The Dynamo Academy will make another homestand this weekend during U.S. Soccer Development Academy league play, hosting two teams from Ohio.
On Saturday, the Dynamo will host Internationals, from Cleveland, at Carl Lewis Track & Field Complex. The U-16 game will kick off at 4 p.m., and the U-18s will play at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, the Dynamo will have a chance to get a measure of revenge against a Major League Soccer foe. The Columbus Crew beat the Dynamo in SUM U-17 Cup play this summer, and Houston will host Columbus at 9 a.m. (U-16) and 11 a.m. (U-18).
The U-18s are 5-2 in league play and sit in second place with 15 points. They are riding a four-game winning streak, including wins last weekend against Lonestar Aztex Academy and Classics Elite. The U-16s are 2-3-2 in the league, and are looking to secure six points this weekend.
"We are looking to continue the momentum we gained from this past weekend and carry it through this weekend, looking for 12 points," Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson said.
Admission is free, and parking is available near the University of Houston softball stadium off of Elgin Blvd.
Availability Update:
U-18:
Out: Leonardo Ayala (knee); Eloy Gonzalez Litan (hamstring); Josue Morales (knee surgery); Conner Mowery (doubtful - shin splints); Benji Saenz (knee); Steven Salinas (ankle)
U-16:
Out: Erick Sanchez (ankle)
ABOUT THE HOUSTON DYNAMO ACADEMY
The Houston Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, consists of the best youth players in the Houston area. The Academy U-18 and U-16 train four days per week in a professional environment and compete in the United States Soccer Development Academy league, the most competitive youth league in the country. The Academy also plays international games, including its first ever European trip in 2009 and regular trips to Mexico, and domestic tournaments such as the Dallas Cup, the SUM U-17 Cup, and the Dynamo Alliance Cup. Historically, the Academy's top players have been invited to train with the Dynamo first team as opportunities arise throughout the season. Successful Academy graduates can be designated as Dynamo home-grown players and can eventually be promoted directly to the Dynamo first team. The Dynamo Camps are the main source of identification and recruitment for the Dynamo Academy, with the next camp held December 27-30. Visit HoustonDynamo.com/Academy for more information.
