:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1074227/GYI0061339945.jpg)
After missing a sitter that could have saved a point for Dynamo against the Union, Dominic Oduro has been traded to the Chicago Fire. In return the Dynamo get Calen Carr. Carr is a 28-year old, 6 foot tall forward/winger with good speed and some of the similar finishing issues that have plagued Oduro his entire career.
Carr is recovering from a concussion and has a history of injury problems, having played in only 24 matches over the past two seasons. Carr has 9 goals and 3 assist since joining the Fire in 2006.
The initial reaction from Dynamo fans seems highly positive about this move by the team. Many expressed their trepidation to me when Oduro was re-signed late in the pre-season after his consistent struggles putting the ball in the goal. Oduro had turned down a contract offer in the winter, instead trying to find a spot in Europe before returning in February to ask the Dynamo if they were still interested in signing him.
We'll probably never know if this trade is a direct reaction to Oduro's point blank miss on Saturday but you have to think at the very least it made it easier for the team to move forward with this trade. In the end, it's the right decision as Oduro was likely to receive a rude reaction from fans at the team's next home match.
On thing is certain, reader/regular commenter Martek will be celebrating when he sees this news.
--
Dynamo Press Release
HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, March 23, 2011) -- The Houston Dynamo have acquired forward Calen Carr from the Chicago Fire in exchange for forward Dominic Oduro, it was announced today.
Carr, 28, is in his sixth MLS season after being selected by the Fire with the No. 10 pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. A speedy forward who was named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2005 while a senior at Cal, Carr has been limited by injuries in his professional career. After returning from injury last season, he scored as a substitute in his first two games back, including against the Dynamo on August 21. He finished the 2010 season with three goals in only 538 minutes.
"(Calen) is versatile, can play wide, and has good pace on the field", said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. "I think he's a good player despite the fact that he has suffered due to injuries. I also know him, and think he's good person. I believe he'll fit well in (our) locker room."
Oduro, 25, scored six league goals for Houston in 44 games after being acquired in May 2009.
"We wish Dominic the best of luck in the future and thank him for his time here", said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. "This move comes at the appropriate time and is in the best interest of the organization. We are always seeking ways to improve the club, and we think this is a positive step forward. We are eager to benefit from the athleticism, skill and versatility that Calen brings to the team."