Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis rehabbing knee injury

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There is a chance the Dynamo will play their regular season opener without a player who had a strong likelihood of making the starting XI.

Goalkeeper Joe Willis is recovering from a minor knee injury and has missed training this week in Houston. Willis also was not listed on the roster for the Dynamo's preseason finale in Arizona on Saturday.

"Joe in practice did a movement and his knee is a little bit in pain," coach Wilmer Cabrera said. "A couple of days he is going to try to get back. He is already running and everything."

Willis started 24 games last season in relief of Tyler Deric. Deric, the supposed starter last year, was injured when the 2016 season began and was sent off in two games upon returning before getting injured again.

It is unclear who Cabrera would pick as his starter if Deric and Willis are both healthy, though early preseason lineups suggested that Willis might be at the top of the depth chart.

In other goalkeeper news, the Dynamo have given permission to 2017 SuperDraft pick Jake McGuire to trial with the Philadelphia Union.

Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis (31) reacts after the second goal was scored during the second half of action between the Houston Dynamo and the New York City FC during an MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass, Friday, September 30, 2016, in Houston. New York City FC defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0. (Juan DeLeon/Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis (31) reacts after the second goal was scored during the second half of action between the Houston Dynamo and the New York City FC during an MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass, ... more Photo: Juan DeLeon, For The Chronicle Photo: Juan DeLeon, For The Chronicle Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis rehabbing knee injury 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

McGuire expressed interest in trying to earn an MLS contract immediately rather than waiting his turn with the Dynamo organization. Houston has three goalkeepers on MLS contracts.

The likelihood McGuire would make the first team with the Dynamo is slim, meaning he would be offered a USL contract and be one of the top goalkeepers with Rio Grande Valley FC.

The Dynamo still own McGuire's rights, but a team source said if he gets an MLS contract offer from Philadelphia they are likely to release him rather than seeking compensation.