Juan David Cabezas on Dynamo return: 'It was my dream'

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The onset of preseason camp provides a fresh start for athletes around the world, but this year it means more for Dynamo midfielder Juan David Cabezas.

Cabezas had been loaned out four times by Colombian club Deportivo Cali before the Dynamo acquired him for the 2017 season. He was beginning to wonder if he’d ever find a club to call home.

That is why he was so emotional after the Dynamo were eliminated in the Western Conference finals last year. He didn’t know for which team he’d play his next game.

The Dynamo made sure he would stay in Houston when they exercised the purchase option on his loan. So, when he showed up for training this week, he was as happy as he’s ever been.

“It was my dream,” Cabezas said. “I wanted to be in one place, in one city, with the same partners. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Cabezas joins Alberth Elis as 2017 loan players to return to the Dynamo on a permanent basis in 2018. The Dynamo needed a hefty transfer fee to secure his rights from Mexican club Monterrey.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Juan David Cabezas (5) battles with Montreal Impact midfielder Blerim Dzemaili (31) during the first half of the game at BBVA Compass Stadium Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Houston. ( Yi-Chin Lee / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Dynamo midfielder Juan David Cabezas (5) battles with Montreal Impact midfielder Blerim Dzemaili (31) during the first half of the game at BBVA Compass Stadium Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Juan David Cabezas on Dynamo return: 'It was my dream' 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

Elis, 21, caught MLS by storm last year with his pace and power. He had 10 goals and four assists in 26 regular season games. He also scored the only goal in the Dynamo’s knockout round win over Sporting Kansas City.

Elis said through a translator that he told coach Wilmer Cabrera he wanted to come back to the Dynamo. He added that it still lingers how close the team was to the MLS Cup final last year.

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“I think last year we gave our best,” Elis said. “We made it farther than what most people thought we would. We are confident and ready to go all the way this year.”

If the Dynamo are to do that, Cabezas, 26, will be as important to the defensive midfield as Elis is to the attack. Cabezas started 26 of his 27 regular season appearances last year. He also played every minute of five playoff games.

Last preseason and early in the regular season, he showed promising signs, but it also was clear he needed to adjust to the speed of a new league. Ultimately, he figured it out and became one of the team’s most important players.

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He was named the team’s MVP by the media.

As well as he performed last year, he said knows there is plenty of work to do if he wants to have another strong season in 2018.

“I have to improve in too many things,” Cabezas said. “I have to be better than the last year because my responsibility is higher. The coach told me I have to improve in little things. To help my partners, I have to do the best job I possibly can.”