Sam Mbonu
As the Houston Dynamo gears up for their historic 20th MLS regular season appearance, minority owner, Tim Howard, has expressed satisfaction at the recruitment done so far by both the Houston Dash and the Dynamo ahead of the new season.
The ex USMNT decorated goalkeeper said it was a great honor for the Dash to have two players called up for the SheBelieves Cup and he is excited for them to get such a chance.
“(Goalkeeper) Jane Campbell has been brilliant for this Club. She has been such an incredible servant, leader, and performer. We talked about what it is like to play for your country. There is no better feeling and no greater achievement as a footballer. I am excited for both Jane and (forward) Yazmeen (Ryan) because it is always beautiful to play in your home stadium for your country. I grew up watching games in the old Giants Stadium and playing games there in MLS, and I was fortunate enough to pull on the U.S. Men’s National Team shirt in that stadium. There is a special feeling to playing at home. I’m excited for them to get the call-up and selection to the full team again. It will be special to play at Shell Energy Stadium (on Thursday, February 20).”
The former Everton shot stopper pinpointed what excites him about the upcoming MLS regular season.
“What has been built over the last two seasons with both playoff experiences and the U.S. Open Cup title, there is a foundation and a positive trend you can see. You can be successful in a one-off year, but these consecutive playoff experiences will help harden the team. This team continues to grow under (head coach) Ben Olsen, and it’s a tough, hardworking team that plays attractive football, and it is designed to have success in the playoffs. Over the past two years, the Dynamo has been right in the thick of it with an opportunity to advance, and now we are poised to make a good run. I am excited to see how (midfielder) Jack McGlynn fits into the system. (Forward Ezequiel) Ponce will have a full preseason under his belt, and he is really settled into the team. I’m excited to see what this looks like.”
The Houston Dynamo made the MLS playoffs in two consecutive seasons under head coach Ben Olsen.
Tim Howard also expressed his excitement on what the Houston Dash would achieve this season under the new head coach, Fabrice Gautrat.
“In the NWSL, there are multiple examples of teams at the bottom of the table rising to the top in one season. There is every opportunity for the Dash to do that, and there are a lot of new beginnings within the team. Along the way, we will have to build a culture under (head coach) Fabrice (Gautrat). I am very bullish in terms of what I think this team can do this season. The leadership and player additions are fresh, vibrant and experienced, and they are championship-winning additions. In (President of Women’s Soccer) Angela (Hucles Mangano) we trust. We think this is a really good fit, and Angela has shown exactly what she can do in her first couple of months on the job.”
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