Stability key for GM while building roster

The Dynamo roster does not look strikingly different from last year. General manager Matt Jordan said that is by design.

As preseason camp began Tuesday, Jordan said one of his major goals for the offseason was to keep most of the group together following the team’s first playoff berth since 2013 and a run to the Western Conference finals.

Several big names played their first seasons in Houston last year and are returning for 2018, including defenders Adolfo Machado, Dylan Remick, Leonardo, Philippe Senderos, A.J. DeLaGarza, midfielder Juan David Cabezas and forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto.

“We built a really good group and it’s sustainable,” Jordan said. “When you bring in young, dynamic, talented players, you’re not turning over the roster 12 months later. We have a very clear plan in bringing back those guys who brought energy to the club.”

The biggest offseason moves were the permanent transfers of Elis and Cabezas, who were on loan last season. Shortly after the playoffs, the Dynamo exercised the purchase options on those loan agreements.

Later in the offseason, the Dynamo signed free-agent goalkeeper Chris Seitz and Venezuelan centerback Alejandro Fuenmayor and traded for defensive midfielder Darwin Ceren and attacking midfielder Arturo Alvarez.

In addition to the 24 players under contract for the 2018 season, the Dynamo invited 10 players to preseason camp. They include 16-year-old Dynamo Academy midfielder Marcelo Palomino, MLS SuperDraft pick Michael Nelson (goalkeeper) and Rio Grande Valley FC defender Justin Bilyeu (fullback).

The Dynamo could sign up to four more players for their 2018 roster. With only one goalkeeper under contract, two of those four are likely to be goalkeepers.

Three players from the 2017 roster still could return for 2018, though in varying possibilities. Midfielder Ricardo Clark and forward Vicente Sanchez are free agents.

Jordan said Clark still is exploring free agency and that Sanchez seems unlikely to return.

“The feedback we received is (Sanchez) is strongly considering retiring, but at the end of the day, he has to take that time,” Jordan said. “He has earned that respect to take that time to make his decision.”

Goalkeeper Joe Willis does not quality for free agency, so when the Dynamo gave him a bonafide contract offer following the 2017 season, they retained his MLS rights for 2018.

“With Joe, there have been discussions going on with his representative,” Jordan said. “It’s like anything. There is a process involved.”

Asked if he was worried about Willis not re-signing, Jordan declined to give more information. Instead, he talked about the players who are currently in camp.

“Every situation is unique,” Jordan said. “We are very pleased to have signed Chris Seitz as a free agent and then draft Michael Nelson, a local product who we think has a lot of upside.”