The Houston Dynamo re-acquired defender Ryan Cochrane, a key piece in their back-to-back MLS Cup championships, on Friday in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes.
In exchange for Cochrane, the Dynamo sent an international roster slot to San Jose. Cochrane will join the Dynamo in Utah for Saturday night's game against Real Salt Lake.
An original Dynamo player, Cochrane made 62 starts for the Dynamo in all competitions during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, including both MLS Cup championship games and 49 of 62 MLS regular season games. Cochrane scored two goals and had one assist for the Dynamo and ranks 13th in club history in games played, games started, and minutes played. The 26-year-old was selected by San Jose in the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft and has played with the Earthquakes for the last two seasons.
"He had a good two years with us, helping us win two MLS Cups in the process," Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "I like him as a player, and I am happy to see him return. I look forward to seeing him play in orange again."
The Dynamo also completed another transaction on Friday, trading defender Julius James to D.C. United in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.
After facing Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, the Dynamo will return home for two consecutive games at Robertson Stadium. Houston will host Isidro Metapán in its CONCACAF Champions League opener on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., then face Western Conference rival Seattle on Sunday, August 23, at 7:30 p.m.
The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first three seasons and qualified to represent the United States in four consecutive regional championships. Be sure to ask about the new Texas Children's Health Plan Family Section. For more information, please log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.
