The off-season has only just begun for the Houston Dynamo, and already there are reports the team could look significantly different next year. Two of Houston's more prominent players and freshly minted US National Team regulars are reportedly headed out.
Ricardo Clark
First, a departure of the confirmed variety: Ricardo Clark as informed the Dynamo that he has no intention of signing a new contract when his current one expires next month. Clark has turned in another solid MLS campaign while also featuring in midfield for the US, and obviously sees his opportunity to go abroad.
It's tough to blame him, even if it is painful as an MLS fan to watch another talented American leave; Clark has improved consistently, and at 26, still has more than a few good years left in him. While he's not flashy and might not sell tickets on his own, he's exactly the type of player that MLS must hold onto to raise the level of play and improve their product.
The problem is that Clark is in line for a massive raise in Europe, one that the Dynamo could never match. Already making over $200k, Clark's salary slot makes re-signing in Houston almost impossible. Clark's national team time this summer has increased his profile abroad dramatically, as evidenced by the interest Serie A side Livorno showed in him back in July. It seems apparent that Clark has maxed out on both his ability to grow and his ability to make money in MLS.
I'm lost as to a guess where Clark might end up, but something tells me France could be a good bet.
Stuart Holden
Holden's position is slightly different than Clark's, in that his departure is not a foregone conclusion. It's one of the regular jokes that floats around the MLS community that Holden is woefully underpaid (per the MLS Players Union, Holden made $34,728.75 for 2009); while his salary is certain to skyrocket, and rightfully so, Holden still faces a difficult decision for himself and his family.
Rumors are already swirling that Holden could head the nation of his birth, Scotland, to play for an SPL club. It's just not about salary or going "home" for Holden though, and he's rightfully concerned about playing time. A lack of pitch time would not only stall Holden's development as a player, it might put his World Cup roster spot in jeopardy. Holden's keenly aware of that, so expect him to err on the side of regular first team play rather than money or prestige.
Again, Holden is another young, talented American player that MLS needs to keep around if at all possible; from a club-centric American soccer viewpoint, a Holden departure would be a crushing blow. Unfortunately, a National Team-focused perspective might actually go the other way; in order for Holden to continue to improve at a rate that will make him a star contributor for the United States one day soon, it may be necessary for him to go.
Just not Scotland. Please, Stu. The Old Firm has caché, and I'm sure playing in Scotland would be very nice for a native of the country, but the SPL is not the place to grow. Rather, it's not the place to grow when there are better leagues available, some of which surely have clubs interested in Holden.
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The Dynamo, year after year, contend for the MLS Cup title because they are well-run, have an excellent coach, and find talented players to fill holes created when established names leave. Clark is gone, and Holden might be on his way as well; if both of those crucial midfield players leave, what will the Dynamo look like for 2010?
