Dynamo Academy U-18 team faces stiff competition at Copa Chivas

Dynamo begin play today in prestigious Mexican tournament

HOUSTON, TX - January 22, 2010 - The Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, has been placed in a six-team group that includes the Japan U-17 national team, the host Chivas de Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Morelia. The annual event is regarded as the most competitive youth tournament in the western hemisphere.

The Dynamo are one of only two American teams in the 18-team, invitation-only field, with the other being Chivas USA, sister club of host Chivas.

“This is the most prestigious event that we’ve been in,” said Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson. “It’s bigger than the trip to Europe because we’ll be playing some of the top teams in a real competitive tournament, rather than friendlies. I think it shows how far the academy has come in a short space of time that we’ve been invited to participate in such a prestigious tournament.”

A full preview, including information about Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear attending the tournament, is available at HoustonDynamo.com via the following link: http://www.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20100122&content_id=7953894&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200

Dynamo Academy U-18 Copa Chivas roster:

Leo Ayala – DF, Houston Sharpstown

Ricardo Balmaceda – FW, Village School

Siegfried Casar – MF, Spring Branch Memorial

Martin Castillo – FW, Pasadena Sam Rayburn

David Dauajare – FW, Woodcreek Jr. High

Reagan Haisler – DF, Katy Cinco Ranch

Angel Higareda – GK, McAllen Memorial

Sebastian Karpen – MF, Spring Branch Memorial

Christian Manisck – MF, Awty International

Abe Matamoros – FW, Strake Jesuit

Josue Morales – MF, Houston Chavez

Conner Mowery – DF, The Woodlands

C.J. Odenigwe – DF, Fort Bend Travis

Benji Saenz – DF, Aldine MacArthur

Pat Wall – GK, Strake Jesuit

Miguel Zapata – MF, Katy Mayde Creek

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