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Dynamo's Oduro living American dream
College scholarship kick-started Ghana native's pro career
02/10/2010
By JC Saegusa / HoustonDynamo.com
It took less than five minutes to change Houston Dynamo forward Dominic Oduro's life forever. Born and raised in Ghana, Oduro feels blessed for the way his life has played out.
Oduro will be the first to admit that he had it better off than some of his peers. However, being better off in Ghana is still a far cry compared to the average American lifestyle. Young Ghanaians realize that one way to improve their situation is through soccer. Oduro played at Prempeh College in his high school years and then at the University of Ghana before catching his big break.
"Coming to the States was a blessing to me. We had a game, and we had some scouts out there, and I played for just like five minutes," recalled Oduro. "I was chosen, and they offered me a scholarship. I thought they were joking, but as time went on I found it was real."
Oduro quickly made the decision to pursue his dream and travel nearly 5,300 miles to a foreign land, Richmond, Virginia, to play soccer for Virginia Commonwealth University. Once he got there, he made the most of his chances, even if things were not exactly what he expected.
"My perception of the U.S. was that things were going to be easy, but I found out that you have to work for it, and that's one thing I have kept in mind," Oduro said. "You really have to sweat to make what you're earning. I tell people back home that it's not really that easy."
Back home, Oduro left behind his parents, two sisters, friends, and everything he loved. For Oduro, it was a shot at his dream, but for his family, it meant a chance to better their lives.
"My parents were really excited that everything was being paid for in terms of my tuition and everything, so that was something that took a load off them," Oduro said. "I have two sisters back home, and I miss them a lot, but a man's got to do what a man's got to do."
In this case, what Oduro had to do was become a professional soccer player. He gained additional experience in the summer Premier Development League with the Richmond Kickers Future, where he scored 16 goals in 13 games, and Oduro was eventually drafted by FC Dallas in the second round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. His dream was finally becoming a reality.
"Soccer in the U.S. is very competitive," Oduro said. "When I was back home, I thought it was easy, but when I came here and played, I found out it was hard. I was fortunate to enter the MLS draft. I really enjoyed the whole process, I enjoyed the combine, and I was fortunate to be drafted by FC Dallas."
After three seasons and nine goals with FC Dallas, he was traded to the New York Red Bulls prior to the 2009 season but soon wound up with the Dynamo on May 27, 2009.
"The whole professional experience has been amazing and something that I've really embraced," Oduro said. "Playing in Dallas really paved the way for me, but now I'm playing for the best team in the league. I want to help Houston win another MLS Cup."
He'll have his chance, but he also holds out hope to get a chance at the Ghana national team after being unable to make his one and only call-up to date.
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying for it," said Oduro with excitement.
It would be a journey come full circle if Oduro's next dream comes true: Ghana to America back to Ghana. However, the transition to American life for the young Ghanaian can still be a struggle at times.
"Things are different back home: food, how we shop, communication, internet, TV," Oduro said. "Everyday activities are just complicated, crazy. So I'm still dealing with it now. But I've got no regrets."
Five years after leaving Ghana, Oduro - who recently received a United States green card as a permanent resident - still misses his family but takes pride in the fact he is supporting loved ones back home. All because of five minutes of soccer some six years ago.
