photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Geoff Cameron's switch to center back was one of the key ingredients in the Houston Dynamo's run to the MLS Cup, and that's why head coach Dominic Kinnear has made the move permanent.
Cameron will serve as a center back in 2012 after he and Kinnear had a discussion following the end of the season. The versatile 6-foot-4 player has played forward, midfield and defense during his four seasons with the Dynamo, but Kinnear believes center back is Cameron's best position.
The move to make Cameron a staple in Houston's back line is unlikely to surprise many after he demonstrated late in the year that he is a capable defender with ball skills that few in the league possess.
Here are more MLS notes:
TIMBERS TO SIGN VALENCIA AS DP
It didn't take long to find out the identity of the Portland Timbers' soon-to-be Designated Player.
According to reports, Portland is set to sign 19-year-old forward Jose Adolfo Valencia from Colombian club Santa Fe. Valencia, the son of former Colombian international and ex-New York/New Jersey Metrostars player Adolfo 'El Tren' Valencia, is one of Colombia's most promising young players. The younger Valencia scored once while playing in five games this season.
HERNANDEZ RE-SIGNS WITH DALLAS AS PLAYER-COACH
Daniel Hernandez will play at least one more season with FC Dallas after agreeing to a new three-year deal that will keep the veteran midfielder with the team as a player-coach. The new deal requires Hernandez to play for the Hoops in 2012, but also allows him to serve as a coach at some capacity under head coach Schellas Hyndman as soon as 2013.
JOHNSON TO TRAIN WITH EVERTON
Sean Johnson will soon be the latest MLS player to train abroad. The Chicago Fire goalkeeper is set for a week-long training stint at Everton starting on Dec. 4. At the club, Johnson will train with U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard and U.S./Everton goalkeepers coach Chris Woods. Johnson will also train with Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath, who is currently on a training stint of his own with the Premiership club.
Due to scheduling conflicts, Johnson will not train with Manchester United this offseason as had been previously reported.
REVOLUTION RE-SIGN REIS
Matt Reis' tenure with the New England Revolution won't be coming to a close in the foreseeable future, as the veteran goalkeeper re-signed with the club. Reis, who has played nine seasons with the Revolution, is coming off a year that saw him start 27 games. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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What do you think of Cameron making a permanent switch to centerback? Think Portland's looming capture of Valencia is a good one? Do you see Hernandez playing beyond 2012?
Share your thoughts below.