The Houston area has produced a number of young MLS stars in recent years, including Olympian Stuart Holden and Arturo Alvarez. The champion Houston Dynamo's academy program features a number of promising youngsters, including former U.S. under-17 resident Alex Dixon.

Birthdate: Feb. 7, 1990
Hometown: Humble, Texas
Youth Club: U-18 Houston Dynamo. I was playing at the residency program before joining the Dynamo Academy team.
High School: I split time between residency and Humble High School.
Position: I like to play in the center of midfield. I sometimes play as an outside midfielder or a forward, too.
College Plans: I'll be at the University of North Carolina in the fall. It's a great group of guys and I'm looking forward to settling in there.
International Experience: I was in residency for a year and a half. I think my favorite tournament was the Ballymena tournament in Northern Ireland. We were there in 2006 and played against Switzerland, Czech Republic, Ireland and Finland.
First soccer memory: When I was 4, I played for a team called Allie's Squirrels.
Strengths: My speed is definitely an asset. I have quick feet and that helps me get away from defenders.
Weaknesses: My defense needs some work.
Highlight: Making residency was a proud moment for me. Also, practicing with the Houston Dynamo first team was a great experience.
Lowlight: At ESP, I tore my meniscus for the first time. That was pretty tough. Thankfully, I was able to work hard and get back a high level of play.
Who do you play like? I guess I play a little bit like Messi.
Other Sports: I played basketball, football, and track. I miss basketball the most.
Academic Interests: I think I'd like to study physical therapy. Hopefully, after a professional soccer career, I'd like to get into coaching or be a physical therapist.
Role Models: My mom. She raised me a single parent and I really look up to all of her hard work and determination.
Memorable Advice: I've heard this from a lot of different people - if you work hard, things will work out.
Favorite Teams: Arsenal and France.
Favorite Players: I like Messi and Fabregas.
Favorite Show: Sportscenter
Favorite Movie: 300
Favorite Book: All the Harry Potter books
Favorite Music: Lil Wayne
Craziest moment on the soccer field: In my first game back from my meniscus injury, I scored a goal the go-ahead goal for the national team, but two minutes later I got a red card for a two-footed tackle. I think I was on the field for less than 20 minutes.