The Houston Dynamo announced Tuesday they have re-signed midfielder Corey Ashe and defender Eddie Robinson, some encouraging news for a franchise that surprisingly struggled in 2010 and missed the postseason for the first time in the club's history.
Robinson, 32, is an original Dynamo player who ranks seventh in club history in games played (131), games started (119) and minutes (10,541) in all competitions. He was named an MLS All-Star in 2006 and the Dynamo’s Defender of the Year in 2006 and 2007, and he helped Houston lead the league with the fewest goals allowed in 2007 and 2008. He's also won two MLS Cups with the team.
“My family and I are very happy to stay in Houston,” Robinson said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to getting back to it, and I expect 2011 to be business as usual fighting for the Western Conference title.”
Robinson made 19 MLS starts in 2010 and 23 in all competitions. His five seasons with the Dynamo have included nine goals and eight assists. He becomes one of only four original Dynamo players currently under contract with the club.
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Ashe, 24, ranks sixth in Dynamo history in games played in all competitions (133). The speedy midfielder began his professional career with the Dynamo in 2007 as a second-round draft pick out of North Carolina. He has contributed at least four assists in all competitions in each of his four seasons, and he set career highs in MLS games started (19) and minutes played (1,650) in 2010.
“I’m very glad that we were able to reach a deal, because as I have said before, I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” said Ashe, who won an MLS Cup with the team in 2007. “I enjoy the coaches, I enjoy the team and I enjoy the fans, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and hopefully helping Houston get back to the playoffs and win another championship.”
With the Dynamo, Ashe’s career totals include four goals and 17 assists in 133 games in all competitions, with one goal and 11 assists in 98 career MLS regular-season games.
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