Houston Dynamo Player Salaries Released by MLS Players Union

The Major League Soccer Players Union released the 2013 Player Salaries this afternoon. There is obviously quite a bit to talk about from each and every team, so feel free to use this space to talk about other clubs as well, but we'll focus on the 2013 Dynamo squad.

Here are my initial thoughts on the Dynamo salaries and a few observations.

First, let's discuss players who are overpaid. In all honesty, Brazilian midfielder Luiz Camargo is the only player that truly qualifies in my eyes. He's on the books for $192,000 and he's a reserve. Not only is he a reserve, but he doesn't necessarily make an impact when he does see the field. With the emergence of Andrew Driver and combined play of Adam Moffat and Ricardo Clark, Camargo isn't really needed for this price.

Andrew Driver is on the books for $95,000. Is that right? The English midfielder is on a loan to buy deal and I'm not sure if his salary increases once that happens, but looking at the number right now this is a steal. Time will tell if he can continue his work rate in the hot humid months ahead, but Driver has been an offensive spark for Houston since his arrival. This is definitely the biggest surprise on the list.

Boniek Garcia is making a modest $161,250. The Honduran is the Dynamo's only designated player and continues to be a big part of the Houston midfield. Sure his production has declined a bit this year as MLS defenders become a bit more aware of his talents, but nonetheless he's a player to be reckoned with.

Giles Barnes, arguably the biggest surprise of the season, is guaranteed $184,187 this year. I think some fans may see this as spot on and others could see it as underpaid. Barnes has moved into a withdrawn striker role after Omar Cummings' Dynamo debut was delayed due to injury. He's excelled in his newly adapted role and currently leads the Dynamo in scoring with three goals and has one assist.

Speaking of Omar Cummings, he's on the books for $239,000. Is he overpaid? It's hard to tell at this point because he hasn't been giving the opportunity to show his worth due to injury. Cummings had knee surgery shortly after arriving in Houston and continues to be shelved. With this salary putting him as the third highest paid player on the squad, he should be accountable for making an immediate impact upon his return.

Captain Brad Davis ($372,062.50), Ricardo Clark ($307,750), and Bobby Boswell ($220,000) are the highest earners on the Dynamo (excluding Cummings who we already talked about). In my opinion, these players are paid their worth. I've seen some fans opinions today about Boswell being slightly overpaid, but I think the leadership on and off the field, along with his ability and importance to the Dynamo franchise makes him in line with what he puts into this club.

Someone who I think is underpaid and deserves a raise (believe me there are more than one) is left back Corey Ashe. The scrappy midfielder turned defender has quickly blossomed into one of the top left backs in the league. His salary sits at $105,750, which is lower than I would expect an All-Star leftback to make.

Lastly, Brian Ching's salary should clearly stand out. In years past, Ching has been one of the top earners in orange, but 2013 has him listed at $50,000. That's just around $5,000 more than 18 year old high school student Bryan Salazar.

Ching obviously wants to finish is career in Houston and this likely is his last year on the pitch. Earlier this year, negotiations went down to the last day to get a deal finalized and when all was said and done, he was given a player/assistant coach title. I'm not sure how the MLS salary cap works (actually I'd be surprised if anyone can explain certain aspects of it), but I would bet our Dynamo legend is making much more money this year than $50,000. It makes sense that a portion of his overall compensation would be allocated to him via the assistant coach role and likely is not a hit on the player compensation piece. Again, my opinion and I haven't spoken to the club about that.

Here is the link to the entire salary numbers for all Major League Soccer clubs: 2013 Major League Soccer Player Salaries - Listed by Club

As for the Houston Dynamo, here's your full list of players from the latest release.

Give me your thoughts on individual players, team salaries, and who you think is over/under paid and why.