Andre Hainault could be ready for his next adventure.
Houston Dynamo president Chris Canetti confirmed reports to MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday that the Canadian defender is currently trialing with Scottish top-flight side Ross County. The do-everything defender has been with Houston since 2009 but is out of contract and exploring his options outside of MLS.
Hainault fell out of the Dynamo starting lineup late last season, giving way to youngster Kofi Sarkodie at right back, but the Canadian international still logged important playoff minutes and scored the equalizer in an eventual 3-1 win over D.C. United in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship.
Also, out of contract is forward Mac Kandji, who set a career high with four goals in his first season in Houston in 2012. He, too, is looking to see if there are greener pastures waiting for him, according to Canetti.
“On both Andre and Mac, there have been no conversations whatsoever at this point that would indicate that their No. 1 priority is to return to the Dynamo,” Canetti told MLSsoccer.com. “They’re out there exploring other options and we’re moving forward with the club and looking to build the team with our goals in mind.
"In the event that their process changes, we’ll be happy to talk with them and welcome them back if in fact the opportunity still exists.”
Weaver back in the fold
The Dynamo have bolstered their forward ranks with a familiar face, re-signing veteran Cam Weaver.
Weaver’s 2012 season saw him use 13 goals in reserve and tournament play to work his way up the depth chart and get important minutes down the stretch. Now the forward will return in 2013 to keep the positive trajectory going.
“I think I have something to prove here in Houston,” Weaver told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Wednesday. “My role is to fight for minutes and try and contribute as much as I can when I’m on the field. I’ve been training hard this off-season and am looking to come into camp fit and ready to play and am looking to contribute from the first game on.”
A big part of that role last season came in CONCACAF Champions League, where he notched two goals and two assists while helping the club qualify for the quarterfinals where they will face Liga MX side Santos Laguna starting March 5.
“I’d say that was a factor,” Weaver said when asked if CCL play was a factor in his decision to return. “We’re going to need a deep team with all the games we’re playing. You know your name’s going to be called at some point during the season, that’s a nice thing to know as a player and is a good motivator.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
