Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear remains tight-lipped about the team’s season-ending player meetings and his plans for 2011. But as he mulls over his roster deciding which players to keep for next year and travels the globe in search of reinforcements, the one position Kinnear hopes will remain status quo is the men in nets.
“We’re not in the market for a goalkeeper right now,” said Kinnear. “Pat [Onstad] was as consistent as ever, Tally [Hall], when he got a chance, played well, and Tyler [Deric] showed at the end that he has the potential to be ready to play.”
As Onstad’s main understudy, Hall shined brightest in SuperLiga, where he made several highlight-reel saves. The Seattle area native posted four shutouts in 12 starts, including the team’s three SuperLiga games, the U.S. Open Cup, and the Dynamo Charities Cup. When it looked as though he might get additional playing time after Houston’s elimination in league play, he suffered a high ankle sprain that took him out for the remainder of the season.
“As soon as the season’s over, I feel like I am ready to go,” explained Hall. “At least I don’t have to sit on the couch too much this offseason, so I’ll be able to train and keep fit and be ready for next year.”
Deric, the team’s third goalkeeper, came on with starts in the last two games of the season and helped anchor Houston’s only back-to-back wins of the season. The home-grown player credits his teammates, in particular Onstad and Hall, for helping prepare him for his opportunities, but he hopes to compete for the backup position next season.
“I can’t say enough about my teammates and how they helped me,” said Deric.
As for Onstad, the veteran has yet to decide his plans for next season. His track record in MLS is second-to-none, though, and Kinnear’s indication that he wants all three goalkeepers back in 2011 may be the first step in enticing the Canadian to return for at least another year.
“[Goalkeeper] was a strength for us, “explained Kinnear. “If we can step into next season with those three ‘keepers, we’ll be in a good position.”
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or Comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.
