I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the work SI.com has been doing over the past few weeks chronicling the most power figures in sports. They started with a list of the top 50 most powerful people in sports and have done separate lists for media members (including commentators) and folks affiliated with individual sports.
Today, lead soccer writer Grant Wahl released his list of the top 50 most powerful people in American soccer and two names associated with the Dynamo made his list.
First was the tandem of Philip Anschutz, owner of AEG and Tim Leiweke, president of AEG. The two men came in at No. 6 on Wahl's list. Anschutz and Leiweke oversee the company that owns 100% of the LA Galaxy and 50% of the Houston Dynamo. AEG have been large proponents of the Dynamo since day one and were crucial in the club's development of BBVA Compass Stadium.
Coming in at No. 42 on the list is Dynamo president Chris Canetti. Canetti, who recently signed a three-year extension with Houston, has been with the club since 2006 and has served as president since Oliver Luck left for the AD position at West Virginia midway through 2010. Wahl had this to say about the Dynamo boss:
A star on the rise, Canetti has put together a successful operation in Houston while spearheading other important projects, including the recent Soccer Night in Newtown.
The rest of the list is flush with people involved in Major League Soccer, from owners to players to front office personnel. It's a good read for any American soccer fan.
