as did so many others!

Years ago I was doing a Christmas Camp in the Bellaire area and had the idea to make it a charity camp and try to grow it in to a community event using the small platform I have in tv and radio and as an ex-player.
What was essential to me was a camp that was representative of our soccer community, one organism working against pediatric cancer.
I am proud to say that I am a partner on this camp with every level of the sport that participates from youth, high school, college, ex-pro’s, and current pro’s from the Dynamo and other MLS teams. The stretch and reach in involvment came from so many!
We have proven again that as a group we can take control of our soccer community and do something bigger than our own interests yearly to benefit others!!

We are already receiving amazing feedback from all involved and we will work amazingly hard to improve this event in many ways to continue to provide a great experience for campers in the name of raising awareness and funds for the challenge of pediatric cancer!!!
A big thank you to Alen USA and Fiesta for providing the t-shirts.

I know there are so many great stories and testimony from the weekend and I have heard them from many. There are so many to thank that it is impossible to do in this letter but you know who you are!!

In February we will meet and begin the improvement of the camp to make it even bigger and better. Happy holidays to all and thank you for the amazing, heartfelt work with KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS! The future is indeed bright and I head into the holidays excited for the future of KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS!

Glenn

No I did not get up at 4am to watch the Fifa Club World Cup between Corinthians of Brazil and Chelsea but I did record it and watch it today.

For the record Brazilian giants Corinthians defeated Chelsea 1-0 behind a goal from Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero (69th) striking a historic moment for South American football.
The goal came from a trio of players including Paulinho and Danilo.
The Brazilian squad came to the as champions of the Copa Libertadores while Chelsea of course won the European Champions Leaugue under then manager Roberto Di Matteo.

What was impressive is that the Brazilian squad was well coached, matched Chelsea physically and were very organized. It should never have come as any surprise to Chelsea that they would be playing a highly motivated opponent.
They also ran into a night of great goalkeeping in Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio.

Although this tournament will at times be criticized for it’s relevance there is no doubt that Chelsea took this final seriously and the “take away” for Corinthians was huge!
Condition it any way you like, Corinthians were the winners and struck a great blow for South American and Brazilian football.
It was the second time Corinthians have won the tournament which puts them in great company with Barcelona.

I found this match incredibly interesting and reminder that Major League Soccer must continue to emphasis success in the Concacaf Champions League so as they can send a representative to this tournament as opposed to Liga MX clubs every year.

Monterrey of Mexico ended up third after defeating Al-Ahly of Egypt 2-0 after being intimidated by Chelsea 3-1 in the semi-finals but gain tremendous exposure and experience at this tournament.

The loss by Chelsea will only bring more criticism to new manager Rafa Benetiz and striker El Nino Torres who shot right at Cassio from 6 yards out in the final minutes. Perhaps the angst of Chelsea fans should be aimed at owner Roman Abramovich who continues to use this club as a “playtoy”.

Did you see this game and what were your thoughts on it?

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS begin tonight with the entire soccer community out in force to raise funds and put on a wonderful three day camp.
ALL PROCEEDS go to CURING CHILDRENS CANCER FUND a 501 CCharity.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE PILLARS OF THIS EVENT:

ECLIPSE, DYNAMO, ALBION HURRICANES, HOUSTON EXPRESS SC, KINGWOOD ALLIANCE, SPACE CITY FUTBOL, RICHMOND VA STRIKERS, BRAVEHEART, KATY YOUTH SOCCER, SOCCER TOTS, HBU!!!

You can still sign up and be a part of this at cccfund.org!!!!!

CALEN CARR was in attendance at the US Women’s national team against China this past Wednesday. The Dynamo truly are in the market for two more attacking players and the injury to Carr which is serious makes this an even more important area for the Dynamo.
A striker with movement, that stretches defenses and can create something for himself is a “want” for the Dynamo.
It is also the most difficult player to find.

Luiz Camarago
There is talk of a creative midfielder for the Dynamo and one wonders if Luiz Camargo can be restored to making an impact as a starting player for the Houston Dynamo?
Can Camargo turn things around next year? He certainly has the skill set but did not seem to have the desire to wrap his arms around being a starter.

Giles Barnes
I hope the Dynamo can find a way to bring Barnes back to see if he comes to fruition in MLS. He certainly is a diverse player albeit not with the look of being a “two way” player.
His best moments came off the bench and his blast in CONCACAF from long range opened fans eyes as did his individual move past Dejan Jackovic of DC to create a Will Bruin goal in the playoffs.

Thoughts?

SOCCER MATTERS THIS TUESDAY at 7pm on Espn 97-5

KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS is this weekend December 14-16 at various sites in Houston and in Lafayette, Louisiana and Richmond, Virginia.

The camp is only $55 and includes a t-shirt and ALL PROCEEDS go to a 501 C Charity CURING CHILDRENS CANCER FUND to benefit pediatric cancer research.

This is an entire soccer community project with top clubs like Houston Express, Albion Hurricances, Space City, Eclipse, Kingwood Alliance, Katy Youth Soccer, Texans, all involved leading the way!

The top youth, high school, college , ex-pro’s and pro’s all involved!
MLS players like Danny Cruz (Philadelphia), Mike Chabala (DC), Brad Davis (Dynamo), Brian Ching (Dynamo), Davey Arnaud (Montreal), and more…..

Please support us and lets get more campers signed up here as we approach Friday!!! Donations accepted as well again at cccfund.org

ARE YOU IN on this SOCCER COMMUNITY WIDE EFFORT?

Podcast interviews from last night SOCCER MATTERS brought to you by MEMORIAL HERMANN IRONMAN SPORTS MEDCINE INSTITUTE is up at ESPN975.com

Heather OReilly U.S. Womens National team, Todd Yeagley Indiana, Taylor Twellman and more.
SOCCER MATTERS every Tuesday on Espn 975 FM

U.S. v. China tonight at BBVA Compass
The United States womens national team takes on China tonight at BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:30.
Come see the Gold Medal winners against a very organized China squad on the fan appreciation tour. Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and company will all be involved .
New U.S. coach Tom Sermani will be observing from the outside .

Twitter: GLennDavisSoccer.com