CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, May 9, 2010) - Nelson Castro, a talented 14-year-old defender from Houston, TX, who plays for the LAFC Houstonians FC 95 has won the nationally-televised player search Sueño MLS 2010 - built by The Home Depot. The high school freshman of Salvadorian descent becomes the program's youngest winner ever. In addition to being named the Sueño MLS 2010 Champion, Castro will receive an invitation to join one of the Dynamo Academy youth teams. Under-16 teams and various media activities - all under the leadership of two-time MLS head coach and current MLS Technical Director, Alfonso Mondelo.
Castro was one of 15 national finalists who emerged from the 2,000 aspiring players that participated in regional tryouts in Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles (LA Galaxy). The "Final 15" gathered on May 5 in Los Angeles for four days of intense pro-style training sessions, scrimmages against the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA
"Nelson showed a lot of consistency over the four days in Los Angeles," said Mondelo. "For his age, he has a great sense of positioning and maturity. He organized the defense during games and was very vocal. We loved his tenacity and the way he defends. He has great anticipation and reads the game well."
"I'm really happy that I won out of so many players," said Castro. "I never thought I'd even get to the final two." Of his performance during the week, he said, "I could have done better, but I felt good. I gave it all yesterday on the field, so I think that maybe helped me out."
