Dynamo embracing Charities Cup
Club hopes first-annual event can grow into yearly big-game friendly
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That is why, when the first-ever Dynamo Charities Cup was announced last month, Kinnear said he was happy to add the friendly against Mexico's CF Monterrey.
It's a chance to give fans a big-game feel at Robertson Stadium, and it is a chance for his team to stay fresh ahead of three very important matches before the MLS Cup Playoffs begin later this month.
"It is always good not to have too many weeks off during the regular season," Kinnear said when the games was announced in early September.
Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti wants the Dynamo Charities Cup to become an annual event that fans look forward to each season. While the opponent will change year to year, the team will make a point to bring in top teams from around the world.
"We hope that both teams can provide a good match this weekend and kick off the Dynamo Charities Cup tradition where well into the future we will be able to bring an international opponent that will play a charitable match for our community," said Canetti. "We look forward to a good night on Sunday night."
Defender Craig Waibel pointed to the team's matches against Pachuca in CONCACAF Champions League and SuperLiga play, and the level of excitement those international (albeit not friendly) matches bring to Dynamo fans in Houston. Even though Sunday's match is an exhibition, it's still prudent, he said, to play good soccer.
"Even though this is a friendly, these types of games are important for both leagues to play in, and play well," said Waibel. "The fans expect a certain amount of quality from both sides, and at this point both sides produce that quality.
"The games are much better now than they were 10 years ago when I joined MLS and was a part of these games. This weekend both teams have a chance to play wonderful soccer."
Like Waibel, defender Mike Chabala is a player who stands to see significant time against Monterrey Sunday. With three players called into the U.S. national team (Brian Ching, Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark), Sunday will be the perfect time for Kinnear's bench to be ready in case they are needed Oct. 18 when the team plays host to the L.A. Galaxy.
Chabala knows this is a chance to perform well and show that he deserves more playing time.
"I know that I have a high expectation to fill with this club," said Chabala. "We've been a winning franchise since San Jose, since the team has been here, and in my four years I've been sitting behind good defenders.
"[This weekend] I have to make sure I perform well. I need to do that by being consistent and by keeping zeros in the back. I'm extremely happy. I don't take this for granted for a single day."
Canetti could give you many reasons why the Dynamo Charities Cup will be a very good thing for Dynamo and soccer fans in Houston. But Monterrey defender Duilio Davino gave the team and league perhaps the best compliment of them all.
"MLS is growing, doing things well and they have shown an increased level of play against Mexican teams," said Davino, who once played for FC Dallas. "I know the Dynamo perfectly well, know what they're capable of. They're very disciplined and well organized. It will be a very difficult game, and I hope the fans have fun and benefit from this contest."
Andrew J. Ferraro is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
