By VINCE MADURI
The Houston Dynamo have signed their fifth homegrown player, Eighteen-year-old Bryan Salazar. The first Dynamo Homegrown Player to pass through all levels of the Houston Academy system, Salazar officially joined the team after a press conference held Thursday in Houston. Salazar has been a part of the Dynamo system since 2009 when he joined the Dynamo U-16 squad.
“This is a dream come true,” Salazar said. “When I joined the Junior Academy, I was told this was my chance to be a professional and I’m excited this day has arrived. I want to thank everyone in the Dynamo Academy who helped me achieve my dream and I look forward to continuing my career under Dominic Kinnear.”
“Bryan is an exciting young player,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “When he gets the ball, he is not afraid to run at defenders. He has put up some good numbers with our Academy teams and I think he has a very promising future.”
Here are some more recent MLS news items and notes to get you through your Thursday:
SAN JOSE RE-SIGN CORRALES AND FUCITO
The Earthquakes have announced the team has re-signed defender Ramiro Corrales and forward Mike Fucito Wednesday.
Ramiro Corrales is the final alumni of the 1996 MLS inaugural season and has signed on as a player-coach. The 35-year-old played in 22 games for the Earthquakes last season, starting 19 in a back line that allowed 43 goals.
Mike Fucito joined the Earthquakes through a trade with Portland in January, but was left unsigned until now. The 26-year-old has scored three goals over four years with Seattle, Montreal and Portland.
MIKAEL SILVESTRE IN SEATTLE CAMP
Manchester United veteran defender Mikael Silvestre is not done touring MLS camps. After spending some time with the Portland Timbers and scoring a goal in an exhibition against the Sounders, the 35-year-old has joined up with Seattle who is in need of a veteran central defender after the loss of Jeff Parke this off-season.
Silvestre retired from international play for France back in 2006 and has been out of contract since leaving Werder Bremen last year but has been looking for a new club opportunity.
GALAXY TROUNCE UCLA
The Galaxy eased past UCLA Wednesday in a 7-2 victory over the college side.
Jack McBean picked up three assists in the game while rookie Charlie Rugg and Sean Franklin had two goals each. Rugg was playing in his first match of the preseason after recovering from a groin injury. Michael Stephens, Omar Gonzalez and Hector Jimenez also scored goals in the emphatic win.
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What do you think of these developments?