Ryan Cochrane Returning to Houston

This morning Steven Goff broke the news that Houston Dynamo Defender, Julius James, was traded to DC United for a draft pick. James was initially picked up by the Dynamo in last Fall's trade that sent midfielder Dwayne DeRosario to Toronto. James has good raw talent, but seems to have had trouble adjusting into the Dynamo defense. While Houston Coach Dominic Kinnear did not say anything bad about James at Sunday's press conference following Houston's 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, body langauge and tone suggested Kinnear was not happy with James' progress.

Not known for keeping draft picks, it appears that the Houston Dynamo have traded that pick to San Jose Earthquakes for Ryan Cochrane. Cochrane, a former Dynamo who was acquired by San Jose in the 2007 Expansion Draft, has indicated on his Facebook page that he is headed to Salt Lake City. The Houston Dynamo are currently traveling to Salt Lake City where they play Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening. A friend commenting on Cochrane's status wished him success in Houston and told him to give them hell in Houston.

Cochrane originally joined MLS in 2004, playing for the San Jose Earthquakes, which was moved to Houston, Texas prior to the 2006 MLS season. A member of the Dynamo squads that won the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007, it was clear in 2007 that Cochrane was interested in returning to the Bay Area so it was no surprise that he was selected by the Expansion San Jose Earthquakes in the Expansion Draft. For whatever reason now, it appears one former Dynamo is returning to Houston.