June 1, 2009

FORMER RAM, ODURO, TRADED TO HOUSTON DYNAMO

HOUSTON, Texas – The lifestyle of a professional athlete can often require filing numerous change-of-address forms.

Former Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer standout Dominic Oduro is beginning to learn the nature of the business.

After spending his first three professional seasons with FC Dallas, he began this year with the New York Red Bulls before the Houston Dynamo traded for the speedy forward last week.  Houston surrendered a first-round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and a second round selection in 2011 to acquire Oduro.

"I'm happy to be on this team," Oduro told MLSnet.com’s Dwain Capodice. "It's a great team with two MLS Cups. Their work rate is amazing and I'm happy to be a part of this family and I will give 110 percent."

Oduro saw action in three games including one start and registered five shots with New York this year.  In three seasons with FC Dallas, he totaled nine goals and four assists in 70 games played.

Houston coach Dominic Kinnear was impressed with Oduro after just one practice with the club.

“I thought he did well," Kinnear said. "He was tidy with his finishing. He was good on the ball and if he plays that way as he continues to be here, he will fit in well and the guys will enjoy playing with him."

The Pramso, Ghana native, who was selected in the second round of the 2006 SuperDraft, earned 2004 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year honors and received third team All-American recognition while donning a Rams’ uniform.  He finished his career with 18 goals and five assists in 41 matches and helped VCU to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2004.

The Dynamo will be in action again on Friday with an 8 p.m. road match against the Chicago Fire.