The Houston Dynamo will kick up the level of competition in their 2013 preseason this week after winning scrimmages against the Dynamo Academy U18 team and Houston Baptist University's varsity squad.

The Dynamo will leave this morning for Tucson, Arizona and will compete in the Desert Friendlies hosted by FC Tucson in the Premier Development League.

The competition will run from January 29 through February 8 and will feature five MLS clubs. Along with the Dynamo, the Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, and Sporting Kansas City will all feature over the next week.

The upcoming week will provide a better test for some of our trialists by putting them up against MLS opposition. Currently the Dynamo have seven non-roster invitees: Calum Elliot (forward), Mike Chabala (defender), Franck Songo'o (midfielder), Jimmy Nealis (SuperDraft, defender), Anthony Arena (Supplemental Draft, defender), Nic Ryan (Supplemental Draft, midfielder), and Yannick Smith (Supplemental Draft, forward).

Preseason Friendlies/Tournaments

The Desert Friendlies presented by FC Tucson (Tucson, Ariz.)

Tuesday, Jan. 29

• Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids - 11 am MT
• San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo - 3 pm MT (4 pm CST)
• FC Tucson vs. Sporting KC - 6 pm MT

Thursday, Jan. 31

• Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids - 6 pm MT (7 pm CST)

Friday, Feb. 1

• Sporting KC vs. Portland Timbers - 6 pm MT

Saturday, Feb. 2

• San Jose Earthquakes vs. Colorado Rapids - 11 am MT
• Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps - 4 pm MT (5 pm CST)

Tuesday, Feb. 5

• Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers - 11 am MT

Friday, Feb. 8

• FC Tucson vs. Portland Timbers - 11 am MT

Tickets can still be purchased for the games if you're interested in a road trip.

All games will be streamed on the Major League Soccer website.