Michael Salazar Makes His Houston Dynamo Debut in the Open Cup

The Belizean striker played 15 minutes in the Houston Dynamo’s 3-2 win against Austin Bold FC

Photo credit: Cristian Inoferio/RGVFC

Houston, TX – Michael Salazar accomplished his challenge to returning to an MLS team tonight in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match against the Austin Bold. Salazar, who was originally drafted by the Montreal Impact in 2016, suffered a knee injury that kept him off the pitch for 8 months.

After signing with the RGVFC Toros this year and scoring 8 goals in 12 games, breaking the team’s record for most goals scored in a season in the process, Michael Salazar was signed by the Houston Dynamo this week.

Last night, the Belizean striker entered the match in the 79th minute and had two clear opportunities that were blocked by the Austin Bold defense. His introduction to the game gave the Dynamo a breath of fresh air after struggling in the second half to create chances against a motivated Austin Bold.

It feels great. I’ve been working hard. Last year was tough for me; I sat out all year with an injury. I was down at RGV and I got a chance to play again and I’ve done well down there. They’ve been watching me, and I’m just happy to get the opportunity to come in and help this team.

Michael Salazar

Coach Wilmer Cabrera seemed very pleased to have Salazar in his team and praised him for his performance on the pitch, as well as highlighting the qualities that caught his eye.

(Michael Salazar) was humble enough to come and try out for the team and try to get back with us and he showed with RGV that he has a lot of good tools and potential that we need. Like the last 10-15 minutes that he went on the field he could hold the ball. He was in good positions and he was running. So, hopefully we can help him to get in shape, fit a little bit better, but I think he is going to help.

Wilmer Cabrera on Michael Salazar

Another member of the team that was excited for the arrival of Michael Salazar was DaMarcus Beasley. Aware of his performance at RGVFC, the Dynamo captain knew of the qualities that he hoped would spark the competition in the striker position.

We are very happy to have him here. Obviously, he scored a lot of goals down at RGV and he deserves to be with us. We need another striker to put pressure on Mauro (Manotas) and (Ronaldo) Peña.

DaMarcus Beasley

Michael praised the importance that RGVFC had on his return to MLS, and was grateful for the opportunities Coach Gerson Echeverry and his staff gave him while he was on the team.

(Playing at RGVFC) was good for my confidence. I haven’t played in a long time, so I needed some games and I got the opportunity down there. The coaches, they just let me be myself and go out there and I contributed and I did the best I can, and it paid off.

Michael Salazar on the importance RGVFC had on his return

Not forgetting about the fans in the Rio Grande Valley, Michael Salazar sent them a message of gratitude for their support for himself and the team.

I just want to thank them for coming out every game. Win, lose or draw, they were there every game supporting us and myself, and I gave them everything I could while and now hopefully I can come and do the same thing out here (in Houston).

Michael Salazar’s message to the fans of RGVFC

Now, as he enters a new chapter in his career, Salazar is eager for his new challenge with the Houston Dynamo and, hopefully, make a difference like he did with RGVFC.

I’m a forward. I like to score goals, so I just want to continue to score and to do whatever I can to help this team. For me, that’s the most important thing, is getting wins and contributing the best that I can.

Michael Salazar