Dynamo finalize deal with center back Leonardo

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The Dynamo have reached a deal with former LA Galaxy defender Leonardo Da Silva. The club officially announced the acquisition on Wednesday afternoon.

Houston selected the Brazilian center back in stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 22. By selecting him in stage 2, the club acquired the right to negotiate with him.

According to salary figures released by the MLS Players Union, Leonardo made $160,000 with the Galaxy last season.

The 28-year old started four games last year before his season was cut short with an injury. In 2015 he started 26 games, including the club's playoff loss to Seattle Sounders FC. He was named the Galaxy's Defender of the Year.

"He brings seven years of valuable MLS experience to our roster and understands what it takes to win in this league," Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan said in a team release. "He is in the prime of his career and is a true professional who will provide a steady and reliable presence both on and off the field for our team."

Leonardo's professional career began with Sao Paulo of the Brazilian Campeonato in 2001 when he was 13 years old. He joined the Galaxy on loan in 2010 and made it permanent in 2012.

He has appeared in 85 MLS matches (79 starts) in seven seasons and has won three MLS Cup championships.

The acquisition of Leonardo gives the Dynamo five center backs on the roster. The others are Adolfo Machado, Agus, Kevin Garcia and Jalil Anibaba. Anibaba also could play fullback.