Dynamo Sign Defenders Mike Chabala, Anthony Arena
March 1, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Houston Dynamo FC News Release
HOUSTON, TX (Friday, March 1, 2013) -- The Houston Dynamo have signed defenders Mike Chabala and Anthony Arena, it was announced today. Per club and league policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Chabala returns to the Dynamo after playing in Houston from 2006 through 2011. The left back was traded to the Portland Timbers on July 21, 2011, and was acquired by D.C. United on August 9, 2012. He now rejoins Houston after completing a successful trial this preseason.
Chabala appeared in 47 games (36 starts) in his first term with the Dynamo, including a career-high 25 games in 2010. The Fresno, Calif. native was drafted by Houston in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Washington. Chabala appeared in 12 games with Portland and D.C. United in 2012.
"I'm happy to have (Chabala) back on the team," said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. "He's a player that brings versatility and a good attitude. Mike is also a player who knows how we play, which is important. Arena is a young central defender with a promising future. I hope that his time with our team helps him fulfill his potential as a player."
Chabala joins Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark and Brad Davis as four original Dynamo players still with the club. The defender will add depth to a defensive group that allowed 41 goals in 2012, tied for the second-fewest in the Eastern Conference.
Arena joins the Dynamo via the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft (18th overall pick). A mainstay in the Wake Forest Demon Deacon lineup since 2009, Arena played in 79 games (74 starts) over four collegiate seasons. He finished his college career with six goals, one assist and 13 points. Arena was also named to the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2009 and then earned Second Team All-ACC Honors in 2010 as a sophomore.
The Dynamo open the 2013 season tomorrow when they host D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium in a rematch of the 2012 Eastern Conference Championship. Tickets are on sale for the first 5 games at www.houstondynamo.com/tickets . Dynamo full-season ticket packages start at $400 and include 20 home games. To purchase your package or for more information on 2013 season tickets, call (713) 276-GOAL.
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