Three members of the Houston Dynamo Academy U-18 squad have announced their commitments to college soccer programs for this coming fall. The outgoing class is highlighted by goalkeeper Fernando Piña, who will join former U.S. youth national team teammates Alfredo Koroma, Andrew Souders and Dillon Serna at Akron University. The Zips won the 2010 NCAA men's soccer championship and are coached by U.S. U-23 head coach Caleb Porter.
In addition to Piña, U-18 captain and starting center back Bradley Bourgeois (Cy-Fair) has accepted a scholarship to play at Tulsa University and midfielder Isaiah Noreiga (Humble Kingwood Park) will play at Duquesne University. Bourgeois will join former Academy teammates Abe Matamoros and Miguel Zapata, who recently completed their first season at Tulsa, and Matt Boullt who is entering his redshirt senior season..
"It's great to see our players continuing their soccer careers at the next level," Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson said. "All of these players have meant a lot to this program and I look forward to seeing them progress as individuals and as soccer players. I know they will serve as a strong representation for Dynamo soccer at their respective universities."
Piña has started 11 games for the Dynamo U-18s this season, but has been sidelined since February with an ankle injury. The U.S. youth international goalkeeper was called up to the Dynamo Reserves for a match against the Monterrey U-20s last July. Piña made seven saves in the 3-1 victory including on an 89th-minute penalty kick to seal the victory.
Bourgeois has started 19 games for the Dynamo in 2012 and has scored three goals from his center back position. Bourgeois saw action in five games with the Dynamo Reserves in 2011 and totaled 135 minutes of action.
Noreiga has been in and out of the starting lineup for Houston this season due to injury, but has scored two goals in 13 total appearances. The Trinidad & Tobago youth international led the Dynamo U-16s to the Dallas Cup title in April 2012 with four goals in the tournament's final four games.
