View source for Houston Dynamo FC

{{Short description|American professional soccer club based in Houston}}
{{distinguish|Houston Dynamos}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Houston Dynamo
| image = Houston Dynamo FC logo.svg
| upright= 0.7
| alt = 
| fullname = 
| nickname ='' Orange Crush''<br/>''La Naranja'' (The Orange)
| founded = {{start date and age|2005|12|15}}
| stadium = [[Shell Energy Stadium]] <br/>[[Houston]], [[Texas]]
| capacity = 20,656
| owntitle = Majority owner
| owner = Ted Segal
| chrtitle = General manager
| chairman = [[Pat Onstad]]
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = [[Ben Olsen]]
| league = [[Major League Soccer]]
| season = [[2024 Major League Soccer season|2024]]
| position = [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western Conference]]: 5th<br>Overall: 8th<br>[[2024 MLS Cup playoffs|Playoffs]]: First round
| current = 2025 Houston Dynamo FC season
| American = true
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| website = {{URL|https://www.houstondynamofc.com/|houstondynamofc.com}}
}}

'''Houston Dynamo Football Club''' is an American professional [[Association football|soccer]] club based in [[Houston]]. The club competes in [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) as a member of the [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western Conference]]. Established on December 15, 2005, the club was founded after their former owners relocated the [[San Jose Earthquakes]]' players and staff to Houston following the [[2005 Major League Soccer season|2005 season]]. For their first six seasons in Houston, the Dynamo played at [[Robertson Stadium]] on the campus of the [[University of Houston]]. During the [[2012 Houston Dynamo season|2012 season]], the club moved to [[Shell Energy Stadium]], a [[soccer-specific stadium]] in [[East Downtown Houston]].

The club is majority-owned by Ted Segal. Segal fully controls ownership after buying out his remaining minority partners in August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2021 |title=New owner brings energy to the Club |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/new-dynamo-fc-owner-make-impact-immediately |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref>

The Houston Dynamo have won the [[MLS Cup]] twice, doing so during their first two seasons in [[MLS Cup 2006|2006]] and [[MLS Cup 2007|2007]]. The club has also won the [[U.S. Open Cup]] twice, in 2018 and 2023. They have been MLS Cup runners-up twice, in [[MLS Cup 2011|2011]] and [[MLS Cup 2012|2012]], and [[Supporters' Shield]] runners-up once in [[2008 Major League Soccer season|2008]]. The Dynamo have also reached the final of the now defunct [[North American SuperLiga]], finishing as runners-up following a defeat against the [[New England Revolution]].

==History==
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2019|reason=sub-sections are entirely unsourced}}

MLS commissioner [[Don Garber]] revealed on November 16, 2005, that the league had granted permission to [[San Jose Earthquakes]]' owners [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]] to relocate the team for the [[2006 Major League Soccer season|2006 season]], giving the entertainment giant 30 days to make a decision. Garber was in Houston and spoke with the media before an international friendly between [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] and [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] at [[NRG Stadium|Reliant Stadium]], citing Houston as a next destination for an MLS club whether the Earthquakes moved or not.<ref name="GarberMexBul">{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/16/AR2005111602099.html|title=Houston a Contender to Land MLS Team|date=November 16, 2005|last=Duncan|first=Chris|website=WashingtonPost.com|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>

{{blockquote|quote="This is the market they've got their sights set on. This is a market that we've got investor interest, we've got sponsor interest, we've got media interest. This is a market that's going to be terrific for us. We will have a team in Houston in due time. The question is whether we have one as early as 2006 as part of a move, or as an expansion team. We'll get a team here, there's no doubt in our mind."|author=MLS commissioner [[Don Garber]]|source=in an interview with the [[Associated Press]],<ref name="GarberMexBul" /> printed November 16, 2005}}

On December 15, 2005, Major League Soccer announced  all players and coaches under contract to the Earthquakes would move to Houston.<ref name="SanJoseMoves">{{cite web|url=http://www.soccertimes.com/mls/2005/dec15.htm|title=Earthquakes move to Houston, name stays in San Jose.|date=December 15, 2005|website=SoccerTimes.com|access-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235340/http://www.soccertimes.com/mls/2005/dec15.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Earthquakes name, colors and competition records were retained by the league for a possible expansion team. The San Jose team would take the field in 2008. As a result, the Earthquakes suspended operations in 2006 and 2007, while the Dynamo are recognized as a 2006 expansion team.

{{Reduced pull quote |align=right |quote="This is not an expansion franchise. This is one of the best teams in the MLS. You are getting an extraordinary franchise."|author=AEG President and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke|source=at [[Houston City Hall]],<ref name="WelcomeToHouston2">{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/quakes/2005-12-16-houston-relocation_x.htm|title=Houston officially welcomes MLS franchise|date=December 16, 2005|website=USAToday.com|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref> December 16, 2005}}
A ceremony was held outside [[Houston City Hall]] on December 16, 2005, to officially announce the franchise's arrival. [[Bill White (Texas politician)|Mayor Bill White]] joined city council members, Harris County officials, local soccer organizers and fans in welcoming team coach [[Dominic Kinnear]] and players [[Pat Onstad]] and [[Wade Barrett (soccer)|Wade Barrett]] with cowboy boots and hats. It was disclosed that the team would train and play at the [[University of Houston]]'s Robertson Stadium on a three-year lease with the university earning a percentage of the revenues from concessions, parking and other sources.<ref name="WelcomeToHouston">{{cite web |url=http://m.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Houston-welcomes-its-new-soccer-team-1499052.php|title=Houston welcomes its new soccer team|last=Fallas|first=Bernardo|date=December 16, 2005|website=Chron.com|publisher=[[Houston Chronicle]]|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>

In an immediate effort to plant roots in the community, AEG president and CEO Tim Leiweke announced former [[Houston Oilers]] quarterback [[Oliver Luck]] as the team's president and general manager. A previous [[NFL Europe]] executive, Luck had served as the head of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority since 2001 and was instrumental in pursuing an MLS team for the city while also overseeing the construction of [[Daikin Park]] (home of the [[Houston Astros|Astros]]), [[NRG Stadium|Reliant Stadium]] (home to the [[Houston Texans|Texans]]) and the [[Toyota Center]] (home to the [[Houston Rockets|Rockets]]) during his tenure.<ref name="WelcomeToHouston" />

===Early years (2006–2010)===
[[File:PaulDalglish 2006 MLS Cup trophy.jpg|thumb|upright=.7|[[Paul Dalglish]] holds the trophy after the 2006 MLS Cup victory|alt=Paul Dalglish 2006 MLS Cup Trophy]]
{{football squad on pitch|align=right|clear=none
|  GK = [[Pat Onstad|'''Onstad''']]
|  RB = [[Craig Waibel|'''Waibel''']]
| RCB = [[Ryan Cochrane (soccer)|'''Cochrane''']]
| LCB = [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|'''Robinson''']]
|  LB = [[Wade Barrett (soccer)|'''Barrett (C)''']]
|  DM = [[Adrian Serioux|'''Serioux''']]
| RCM = [[Brian Mullan|'''Mullan''']]
| LCM = [[Brad Davis (soccer)|'''Davis''']]
| AM = [[Dwayne De Rosario|'''De Rosario''']]
| RCF = [[Brian Ching|'''Ching''']]
| LCF = [[Paul Dalglish|'''Dalglish''']]
| caption = [[MLS Cup 2006]] starting lineup.
}}

The newly relocated Houston team was named Houston 1836, paying homage to the city's founding date and the logo featured a silhouette of the Statue of Sam Houston, in Hermann Park. Immediate backlash to the 1836 was voiced by the Mexican community claiming that date, the year of the Texas Revolution was not a date that should be celebrated. Ownership decided to change the name to the Houston Dynamo stripping the franchise of the Sam Houston logo.

The Dynamo played their first regular season game on April 2, 2006, at [[Robertson Stadium]] in front of a crowd of 25,462. The Dynamo beat [[Colorado Rapids]] 5–2, with [[Brian Ching]] scoring four goals, with all four assisted by [[Dwayne De Rosario]]. The Dynamo finished their first season with an 11–8–13 record, earning them second place in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they eliminated both [[Club Deportivo Chivas USA|Chivas USA]] and the Rapids 3–1, in the Western Conference to advance to the MLS Cup.

The championship match was scoreless until the second half of extra time, when New England's [[Taylor Twellman]] scored. One minute later, Brian Ching headed in the tying goal for Houston. The cup final became the first time in MLS history, that was decided by a [[Penalty shootout (association football)|penalty shootout]]. Houston beat the New England Revolution 4–3 on penalty kicks to win the 2006 MLS Cup. [[Kelly Gray]] and [[Stuart Holden]] scored Houston's first two penalty kicks. Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching scored the last two. By winning the 2006 MLS Cup, Houston qualified for the [[CONCACAF Champions' Cup 2007|2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup]] for the first time in club history.

====Back to Back Champions====

Houston began the 2007 season by competing in the [[2007 CONCACAF Champions' Cup]]. After winning a quarterfinal against Costa Rican team [[Puntarenas F.C.]], Houston exited the competition in the semifinals, beating Mexican team [[Club de Futbol Pachuca|Pachuca]] 2–0 in the first leg but losing 5–2 after extra time in the return leg.

{{football squad on pitch|align=right|clear=none
|  GK = [[Pat Onstad|'''Onstad''']]
|  RB = [[Craig Waibel|'''Waibel''']]
| RCB = [[Ryan Cochrane (soccer)|'''Cochrane''']]
| LCB = [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|'''Robinson''']]
|  LB = [[Wade Barrett (soccer)|'''Barrett (C)''']]
|  DM = [[Richard Mulrooney|'''Mulrooney''']]
| RCM = [[Brian Mullan|'''Mullan''']]
| LCM = [[Brad Davis (soccer)|'''Davis''']]
| AM = [[Dwayne De Rosario|'''De Rosario''']]
| RCF = [[Joseph Ngwenya|'''Ngwenya''']]
| LCF = [[Nate Jaqua|'''Jaqua''']]
| caption = [[MLS Cup 2007]] starting lineup.
}}
[[File:Houston Dynamo at the White House 2008-06-05.jpg|thumb|right|[[George W. Bush|President George W. Bush]] and the 2007 Dynamo squad after the second MLS Cup victory|alt=President George W. Bush and Houston Dynamo 2007 MLS Cup Champions]]

Houston began its 2007 MLS league campaign with shutouts against [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] and [[Chivas USA]]. The team would continue to struggle in the regular season. During the season, Houston made some significant trades. They traded [[Kevin Goldthwaite]] and a first-round pick in the 2008 SuperDraft to [[Toronto FC]] for [[Richard Mulrooney]]. The team also traded [[Alejandro Moreno]] to [[Columbus Crew]] in exchange for [[Joseph Ngwenya]]. And they traded [[Kelly Gray]] to [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] for [[Nate Jaqua]]. After beating [[FC Dallas]], Houston began an unbeaten streak of eleven games and a shutout streak of 726 minutes,<ref>[https://archive.today/20070702090035/http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070722&content_id=107324&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200 Dynamo allow goal, but stay hot], houstondynamo.com, July 22, 2007</ref> an MLS record.

Following their comebck, Houston finished as the second seed in the regular season clinching a berth to the [[2007 MLS Cup Playoffs]]. Their first opponent in the postseason were in-state rivals FC Dallas. Dallas won the first leg 1–0, but Houston won the second leg at Robertson Stadium, 4–1 in extra time, to win 4–2 on aggregate. Houston faced the [[Kansas City Wizards]] in the Western Conference final, winning 2–0 to advance to the [[MLS Cup]] championship game for a consecutive season. Just like in 2006, Houston faced the [[New England Revolution]] for the championship.  Houston won 2–1 on a game-winning goal by [[Dwayne De Rosario]] in the second half, thus winning a conescutive MLS Cup.

====Partnership with Golden Boy promotions====
Late in 2007, [[Major League Soccer]] informed Dynamo owners [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]] that they should divest their interest in the Dynamo, as they wanted each ownership group to own only one team.  AEG also owned the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]].<ref>[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5321620.html MLS wants owners to sell Dynamo], Houston Chronicle, November 21, 2007</ref> On November 21, 2007, it was announced that AEG was in negotiations to sell the Dynamo to a partnership of Brener International Group and [[Golden Boy Promotions]], owned by the famed boxer [[Oscar De La Hoya]].<ref>[http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=5005649&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1 Dynamo For Sale; De La Hoya Group Interested] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209111041/http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=5005649&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1 |date=December 9, 2007 }}, MyFoxHouston.com, November 21, 2007</ref>

On February 26, 2008, Houston Dynamo President [[Oliver Luck]] revealed the planned negotiations to the media stating that the Houston Dynamo would be managed in majority by original owners [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]] (who held 50% of ownership) along with newfound partners Gabriel Brener, head of Brener International Group, and multiple World and Olympic [[boxing]] champion [[Oscar De La Hoya]] (each with 25% ownership).<ref>[http://www.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080226&content_id=140708&vkey=pr_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200 De La Hoya on the way to Dynamo]{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, HoustonDynamo.com, February 26, 2008</ref> De La Hoya had been seen wearing Dynamo colors on his boxing uniform with a small Houston Dynamo logo on his right leg in a fight against boxer [[Stephen Forbes (boxer)|Steve Forbes]]. He had also pledged to help find Dynamo a [[soccer-specific stadium]].

[[File:Brian Mullan 2008 playoffs.jpg|thumbnail|upright|[[Brian Mullan]] vs. the [[New York Red Bulls]] during the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals at [[Robertson Stadium]].]]
The Dynamo participated in the inaugural [[2008 Pan-Pacific Championship|Pan-Pacific Championship]] on February 20, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Houston qualified to participate in the tournament via their in MLS Cup. The Houston Dynamo won their first match against Sydney FC, before finishing in second place after their 6–1 loss to [[Gamba Osaka]] in the final match. The Dynamo were back on the pitch competing in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (qualifying as the 2007 MLS Cup Champions). The Dynamo played [[CSD Municipal|Municipal]] in the Quarterfinals winning 3–1 on aggregate (0–0, 3–1) at Robertson Stadium. The club lost to [[Deportivo Saprissa]] on 3–0 aggregate (0–0, 0–3) at [[Estadio Ricardo Saprissa]].

Houston began their regular season home opener in a 3–3 draw against Texas Derby rival, [[FC Dallas]]. Houston fell behind twice before a game-tying goal in the 93rd minute. The Dynamo went 0–2–4, before getting their first league win of the season in a 2–1 win over the Colorado Rapids. The Dynamo went on a 5–0–4 run to finish the season 13–5–12, claiming 1st in the Western Conference and 2nd overall (behind the Columbus Crew). The Western Conference Semifinals was played against the New York Red Bulls with the first leg finishing in a 1–1 draw at [[Giants Stadium]], and the second leg moved to Robertson Stadium where the Red Bulls defeated the Dynamo 0–3 in front of more than 30,000 fans.

The Dynamo started the new year with a quick exit from the 2008–09 [[CONCACAF Champions League]] with a 1–4 aggregate loss (1–1, 0–3) to [[Atlante F.C.|Atlante]] in the quarterfinals.
[[File:Dynamo vs Rapids-4.jpg|thumb|Houston players walk onto the pitch with kids prior to an April 2009 match with Colorado]]

In the regular season, Houston went on an 11-game unbeaten streak (8–0–3) early in the season before losing to the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] in June. The Dynamo were inconsistent the rest of the season while dealing with international competition, but still finished the season tied for first in the Western Conference with a 13–8–9 record, finishing second in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, Houston beat [[Seattle Sounders FC|Seattle]] 1–0 on aggregate in extra time. The Dynamo then lost 0–2 in extra time to the Galaxy in the Western Conference final.
The Dynamo reached the semifinals of the [[2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup|2009 U.S. Open Cup]] before losing to the expansion Seattle Sounders FC 1–2 in extra time, after former Dynamo player [[Nate Jaqua]] scored the game-tying goal in the 89th minute.

During the 2009–10 offseason, the Dynamo saw the departures of two key players, [[Ricardo Clark]] to [[Eintracht Frankfurt]] and [[Stuart Holden]] to [[Bolton Wanderers]].

The 2010 season kicked off with a 1–1 draw against FC Dallas at [[Pizza Hut Park]]. The home opener against [[Real Salt Lake]] saw Brian Ching injure a hamstring strain, which kept him out for 4–6 weeks. Later in the season, Geoff Cameron was off the roster, after rupturing his [[Posterior cruciate ligament|PCL]] during a game against the [[Chicago Fire Soccer Club|Chicago Fire]]; losing 2–0. Cameron eventually returned in August. The Dynamo finished the season 9–15–6 (7th West, 12th overall), and missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season.

During the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The club defeated [[Miami FC (2006)|Miami FC]], 1–0, on June 29 before losing to [[Chivas USA]], 1–3 in the Quarterfinals on July 6 (both games at Robertson Stadium). The Dynamo also competed in the 2010 North American SuperLiga, winning the group before exiting after a 0–1 loss to [[Monarcas Morelia|Morelia]] on August 5 at Robertson Stadium.

===Competing in the Eastern Conference (2011–2014)===
The Dynamo switched to the Eastern Conference for the 2011 season, after teams in [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC|Vancouver]] and [[Portland Timbers|Portland]] were added. The team ended the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-9-13 (WLD) and 49 points. This record was fueled by MVP candidate [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]'s league-leading 16 assists.

In the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the Dynamo were matched up in a series against the [[Philadelphia Union]], which the Dynamo won 3–1 in the home and home series. For the Eastern Conference Final, the Dynamo traveled to Kansas City. Brad Davis was injured in the first half, however, the Dynamo scored twice to earn their ticket to the MLS Final and a chance to face the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]]. 
Los Angeles's [[Home Depot Center]] had been selected to host the [[MLS Cup 2011|2011 MLS Final]]. The Dynamo were not able to power through, surrendering a goal to [[Landon Donovan]] in the 72nd minute.

After completion of their new stadium, the Dynamo made a victorious home debut on May 12, 2012, vs. D.C. United thanks to a [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] strike in front of a capacity crowd of 22,039 that would mark the beginning of what would be an unbeaten year for the Dynamo at home, posting a year-end home record of 11–0–6. In the playoffs, the Dynamo traveled to Chicago to face the [[Chicago Fire Soccer Club|Chicago Fire]].  Buoyed by two goals by [[Will Bruin]], the Dynamo held on to a 2–1 victory in Chicago. The Dynamo then faced the top seed in the Eastern Conference, [[Sporting Kansas City]] in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, played over two legs.  Behind goals from Adam Moffat and Will Bruin.  In front of a crowd of 20,894, Kansas City defeated the Dynamo 1–0, but the Dynamo survived 2–1 on aggregate.

====Cup Final rematch====
The Dynamo advanced to face D.C. United in the Eastern Conference Finals, with the first leg being played in Houston. The Dynamo won the first leg 3–1, behind goals from [[Andre Hainault]], [[Will Bruin]], and [[Kofi Sarkodie]] in front of 22,101. In the second leg, a 33rd-minute goal from [[Oscar Boniek García]] gave the Dynamo a 1–1 draw, and the Dynamo won 4–2 on aggregate and advanced to their second straight MLS Cup, in a rematch to face the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]].

[[File:Calen Carr lies injured at 2012 MLS Cup.jpg|thumb|[[Calen Carr]] lies injured as David Beckham looks on during the 2012 MLS Cup]]
[[MLS Cup 2012]] was hosted by L.A. with a sellout crowd of 30,510. After getting a goal from [[Calen Carr]] in the 44th minute.. One minute after Calen Carr went down with an injury, the Galaxy equalized through [[Omar Gonzalez]]'s header. Five minutes later, [[Landon Donovan]] sealed the win with a penalty after [[Ricardo Clark]] handled the ball in the area. [[Robbie Keane]] added a third goal for LA, who would win their fourth MLS Cup.

During the 2012 season, the Dynamo were undefeated at home, part of what would eventually become a 36-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2013/05/breaking-down-streak-most-memorable-moments-houston-dynamos-36-home-unbeaten-run|title=Breaking down the streak: Most memorable moments of Houston Dynamo's 36-home unbeaten run|date=May 13, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> [[Will Bruin]] emerged as leading goal-scorer in his second season with the team. The Dynamo topped their group in the [[2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League]], where they moved on to face [[Santos Laguna]] in the round of 16 of the competition to be played March 5, 2013.  By finishing as runners-up in MLS Cup, they were awarded a berth in the [[2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League]] as well.

The 2013 Dynamo season saw the men in orange continue their home dominance with a 9–4–4 record. Their [[Winning streak (sports)|36 consecutive game home-win streak]] ended by [[Sporting Kansas City]] on May 12, 2013, in a 0–1 loss, after [[Aurelien Collin]] scored the winner. The Dynamo clinched a playoff berth as a 4-seed with a 14–11–9 overall record. Houston faced Montreal in a heated contest for the MLS Wildcard Match to open the postseason at [[BBVA Stadium]]. [[Will Bruin]] continued his torrid postseason run of goals with a brace in a 3–0 rout against Montreal.
[[File:DaMarcus Beasley - Houston Dynamo - USMNT - MLS (47937979901).jpg|thumb|left|[[United States men's national soccer team|USMNT]] midfielder [[DaMarcus Beasley]] played for Houston from 2014 to 2019]]

The Dynamo then faced [[New York Red Bulls]] who had beat them during the regular season in all three meetings, and it appeared they would thrash the Dynamo in the playoffs after the Red Bulls jumped out to a 2–0 lead during the first leg in Houston. [[Ricardo Clark]] was able to get on the board at the 50', and [[Omar Cummings]], scored in stoppage time to complete Houston's exciting comeback. The 2nd leg in New York proved to be just as exciting. [[Bradley Wright-Phillips]] put the Red Bulls in the series lead again in the 23', but [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] capitalized on a mistake from the Red Bull defense to level the score before the half. [[Omar Cummings]] for the second time scored a thrilling stoppage-time goal to put the Houston Dynamo into the Conference Championship for the third consecutive year.

Unfortunately for the Dynamo, that would be as far as they would go. After a draw at home against [[Sporting Kansas City]], the eventual champions, the Dynamo would fall 2–1 to Sporting on the return leg in Kansas. However, 2013 would be considered a successful year for the Dynamo. The team had core players all signed to long-term contracts.

On July 1, 2014, Houston Dynamo announced a multi-year jersey sponsorship with [[BHP|BHP Billiton]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220121092101/https://www.bhp.com/news/media-centre/releases/2014/07/houston-dynamo-enter-partnership-with-bhp-billiton Houston Dynamo enter partnership with BHP Billiton] [[BHP|BHP Billiton]] July 2, 2014</ref> Dominic Kinnear was the head coach. Brad Davis was the team captain. On July 23, 2014, the Dynamo signed DeMarcus Beasley from Puebla. The team finished 8th in the Eastern Conference and did not make the playoffs for only the second time in club history.

=== 2015–present  ===
The Dynamo returned to the Western Conference before the start of the 2015 season. [[Owen Coyle]] was named the new head coach, and Brad Davis continued as captain. Houston finished eighth in the Western Conference, and finished fifteenth in the twenty-team league and failed to make the playoffs. At the end of the 2015 season, the team announced Brener had bought out AEG's remaining stake and was now the majority owner.

On May 25, 2016, the Houston Dynamo announced they were parting ways with head coach Owen Coyle, by mutual agreement. On June 7, Wade Barrett took over as the interim head coach. The Dynamo went on to finish last in the West on thirty-four points with an average attendance of approximately 20,000. Wilmer Cabrera was named the new head coach on October 28, 2016, replacing Wade Barrett, who was not selected as the head coach.

{{football squad on pitch|align=right|clear=none
|  GK = [[Joe Willis (American soccer)|'''Willis''']]
|  RB = [[Andrew Wenger|'''Wenger''']]
| RCB = [[Philippe Senderos|'''Senderos''']]
| LCB = [[Alejandro Fuenmayor|'''Fuenmayor''']]
|  LB = [[DaMarcus Beasley|'''Beasley (C)''']]
|  RDM = [[Juan David Cabezas|'''Cabezas''']]
|  LDM = [[Boniek García|'''Boniek''']]
|  AM = [[Tomás Martínez (footballer)|'''Martínez''']]
|  LW = [[Romell Quioto|'''Quioto''']]
|  RW = [[Alberth Elis|'''Elis''']]
|  CF = [[Mauro Manotas|'''Manotas''']]
| caption = [[2018 U.S. Open Cup Final]] starting lineup}}
The team finished fourth in the West during the 2017 season, earning their first playoff berth since 2013. They made run in the post season, but lost to [[Seattle Sounders FC]] in the MLS Western Conference Finals.

The 2018 season marked the first [[U.S. Open Cup]] title in franchise history when the team beat the [[Philadelphia Union]] 3–0 in the final. The Dynamo qualified for the [[2019 CONCACAF Champions League]], their first appearance in the competition since 2013. However the team failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs, prompting calls for new ownership as Brener and De La Hoya remained quiet about the team's woes.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://mlsfemale.com/2019/06/29/houston-dynamo-fans-supporters-and-a-loss-in-san-jose/ | title=Houston Dynamo – Fans, Supporters, and a Loss in San Jose| date=June 29, 2019}}</ref>

The Dynamo started the 2019 season by competing in the CONCACAF Champions League and defeating [[C.D. Guastatoya]] in both legs of the first round. They then lost to [[Tigres UANL]] by an aggregate score of 3–0 in the quarterfinals. Houston participated in the inaugural [[Leagues Cup]] but were eliminated via penalties in the first round by [[Club América|Club America]]. After going through a 2–11–1 stretch during the summer, the Dynamo fired head coach Wilmer Cabrera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/houston-dynamo-part-ways-head-coach-wilmer-cabrera|title=Houston Dynamo part ways with head coach Wilmer Cabrera &#124; MLSSoccer.com|website=mlssoccer|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> They missed the MLS playoffs for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls/2019/|title=2019 Standings|publisher=MLS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205195509/https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls/2019/|archive-date=December 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Dynamo hired former U.S. men's national team player [[Tab Ramos]] as head coach in 2020,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2019/10/25/houston-dynamo-name-tab-ramos-head-coach|title=Houston Dynamo name Tab Ramos as head coach|date=October 25, 2019|publisher=Houston Dynamo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025171021/https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2019/10/25/houston-dynamo-name-tab-ramos-head-coach|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> traded for former [[Minnesota United FC]] attacker [[Darwin Quintero]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/welcomedarwin|title=Houston Dynamo acquire Darwin Quintero, draft pick from Minnesota United FC|publisher=Houston Dynamo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113172431/https://www.houstondynamo.com/welcomedarwin|archive-date=January 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> and signed Croatian goalkeeper [[Marko Marić (footballer, born 1996)|Marko Maric]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/13/houston-dynamo-sign-goalkeeper-marko-maric-transfer-tsg-1899-hoffenheim|title=Houston Dynamo sign goalkeeper Marko Maric on transfer from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim|date=January 13, 2020|publisher=MLS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228034337/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/13/houston-dynamo-sign-goalkeeper-marko-maric-transfer-tsg-1899-hoffenheim|archive-date=February 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> However, they would miss the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years, finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference during the COVID-19 shortened season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings|title=Conference Standings|publisher=MLS}}</ref> After the 2021 season the Houston Dynamo chose not to extend Tab Ramos's expiring contact after finishing bottom of the Western Conference for a consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=houstondynamofc|title=Houston Dynamo FC part ways with head coach Tab Ramos {{!}} Houston Dynamo|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-part-ways-with-head-coach-tab-ramos|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=houstondynamofc|language=en}}</ref>

Ted Segal completed the acquisition of the Houston Dynamo and [[Houston Dash]] on June 22, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |author=The Athletic Staff |title=Ted Segal completes purchase of Houston Dynamo, Dash |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4208795/2021/06/22/ted-segal-completes-purchase-of-houston-dynamo-dash/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The deal was reportedly worth $400 million. Since acquiring the team, Segal has invested significantly into the club, both the Dynamo and Dash and [[Shell Energy Stadium]].

One of Segal's first changes as the new majority owner of the Dynamo was to bring in Dynamo legend [[Pat Onstad]] as the General Manager. Onstad returned to Houston after serving as an assistant coach, chief scout and technical director for three MLS teams since 2011. Before returning to Houston, Onstad was the technical director and vice president of soccer operations for the Columbus Crew where he helped build the roster that won the 2020 MLS Cup and the 2021 Campeones Cup.

Segal's commitment to returning the Dynamo to promince was most evident on March 2, 2022, when Houston Dynamo FC made their biggest signing in club history when [[Héctor Herrera]] joined on a pre-contract agreement through the 2024 MLS season as a [[Designated Player Rule|designated player]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=houstondynamofc |title=Houston Dynamo FC sign Mexican National Team captain Héctor Herrera as Designated Player {{!}} Houston Dynamo |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-sign-mexican-national-team-captain-hector-herrera-as-designate |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=houstondynamofc |language=en}}</ref>

[[Paulo Nagamura]] was appointed as the head coach ahead of the 2022 season on January 3, 2022, and was dismissed eight months later after a 8-16-5 record placed the team last in the Western Conference.<ref>{{cite news |title=Last-place Dynamo fire head coach Nagamura |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37631703/houston-dynamo-fire-coach-paulo-nagamura-team-last-place |access-date=23 January 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=6 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[Houston Dynamo 2|Dynamo 2]] manager [[Kenny Bundy]] was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

[[Ben Olsen]] was hired as the manager for the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Houston Dynamo FC hire Ben Olsen as head coach {{!}} Houston Dynamo |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-hire-ben-olsen-as-head-coach |website=Houston Dynamo FC |language=en}}</ref> The former MLS and [[United States men's national soccer team|USMNT]] midfielder led the team to a 14-11-9 record in league play and the club's first [[MLS Cup Playoffs]] appearance in five seasons leading the Dynamo to the Western Conference Final against LAFC. The team won the [[2023 U.S. Open Cup]] and advanced to the knockout phase of the [[Leagues Cup]].

The Dynamo announced the addition of U.S. Men's National Team legend [[Tim Howard]] to its ownership group on July 16, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Houston Dynamo |title=Houston Dynamo Football Club Add U.S. Men's National Team Legend Tim Howard to Ownership Group {{!}} Houston Dynamo |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-football-club-add-u-s-men-s-national-team-legend-tim-howard-to-ownership-group |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Houston Dynamo FC |language=en}}</ref> Howard said joining the HDFC ownership grants him the opportunity to "further contribute to the growth of the game in the United States and connect with the passionate soccer fans who call Houston home."

{{football squad on pitch|align=right|clear=none
|  GK = [[Andrew Tarbell|'''Tarbell''']]
|  RB = [[Griffin Dorsey|'''Dorsey''']]
| RCB = [[Erik Sviatchenko|'''Sviatchenko''']]
| LCB = [[Micael (footballer, born 2000)|'''Micael''']]
|  LB = [[Franco Escobar|'''Escobar''']]
|  LDM = [[Héctor Herrera|'''Herrera (C)''']]
|  RDM = [[Artur (footballer, born 1996)|'''Artur''']]
|  RW = [[Adalberto Carrasquilla|'''Carrasquilla''']]
|  LW = [[Nelson Quiñónes|'''Quiñónes''']]
|  AM = [[Amine Bassi|'''Bassi''']]
|  CF = [[Corey Baird|'''Baird''']]
| caption = [[2023 U.S. Open Cup Final]] starting lineup}}

==Colors and badge==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Houston Dynamo logo.svg|thumb|left|Club logo (2006–2020)]] -->
The official colors of the Dynamo crest are Wildcatter orange, Space City blue, and Raven black.<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Dynamo Quick Facts|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/history/quickfacts|publisher=MLS Digital|website=HoustonDynamo.com|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> The star on the original crest is an ''ad hoc'' adoption, likely a nod to the [[Houston|Houston, Texas Flag]] or the  "Houston 1836" crest concept.  It also retains the soccer ball with the star in the middle from the "1836" logo, though the shadow is changed to Space City blue.

With the 2006 MLS Cup win, a [[star (football crest)|sanctioned star]] was added above the shield in 2008, after wearing the [[MLS Cup#MLS Scudetto|''scudetto'']] in 2007.  Since they won the MLS Cup again in 2007. they wore the ''scudetto'' for the second consecutive year in 2008. Consequently, a sanctioned star was added to the crest in 2009 for their win at [[MLS Cup 2007]].

In 2020, the club rebranded as Houston Dynamo FC with a new logo. The new logo features a hexagonal shape to whose six sides represent the Dynamo's founding in 2006 and to reference the six wards that made up the original layout of the city. The crest also references Houston's bayou system with the channels within the interlocking monogram to represent Bayou City's waterways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/11/17/houston-dynamo-fc-new-vision-and-brand-identity-houstons-mls-nwsl-clubs|title=Houston Dynamo FC: A new vision and brand identity for Houston's MLS, NWSL clubs|date=November 17, 2020|work=[[Major League Soccer]]}}</ref>

===Name===
Houston announced the name "Dynamo", on March 6, 2006, which refers to Houston's energy-based industrial economy, as well as a previous Houston soccer team, the [[Houston Dynamos]] who played in the [[Lone Star Soccer Alliance]] and [[United Soccer League (1984–85)|United Soccer League]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Conway|first=Joe|date=March 6, 2006|title=How's your Russian? Dynamo it is …|url=https://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2006/03/hows-your-russian-dynamo-it-is/|access-date=March 2, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Fallas|first=Bernardo|date=March 7, 2006|title=Goodbye 1836, hello Houston Dynamo|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Goodbye-1836-hello-Houston-Dynamo-1634753.php|access-date=March 2, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref> The official reason for the name is that then-team president Oliver Luck said, "Dynamo is a word to describe someone who never fatigues, never gives up. The name is symbolic of Houston as an energetic, hard-working, risk-taking kind of town."<ref>{{Cite news |last=FALLAS |first=BERNARDO |title=Goodbye 1836, hello Houston Dynamo |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Goodbye-1836-hello-Houston-Dynamo-1634753.php |access-date=2024-06-07 |work=Chron |language=en}}</ref> The team colors are orange, white, and "Space City" blue or "Luv Ya Blue" (light blue), meant as a symbol of the city of [[Houston|Houston flag]] which is light blue and of yet another team in Houston's sports history – the NFL's [[History of the Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]].

Originally, on January 25, 2006, the team had announced that '''Houston 1836''' would be the team name. This followed an online survey for the fans to provide suggestions for the name. According to MLS & AEG, who chose the name, the 1836 name referred to the year that the city of Houston was founded by brothers [[Augustus Chapman Allen]] and [[John Kirby Allen]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 25, 2006|title=City's MLS team is Houston 1836|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/City-s-MLS-team-is-Houston-1836-1858441.php|access-date=March 2, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref>  The name had perceived ambiguity, however, as it is also the year of [[Republic of Texas|Texan independence]] from [[Mexico]].<ref name=":2" /> Houston 1836's logo featured a silhouette of [[Sam Houston|General Sam Houston]], one of Houston's and Texas' most famous historical figures. The choice of Houston 1836 soon became a political issue. It raised a furor among some locals of Hispanic descent, a major target audience, who related 1836 with the [[Texas War of Independence|war for Texas independence]]. Owing to protests from Hispanic fans, the name was changed to the Dynamo. MLS has since not allowed any online surveys to name expansion teams.

In 2020, the club officially added "Football Club" to its name, commonly abbreviated as Houston Dynamo FC.<ref name="Rebrand">{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Glynn A. |title='A fresh start': Dynamo announce new name, look with rebrand |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/dynamo/article/Houston-Dynamo-Football-Club-a-new-name-and-look-15731927.php |website=Houston Chronicle |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

==Stadiums==
[[File:Robertson Stadium.jpg|thumb|[[Robertson Stadium]] was the former home of the Houston Dynamo.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:top;"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;"|Stadium
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;"|Capacity
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;"|Location
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;"|Year(s)
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;"|Notes
|-
| [[Robertson Stadium]]
| 32,000
| rowspan=3|[[Houston, Texas]]
| 2006–2011
|
|-
| [[NRG Stadium|Reliant Stadium]]
| 71,795
| 2006
| Hosted one game in MLS regular season (first match of a doubleheader featuring [[FC Barcelona]] vs. [[Club América]]) and the [[2010 MLS All-Star Game]]
|-
| [[Tom Tellez Track at Carl Lewis International Complex|Carl Lewis Track & Field Stadium]]
| 6,000
| 2006
| Hosted one game in U.S. Open Cup
|- 
| [[Aggie Soccer Stadium (Texas A&M)|Aggie Soccer Stadium]]
| 3,500
| [[College Station, Texas]]
| 2007, 2011
| Hosted one game in CONCACAF Champions' League, one game in US Open Cup
|-
| [[Shell Energy Stadium]]
| 20,656
| [[Houston, Texas]]
| 2012–present
| 
|}

===Shell Energy Stadium===
[[File:Shell Energy Stadium North Facade along Texas Avenue.jpg|thumb|Shell Energy Stadium is the current home of the Houston Dynamo.]]
{{main|Shell Energy Stadium}}

On December 2, 2010, Harris County and the Houston Sports Authority reached an agreement for the 20,000–22,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in [[Downtown Houston]] east of [[Daikin Park]], across [[U.S. Route 59|Highway 59]] which would be the third sporting facility for Downtown Houston. The venue, then under the name of 'BBVA Compass Stadium' for sponsorship reasons, opened on May 12, 2012, with a game against [[D.C. United]].

On February 5, 2011, Houston Dynamo players, accompanied by Dynamo owner Philip Anschutz and Equity Partners Oscar De La Hoya and Gabriel Brener, Houston Mayor [[Annise Parker]], Harris County Judge [[Ed Emmett|Ed Emmitt]], Houston Dynamo President Chris Canetti, amongst others, participated in the groundbreaking of the Dynamo's new stadium in front of a few thousand fans. Construction began later that month.

Spectators can experience unobstructed views from both the lower and upper seating bowls, which are supported by a single concourse.<ref name="houstondynamo">{{cite web|last=Major League Soccer, L.L.C|title=Dynamo Stadium 2012|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/stadium|publisher=Houston Dynamo|access-date=August 3, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531204109/http://www.houstondynamo.com/stadium|archive-date=May 31, 2011}}</ref> The concourse provides full access around the stadium with easy access to concession and toilet.<ref name="houstondynamo" /> On June 22, 2022, Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) announced plans for major upgrades to [[Shell Energy Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Houston Dynamo |title=Dynamo & Dash announce major upgrades to PNC Stadium ahead of 2023 season {{!}} Houston Dynamo |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/dynamo-dash-announce-major-upgrades-to-pnc-stadium-ahead-of-2023-season |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Houston Dynamo FC |language=en}}</ref> The renovation project began immediately following the conclusion of the 2022 MLS and NWSL seasons and was ready in time for the 2023 season. The project was headlined by the installation of all-new mesh seats throughout the entire seating bowl and made Shell Energy Stadium the first soccer-specific stadium in America with mesh seating throughout the building. A portion of the east side of the stadium was reconfigured to create a new air-conditioned, premium all-inclusive club area. The East Club, includes the three centermost sections of the east sideline lower level and hold a capacity of 824 guests. It opens into a climate-controlled club area where guests can enjoy an all-inclusive experience with premium food options, a dedicated bar serving beer, wine and cocktails along with non-alcoholic beverages.

The East Club  features nine loge boxes, which offer individuals and companies the opportunity to entertain guests in a semi-private space with access to all of the all-inclusive benefits of the East Club. Each loge box seats eight guests.

Aside from Major League Soccer and international soccer matches, the stadium also hosts [[Texas Southern Tigers football|Texas Southern University football]], concerts, and much more.<ref name="houstondynamo" /> With its downtown location, the stadium is now a part of a true Stadium District, which features [[Daikin Park]] and [[Toyota Center]], as well as other amenities and attractions such as the [[George R. Brown Convention Center]], the Hilton Americas, [[Discovery Green]], and Houston Pavilions.{{Citation needed|date=November 2012}}

On June 13, 2019, it was announced that [[BBVA USA|BBVA Compass]] Stadium was changing its name to BBVA Stadium following the sponsor's rebrand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/06/13/official-houston-dynamos-home-now-simply-called-bbva-stadium|title=BBVA Compass Stadium name change|date=June 13, 2019|website=www.mlssoccer.com|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>

During the second half of the 2021 season, BBVA Stadium was rebranded as PNC Stadium following [[PNC Financial Services]]' acquisition of BBVA USA in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PNC Completes Acquisition of BBVA USA|url=https://pnc.mediaroom.com/2021-06-01-PNC-Completes-Acquisition-of-BBVA-USA|access-date=October 12, 2021|website=PNC Financial Services Group - MediaRoom}}</ref>

On January 17, 2023, PNC Stadium became Shell Energy Stadium following [[Shell Energy]] and the Dynamo agreeing on a stadium naming rights deal reportedly worth $40 million over 8 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Mark |date=2023-01-17 |title=Introducing Shell Energy Stadium: Houston Dynamo, Dash home gets new name |url=https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-dynamo-dash-shell-energy-stadium |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=FOX 26 Houston |language=en-US}}</ref> Shell Energy Stadium has a capacity of 20,656.

===Houston Sports Park===
[[File:Copy of SportsparkNight-13.jpg|thumb|HSP is the permanent home and professional training center for the Dynamo first team and youth academy.]]
The training facility for the Dynamo, [[Houston Dash]] and academy teams is located at the [[Houston Sports Park]] (HSP). Opened in 2011, the complex features seven soccer fields, field lighting, and parking. All of the fields feature [[Bermuda grass]], except one that contains [[FieldTurf]]. Four fields are reserved exclusively for use by the Dynamo, Dash and visiting professional teams. The remaining fields are available for public rental. The training facility is located 10 miles south of [[Shell Energy Stadium]] and was built through a partnership with the City of Houston.

==Club culture==

===Supporters===

The first ever match attracted 25,462 fans against Colorado Rapids on April 2, 2006, at Robertson Stadium.  Attendance gradually declined throughout the remainder of the spring and summer months. During July and August, they played five matches at Robertson Stadium, and the average attendance for those matches was 10,348.

The team's attendance figures received a boost on August 9 when they played a game against Los Angeles Galaxy in Houston's [[Reliant Stadium]] as part of a double-header, with the other game being an exhibition match between [[FC Barcelona]] and Mexican side [[Club América]], which attracted a crowd of 70,550. Home attendance began to rise again as the weather cooled and the playoffs approached.

For the 2006 season, they averaged 18,935 over the 16 regular season home games. Attendance remained high during their playoff run, where home attendance was 17,440 and 23,107 in games against Chivas USA and Colorado Rapids. Dynamo fans contributed greatly to the sell-out crowd of 22,427 in the [[2006 MLS Cup]], which was played about 275 miles (450&nbsp;km) from Houston, in [[Frisco, Texas|Frisco]].

There are four officially recognized [[supporter groups]], ''El Batallón (est. 2006), Texian Army (est. 2006), Bandera Negra and The Surge''.<ref name="MLS099">{{cite web|title= Houston Dynamo Supporters|publisher=[[Major League Soccer]]|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/supporters/|access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref> ''La Bateria and'' ''Brickwall Firm'' are former supporter groups''.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://houston.culturemap.com/news/sports/05-29-11-inside-the-cult-of-the-houston-dynamo-supporter-groups-when-a-game-becomes-a-sing-along/|title=Inside the cult of Houston Dynamo supporters groups: When a game becomes a standing sing along|website=CultureMap Houston|date=May 29, 2011 |language=en|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref>

===Mascot===
In 2007, Houston started a search for a mascot by asking members of [[The Art Institute of Houston]] to submit drawings, from which several finalists were selected and an official mascot would be decided through an online poll, both for the mascot design and name. The winning design, by Eric Hulsey and Leslie Lopez, was of an orange-haired fox and named ''Dynamo Diesel''. He was unveiled at [[Houston Zoo]] on April 3, 2007.<ref name="MLS001">{{cite web | title = Houston Dynamo introduces 'Dynamo Diesel' as its new mascot | publisher = [[Major League Soccer]] | date = April 3, 2007 | url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/houston-dynamo-introduces-dynamo-diesel-its-new-mascot | access-date =June 14, 2013 }}</ref> Dynamo Diesel began working alongside the Houston Dynamo marketing and community outreach programs.

===Rivalries===
[[File:Houston-dallas.jpg|thumb|right|[[Brian Ching]] dribbles through two FC Dallas players]]

Houston Dynamo's main rival is [[FC Dallas]], who they play in the [[Texas Derby]]. Since the introduction of [[Austin FC]] in 2021, the three teams compete for the [[Copa Tejas]], a trophy handed out to the best MLS team in the state.

The Dynamo have also developed a rivalry with [[Sporting Kansas City]] after facing each other in the playoffs and the US Open Cup multiple times.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dart|first1=Tom|title=Rivalry between Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City brings out the best in both teams|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2014/06/rivalry-between-houston-dynamo-sporting-kansas-city-brings-out-best-both-teams|website=houstondynamo.com|publisher=Houston Dynamo|access-date=July 25, 2014|date=June 4, 2014}}</ref>

==Broadcasting==
From 2023, every Dynamo match is available via [[MLS Season Pass]] on the [[Apple TV app]]. Prior to this all-streaming deal, the club was aired on various TV stations in the Houston market, as well as whichever linear MLS TV partner had national rights.

===Radio===
The majority of Houston Dynamo matches are broadcast locally in English and Spanish. [[KFNC|ESPN Houston 97.5 FM]] is the English radio partner with [[Glenn Davis (sportscaster)|Glenn Davis]].

[[KQBU-FM|TUDN Radio Houston 93.3 FM]] is the club's Spanish radio partner. Daniel Mejia is the play-by-play commentator with Cesar Procel serving as the color analyst.<ref name="HDFC2023radio">{{cite press release |title=Houston Dynamo FC announce local radio broadcast details for 2023 season |date=February 25, 2023 |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-announce-local-radio-broadcast-details-for-2023-season |access-date=August 5, 2023}}</ref>

==Players and staff==
{{for|details on former players|All-time Houston Dynamo roster}}

===Current roster===
{{updated|June 29, 2025|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/roster|title=Roster|publisher=Houston Dynamo FC|access-date = February 17, 2023}}</ref>}}
<!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  -- Do NOT add new players before their signing is officially announced by the club
  -- and do NOT assign unreferenced jersey numbers as well.
  -- Do NOT create articles for new draft picks until they make either their MLS or US Open Cup debut, and do not add red wikilinks to these players as it prevents the creation of articles by people who don't understand the WP:FOOTY notability guidelines
  – Players with international caps should NOT be bolded – as per Wikipedia:WikiProject_Football/Clubs
  – This is Wikipedia, not a football gazette.
  – Any unconfirmed and unsourced signing/transfer will be reverted at sight. 
  – Thanks in advance.
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FF6B00|color=101820|border=101820}}
{{Fs player |no=1  |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=[[Jimmy Maurer]]}}
{{Fs player |no=2  |nat=ARG |pos=DF |name=[[Franco Escobar]]}}
{{Fs player |no=4  |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Ethan Bartlow]]}}
{{Fs player |no=5  |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Daniel Steres]]}}
{{Fs player |no=6  |nat=BRA |pos=MF |name=[[Artur (footballer, born 1996)|Artur]]}}
{{Fs player |no=7  |nat=COL |pos=FW |name=[[Nelson Quiñónes]]}}
{{Fs player |no=8  |nat=MAR |pos=MF |name=[[Amine Bassi]]}}
{{Fs player |no=9  |nat=CZE |pos=MF |name=[[Ondřej Lingr]]}}
{{Fs player |no=10 |nat=ARG |pos=FW |name=[[Ezequiel Ponce]]}}
{{Fs player |no=11 |nat=GER |pos=MF |name=[[Lawrence Ennali]]}}
{{Fs player |no=12 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=[[Toyosi Olusanya]]}}
{{Fs player |no=13 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=[[Andrew Tarbell]]}}
{{Fs player |no=14 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Duane Holmes]]}}
{{Fs player |no=16 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Erik Dueñas]]}}
{{Fs player |no=17 |nat=USA |pos=FW |name=[[Gabriel Segal (soccer)|Gabriel Segal]]}}
{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FF6B00|color=101820|border=101820]]}}
{{Fs player |no=19 |nat=GHA |pos=FW |name=Stephen Annor Gyamfi}}
{{Fs player |no=21 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Jack McGlynn]]}}
{{Fs player |no=22 |nat=COL |pos=DF |name=[[Pablo Ortiz (footballer, born 2000)|Pablo Ortiz]]|other=on loan from [[FC DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda|DAC 1904]]}}
{{Fs player |no=23 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Michael Halliday (soccer)|Michael Halliday]]}}
{{Fs player |no=24 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Obafemi Awodesu}}
{{Fs player |no=25 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Griffin Dorsey]]}}
{{Fs player |no=26 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=Blake Gillingham}}
{{Fs player |no=27 |nat=POL |pos=MF |name=[[Sebastian Kowalczyk]]}}
{{Fs player |no=28 |nat=DEN |pos=DF |name=[[Erik Sviatchenko]]}}
{{Fs player |no=30 |nat=BRA |pos=MF |name=[[Júnior Urso]]}}
{{Fs player |no=31 |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=[[Jonathan Bond]]}}
{{Fs player |no=33 |nat=HND |pos=FW |name=Exon Arzú}}
{{Fs player |no=34 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=Sebastián Rodríguez}}
{{Fs player |no=35 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Brooklyn Raines]]}}
{{Fs player |no=36 |nat=BRA |pos=DF |name=[[Felipe Andrade]]|other=on loan from [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]]}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=FF6B00|color=101820|border=101820}}

===Out on loan===
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FF6B00|color=101820|border=101820}}
{{Fs player |no=   |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Kieran Sargeant|other=on loan to [[Lexington SC]]}}
{{Fs player |no=   |nat=ECU |pos=MF |name=Jefferson Valverde|other=on loan to [[Orense S.C.|Orense]]}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=FF6B00|color=101820|border=101820}}

=== Head coaches ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|Nationality
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|Tenure
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|{{abbr|G|Games}}
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|{{abbr|W|Games won}}
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|{{abbr|L|Games lost}}
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|{{abbr|T|Games Tied}}
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col"|{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
| [[Dominic Kinnear]]|| {{flag|United States}}|| December 16, 2005 – October 25, 2014||288||112||90||86||38.8
|-
| [[Owen Coyle]]|| {{flag|Republic of Ireland}}|| December 9, 2014 – May 25, 2016||46||14||21||11||30.4
|-
| [[Wade Barrett (soccer)|Wade Barrett]] (interim)|| {{flag|United States}}|| May 28, 2016 – October 26, 2016||22||4||7||11||18.2
|-
| [[Wílmer Cabrera|Wilmer Cabrera]]|| {{flag|Colombia}}|| October 28, 2016 – August 13, 2019||93||32||39||22||34.4
|-
| [[Davy Arnaud]] (interim)|| {{flag|United States}}|| August 14, 2019 – October 24, 2019||9||3||5||1||33.3
|-
| [[Tab Ramos]]|| {{flag|United States}}|| October 25, 2019 – November 4, 2021||57||10||26||21||17.5
|-
| [[Paulo Nagamura]]|| {{flag|Brazil}}|| January 3, 2022 – September 5, 2022||29||8||16||5||27.6
|-
| [[Kenny Bundy]] (interim)|| {{flag|United States}}|| September 5, 2022 – November 8, 2022||5||2||2||1||40.0
|-
| [[Ben Olsen]] || {{flag|United States}}|| November 8, 2022 – present||68||29||21||18||42.6
|}
*''Note: Record for MLS Regular season games only''. ''As of February 1, 2025''.

===General managers===
{| cellpadding="4" border="1" cellspacing="0"  style="margin:0.5em 1em 0.5em 0; LightSkyBlue:#ce1f41; border:1px #aaa solid; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%;"
|- style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"
! Name
! Nat
! Tenure
|-
| [[Dominic Kinnear]]
| {{flag|United States}}
| 2005–2014
|-
| [[Matt Jordan]]
| {{flag|United States}}
| 2014–2021
|-
| [[Pat Onstad]]
| {{flag|Canada}}
| 2021–present
|}

===Ownership history===
*'''[[Anschutz Entertainment Group|AEG]]''' (2005–2015)
*'''Gabriel Brener''' (2008–2022)
*'''Oscar De La Hoya''' (2008–2022)
*'''Ben Guill''' (2015–2022)
*'''Jake Silverstein''' (2015–2021)
*'''Ted Segal''' (2021–present)
*'''Lyle Ayes''' (2022–present)

===Staff===
:{{As of|2024|8|5|df=US}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/club/ownership/|title=Owners|publisher=Houston Dynamo|access-date=August 5, 2023|date=February 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/club/frontoffice|title=Front Office|publisher=Houston Dynamo|access-date=August 5, 2023|date=February 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/club/staff|title=Team Staff|publisher=Houston Dynamo|access-date=August 5, 2023|date=February 23, 2012|archive-date=November 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119233918/https://www.houstondynamo.com/club/staff|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;" scope="col" colspan="2"|Executive
{{Fb cs staff |p=Majority Owner & Chairman |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Ted Segal}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Owner/Vice Chairman |s={{flagicon|USA}} Lyle Ayes}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Minority Owner|s={{flagicon|USA}} [[James Harden]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Minority Owner|s={{flagicon|USA}} [[Tim Howard]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Houston Dynamo Football Club President |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Jessica O'Neill}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=General manager |s= {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Onstad]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Technical director |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Asher Mendelsohn}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant general manager |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Nick Kowba}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Director of methodology |s= {{flagicon|ENG}} Ben Bartlett}}
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:1px solid #101820;" scope="col" colspan="2"|Coaching staff
{{Fb cs staff |p=Head coach  |s= {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ben Olsen]]}}
{{fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s= {{flagicon|VEN}} [[Juan Guerra (footballer, born 1987)|Juan Guerra]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s= {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Aurélien Collin]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s= {{flagicon|GER}} Adin Osmanbašić}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s= {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tim Hanley]]}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Head video analyst |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Carlon Carpenter}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Sports performance director/fitness coach |s= {{flagicon|IRE}} Paul Caffrey}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Head of sports science |s= {{flagicon|AUS}} Alex Calder}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Strength & conditioning coach |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Anthony Narcisi}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Director of sports medicine |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Craig Devine}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Head athletic trainer |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Matt Murphy}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant athletic trainer |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Juan Castano}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant athletic trainer |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Brandi Neeley}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Physical therapist |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Micah Kust}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Massage therapist |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Ivan Diaz}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Scouting coordinator & analyst |s= {{flagicon|URU}} Sebastian Romero}}
{{Fb cs staff |p=Player care manager |s= {{flagicon|USA}} Martha Carvajal}}
|}

== Affiliates and club academy ==
[[File:19 Alex Dixon 020511.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Alex Dixon]] (of [[Bay City, Texas]]) signed a [[Homegrown Player Rule (Major League Soccer)|homegrown contract]] with the club in 2011]]

{{See also|List of Houston Dynamo Homegrown Players}}
The Houston Dynamo Academy was created in 2007 and led by then-Director of Youth Development [[James Clarkson (soccer)|James Clarkson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2018/12/11/houston-dash-name-james-clarkson-head-coach|title=Houston Dash name James Clarkson as head coach|date=December 11, 2018|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 6, 2019}}</ref>  On February 27, 2009, the Dynamo signed [[Tyler Deric]], their first [[Homegrown Player Rule (Major League Soccer)|homegrown player]] in club history.  The following season [[Francisco Navas Cobo]] became the second HGP in Dynamo history.  On April 17, 2010, Navas Cobo became the first academy alum to appear in an MLS game for the Dynamo.  [[Alex Dixon]] became the first academy alum to score a goal with his stoppage time winner against [[Real Salt Lake]] on August 20, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2013/02/14/key-moments-dynamo-academy-history|title=Key moments in Dynamo Academy history|last=Kaplan|first=Jonathan|date=February 14, 2013|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 6, 2019}}</ref>

The Houston Dynamo Academy has trained and played their games at [[Houston Sports Park]] since it opened in 2011.  Prior to that, they used multiple fields around the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/2/11/7971975/through-the-ranks-dynamo-academy-history-james-clarkson|title=Through the Ranks: A Dynamo Academy History|last=Jerkins|first=Justin|date=February 11, 2015|website=Dynamo Theory|language=en|access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref>

The Dynamo Academy is currently run by Academy Director Tony Vigil.

For 2014 and 2015, [[USL PRO|USL-Pro]] team [[Charleston Battery]] was an affiliate with the Dynamo, letting Houston send players there on loan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/12/23/7439007/houston-dynamo-to-partner-with-charleston-battery|title=Houston Dynamo to partner with Charleston Battery|last=Tolar|first=Alicia|date=December 23, 2014|website=Dynamo Theory|language=en|access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref>

In late 2014, the Dynamo met with USL officials about creating a USL team. [[Rio Grande Valley FC Toros]] replaced Charleston as the Dynamo's USL affiliate for the 2016 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/houston-dynamo-hybrid-affiliate-rgvfc-announces-toros-as-team-nickname/n-5069147|title=Houston Dynamo Hybrid Affiliate RGVFC Announces|date=November 11, 2015|website=OurSports Central|language=en|access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref> The Dynamo ran all soccer operations for the club, sending academy players as well as fringe first team players and players rehabbing from injury to train and play with the Toros throughout the year.  In December 2020, RGVFC and the Dynamo restructured the relationship, giving the Toros control over all aspects of their soccer operations.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2020 |title=Houston Dynamo FC & Rio Grande Valley FC restructure affiliate partnership |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-rio-grande-valley-fc-restructure-affiliate-partnership |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref> Following the 2021 season, the agreement ended, allowing Rio Grande Valley FC to become an independent club.<ref name=":3" />

[[Brazos Valley Cavalry FC|Brazos Valley Cavalry]] previously served as the Dynamo's [[USL League Two]] affiliate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mlsmultiplex.com/2017/01/23/dynamo-introduce-new-pdl-team-in-college-station/|title=Houston Dynamo introduce new PDL team in College Station|date=January 23, 2017|website=MLS Multiplex|language=en-US|access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref>

On December 6, 2021, it was announced that the Dynamo would field a team, [[Houston Dynamo 2]], in the inaugural season of [[MLS Next Pro]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Houston Dynamo 2 to compete in new MLS NEXT Pro league beginning in 2022 |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-2-to-compete-in-new-mls-next-pro-league-beginning-in-2022 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2021 |title=MLS NEXT Pro unveils 21 clubs for inaugural season starting March 2022 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-next-pro-unveils-21-clubs-for-inaugural-season-starting-march-2022 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Major League Soccer}}</ref>  The team plays their games at [[SaberCats Stadium]], which is part of Houston Sports Park.

The Dynamo are affiliated with the [[Houston Dash]] of the [[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]]. Both the Dynamo and Dash are operated by Houston Dynamo Football Club.

==Honors==
===Domestic===
'''League'''
*'''[[MLS Cup]]'''
**'''Champions (2)''': [[MLS Cup 2006|2006]], [[MLS Cup 2007|2007]]

'''Cups'''
*'''[[U.S. Open Cup]]'''
**'''Champions (2):''' [[2018 U.S. Open Cup|2018]], [[2023 U.S. Open Cup|2023]]

==Seasons==
{{Main|List of Houston Dynamo seasons}}
This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Dynamo. For the full season-by-season history, see [[List of Houston Dynamo seasons]].
{| class="wikitable" width=100% style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#f0f6ff;"
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=11|[[Major League Soccer|League]]
!colspan=2|Position
!rowspan=2|[[MLS Cup Playoffs|Playoffs]]
!rowspan=2|[[U.S. Open Cup|USOC]]
!rowspan=2 colspan=2|[[CONCACAF|Continental]] / Other
!rowspan=2|[[Major League Soccer attendance|Average <br> attendance]]
!colspan=2|Top goalscorer(s)
|-
!Div
!League
!Pld
!W
!L
!D
!GF
!GA
!GD
!Pts
!PPG
!Conf.
!Overall
!Name(s)
!Goals
|-
| '''[[2018 Houston Dynamo season|2018]]'''
| rowspan="6" | 1
| [[2018 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 34
| 10
| 16
| 8
| 58
| 58
| 0
| 38
| 1.12
| 9th
| 17th
| rowspan="5" | DNQ
| bgcolor=gold | [[2018 U.S. Open Cup Final|W]] 
| colspan="2" |DNQ
| 16,906
|align="left" | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
| 25
|-
| '''[[2019 Houston Dynamo season|2019]]'''
| [[2019 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 34
| 12
| 18
| 4
| 49
| 59
|−10
| 40
| 1.17
| 10th
| 19th
| [[2019 U.S. Open Cup#Round of 16|Ro16]] 
| [[CONCACAF Champions League]]<hr>[[Leagues Cup]]
| [[2019 CONCACAF Champions League#Quarter-finals|QF]] <hr>[[2019 Leagues Cup#Quarterfinals|QF]]
| 15,674
|align="left" | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
| 15
|-
| '''[[2020 Houston Dynamo season|2020]]'''
| [[2020 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 23
| 4
| 10
| 9
| 30
| 40
|−10
| 21
| 0.91
|style=background:#FFCCCC | 12th
| 25th
| [[2020 U.S. Open Cup|NH]] 
| [[MLS is Back Tournament]]
| [[MLS is Back Tournament|GS]]
| 5,279
|align="left" | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Darwin Quintero]]
| 7
|-
|'''[[2021 Houston Dynamo FC season|2021]]'''
|[[2021 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
|34
|6
|16
|12
|36
|54
|−18
|30
|0.88
|style=background:#FFCCCC |13th
|25th
|[[2021 U.S. Open Cup|NH]]
| colspan="2" |DNQ
|12,220
|align="left" | {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Fafà Picault]]
|11
|-
|'''[[2022 Houston Dynamo FC season|2022]]'''
|[[2022 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
|34
|10
|18
|6
|43
|56
|−13
|36
|1.06
|13th
|25th
|[[2022 U.S. Open Cup#Round of 16|Ro16]]
| colspan="2" |DNQ
|16,426
|align="left" | {{Flagicon|PAR}} [[Sebastián Ferreira]]
|14
|-
|'''[[2023 Houston Dynamo FC season|2023]]'''
|[[2023 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
|34
|14
|11
|9
|51
|38
|13
|51
|1.5
|4th
|9th
| [[2023 MLS Cup Playoffs|SF]]
| bgcolor=gold | [[2023 U.S. Open Cup Final|W]]
|[[Leagues Cup]]
|[[2023 Leagues Cup#Round of 16|Ro16]]
|15,029
|align="left" | {{Flagicon|MAR}}{{Flagicon|FRA}} [[Amine Bassi]]
|15
|}
<small>{{note|1}}1. '''Avg. attendance''' include statistics from league matches only.</small><br/>
<small>{{note|2}}2. '''Top goalscorer(s)''' includes all goals scored in League, [[MLS Cup Playoffs]], [[U.S. Open Cup]], [[MLS is Back Tournament]], [[CONCACAF Champions League]], [[FIFA Club World Cup]], and other competitive continental matches.</small>

==Team records==
{{main|Houston Dynamo records and statistics}}<!-- I suspect that this whole thing should be merged into here and then deleted -->

===International tournaments===
{{Main|Houston Dynamo in International Competition}}
By virtue of their MLS Cup victories, the Dynamo entered the [[CONCACAF Champions Cup]] and the [[North American SuperLiga]]. During the 2008 season, the Dynamo participated in the inaugural [[Pan-Pacific Championship]] as well as the inaugural [[CONCACAF Champions League]]. The Dynamo participated in the final two seasons of the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament reaching the semi-finals both times. They have also competed in five editions of the CONCACAF Champions League and reached the quarterfinals on three occasions.

===Career records===
{{colbegin}}
*Games played: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] (271)
*Goals: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Ching]] (56)
*Assists: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] (104)
*Shots: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] (473)
*Wins: {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Onstad]] (53)
*Shutouts: {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Onstad]] (37)
*Saves: {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Onstad]] (384)
{{colend}}
''MLS regular season only, through December 19, 2019''<ref>{{cite web |title=Houston All-Time Leaders|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/history/stats/alltime/mls|access-date=February 9, 2016|date=February 22, 2013}}</ref>

===Season records===
* Goals: {{flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]] – 19 (2018)
* Assists: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]] – 16 (2011)
* Shutouts: {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tally Hall (soccer)|Tally Hall]] – 12 (2013)<ref>[http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/tally-hall Tally Hall], MLS Soccer. Retrieved August 16, 2014.</ref>
''MLS regular season only''

==Player awards==
[[File:Brian Ching 031508.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Brian Ching]] signing autographs, 2008]]

=== League awards ===

==== MLS Best XI ====

* 2006: [[Dwayne De Rosario]], [[Ricardo Clark]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/media-resources/mls-fact-and-record-book|title=MLS Fact and Record Book|date=January 2019|website=[[Major League Soccer]]|page=169|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716023458/https://www.mlssoccer.com/media-resources/mls-fact-and-record-book|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 2007: [[Dwayne De Rosario]], [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|Eddie Robinson]]<ref name=":1" />
* 2009: [[Geoff Cameron]], [[Stuart Holden]]<ref name=":1" />
* 2011: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]<ref name=":1" />
* 2023: [[Héctor Herrera]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2023 |title=USMNT stars Morris, Ferreira, Zimmerman headline MLS All-Star roster |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37919051/usmnt-stars-morris-ferreira-zimmerman-headline-mls-all-star-roster |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=ESPN}}</ref>

==== MLS All-Star ====

* [[2006 MLS All-Star Game|2006]]: [[Brian Ching]], [[Dwayne De Rosario]], [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|Eddie Robinson]], [[Ricardo Clark]]
* [[2007 MLS All-Star Game|2007]]: [[Brian Ching]], [[Dwayne De Rosario]], [[Ricardo Clark]]
* [[2008 MLS All-Star Game|2008]]: [[Brian Ching]], [[Dwayne De Rosario]], [[Pat Onstad]]
* [[2009 MLS All-Star Game|2009]]: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]], [[Brian Ching]], [[Geoff Cameron]], [[Pat Onstad]], [[Stuart Holden]]
* [[2010 MLS All-Star Game|2010]]: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]], [[Brian Ching]]
* [[2011 MLS All-Star Game|2011]]: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]], [[Corey Ashe]], [[Geoff Cameron]], [[Tally Hall (soccer)|Tally Hall]]
* [[2012 MLS All-Star Game|2012]]: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]], [[Geoff Cameron]]
* [[2013 MLS All-Star Game|2013]]: [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]], [[Corey Ashe]]
* [[2015 MLS All-Star Game|2015]]: [[DaMarcus Beasley]]
* [[2017 MLS All-Star Game|2017]]: [[DaMarcus Beasley]]
* [[2018 MLS All-Star Game|2018]]: [[Alberth Elis]]
* [[2023 MLS All-Star Game|2023]]: [[Héctor Herrera]]

====Goal of the Year====

*2006: [[Brian Ching]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/honors/mls-goal-of-the-year|title=MLS GOAL OF THE YEAR|website=mlssoccer.com|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=November 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104033704/https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/honors/mls-goal-of-the-year|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Save of the Year====

*2009: [[Pat Onstad]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/mls2.php?article_id=21361|title=2009 Save of the Year: Houston's Onstad takes inaugural award|date=November 18, 2009|publisher=bigapplesoccer.com|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231143/http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/mls2.php?article_id=21361|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Fair Play Player award====

*2017: [[DaMarcus Beasley]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2017/11/07/damarcus-beasley-wins-mls-fair-play-individual-award|title=DaMarcus Beasley wins MLS Fair Play Individual Award|date=November 7, 2017|website=houstondynamo.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>

=== Team awards ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Season
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|MVP
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Defensive Player of the Year
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Newcomer of the Year
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Young Player of the Year
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Players' Player of the Year
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Ref
|-
| style="text-align:center" |[[2006 Houston Dynamo season|2006]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|CAN}} [[Dwayne De Rosario]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|Eddie Robinson]]
| style="text-align:center" |Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/history/awards|title=Dynamo Awards|date=August 26, 2014|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903165936/https://www.houstondynamo.com/history/awards|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center" |[[2007 Houston Dynamo season|2007]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Mullan]], {{nowrap|{{Flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Onstad]]}}
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Eddie Robinson (soccer)|Eddie Robinson]]
| style="text-align:center" |Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2008 Houston Dynamo season|2008]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Ching]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Bobby Boswell]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Geoff Cameron]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Stuart Holden]]
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2009 Houston Dynamo season|2009]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Geoff Cameron]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Cam Weaver]]
|{{Flagicon|CAN}} [[André Hainault|Andre Hainault]]
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2010 Houston Dynamo season|2010]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Bobby Boswell]]
|{{Flagicon|JAM}} [[Lovel Palmer]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Danny Cruz]]
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2011 Houston Dynamo season|2011]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]
|{{Flagicon|CAN}} [[André Hainault|Andre Hainault]]
|{{Flagicon|SCO}} [[Adam Moffat]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Will Bruin]]
|Not Awarded
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2012 Houston Dynamo season|2012]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brad Davis (soccer)|Brad Davis]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Bobby Boswell]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Boniek García]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Will Bruin]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Boniek García]]
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2013 Houston Dynamo season|2013]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Tally Hall (soccer)|Tally Hall]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Kofi Sarkodie]]
|{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Andrew Driver]]
|{{Flagicon|GUY}} [[Warren Creavalle]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ricardo Clark]]
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
| style="text-align:center" |[[2014 Houston Dynamo season|2014]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|JAM}} [[Giles Barnes]]
| style="text-align:center" |Not Awarded
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Luis Garrido]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Luis Garrido]]
|{{Flagicon|JAM}} [[Giles Barnes]]
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
| style="text-align:center" |[[2015 Houston Dynamo season|2015]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ricardo Clark]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[DaMarcus Beasley]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|SPA}} [[Raúl Rodríguez (footballer)|Raúl Rodríguez]]
|{{Flagicon|ARG}} [[Leonel Miranda]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ricardo Clark]]
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
| style="text-align:center" |[[2016 Houston Dynamo season|2016]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Alex (footballer, born December 1988)|Alex Lima]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Joe Willis (American soccer)|Joe Willis]]
| style="text-align:center" |{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Andrew Wenger]]
|{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
|{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Alex (footballer, born December 1988)|Alex Lima]]
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[2017 Houston Dynamo season|2017]]
|{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Juan David Cabezas]]
|{{Flagicon|PAN}} [[Adolfo Machado]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Alberth Elis]]
|{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Alberth Elis]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2017/12/21/houston-dynamo-announce-2017-team-award-winners|title=Houston Dynamo announce 2017 team award winners|date=December 21, 2017|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|[[2018 Houston Dynamo season|2018]]
|{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[DaMarcus Beasley]]
|{{Flagicon|VEN}} [[Alejandro Fuenmayor]]
|{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Alberth Elis]]
|{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Mauro Manotas]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2018/11/19/dynamo-announce-2018-team-award-winners|title=Dynamo announce 2018 team award winners|date=November 19, 2018|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|[[2019 Houston Dynamo season|2019]]
|{{Flagicon|ARG}} [[Matías Vera]]
|{{Flagicon|SVN}} [[Aljaž Struna]]
|{{Flagicon|ARG}} [[Matías Vera]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Memo Rodríguez|Memo Rodriguez]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[DaMarcus Beasley]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2019/12/04/houston-dynamo-announce-2019-team-awards|title=Houston Dynamo Announce 2019 Team Awards|date=December 4, 2019|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|[[2020 Houston Dynamo season|2020]]
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|
|-
|[[2021 Houston Dynamo FC season|2021]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Fafà Picault]]
|{{Flagicon|ZIM}} [[Teenage Hadebe]]
|{{Flagicon|ZIM}} [[Teenage Hadebe]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Griffin Dorsey]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Fafà Picault]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 17, 2021|title=Houston Dynamo FC announce 2021 Team Awards|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-announce-2021-team-awards|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref>
|-
|[[2022 Houston Dynamo FC season|2022]]
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|Not Awarded
|
|-
|[[2023 Houston Dynamo FC season|2023]]
|{{Flagicon|MEX}} [[Héctor Herrera]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Steve Clark (soccer)|Steve Clark]]||{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Artur (footballer, born 1996)|Artur]]||{{Flagicon|COL}} [[Nelson Quiñónes]]||{{Flagicon|MEX}} [[Héctor Herrera]]||<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Héctor Herrera named team MVP and Player's Player of the Year |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/hector-herrera-named-team-mvp-and-player-s-player-of-the-year |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref>
|-
|[[2024 Houston Dynamo FC season|2024]]
|{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Artur (footballer, born 1996)|Artur]]||{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Micael (footballer, born 2000)|Micael]]||{{Flagicon|ARG}} [[Ezequiel Ponce]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brooklyn Raines]]||{{Flagicon|BRA}} [[Artur (footballer, born 1996)|Artur]]||<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Artur named team MVP and Players’ Player of the Year |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/artur-named-team-mvp-and-players-player-of-the-year |access-date=February 1, 2025 |website=Houston Dynamo FC}}</ref>
|}

==Attendance==

===Average season attendance===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Season
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Regular Season
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|MLS Playoffs
|-
| [[2006 Houston Dynamo season|2006]]
| 18,935
| 20,274
|-
| [[2007 Houston Dynamo season|2007]]
| 15,883
| 30,530
|-
| [[2008 Houston Dynamo season|2008]]
| 16,939
| 30,053
|-
| [[2009 Houston Dynamo season|2009]]
| 17,047
| 27,465
|-
| [[2010 Houston Dynamo season|2010]]
| 17,310
| ''DNQ''
|-
| [[2011 Houston Dynamo season|2011]]
| 17,694
| 24,749
|-
| [[2012 Houston Dynamo season|2012]]
| 20,982
| 21,395
|-
| [[2013 Houston Dynamo season|2013]]
| 19,923
| 21,395
|-
| [[2014 Houston Dynamo season|2014]]
| 20,117
| ''DNQ''
|-
| [[2015 Houston Dynamo season|2015]]
| 20,621
| ''DNQ''
|-
| [[2016 Houston Dynamo season|2016]]
| 19,021
| ''DNQ''
|-
| [[2017 Houston Dynamo season|2017]]
| 17,500
| 17,319
|-
| [[2018 Houston Dynamo season|2018]]
| 16,906
| DNQ
|-
| [[2019 Houston Dynamo season|2019]]
| 15,674
| DNQ
|-
| [[2020 Houston Dynamo season|2020]]
| 4,857
| DNQ
|-
| [[2021 Houston Dynamo season|2021]]
| 12,220
| DNQ
|-
| [[2022 Houston Dynamo season|2022]]
| 16,426
| DNQ
|}

===Highest attended matches===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Attendance
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Date
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Match
! style="background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; border:2px solid #101820;"|Notes
|-
| style="text-align:center" | 30,972
| style="text-align:center" | 11/10/07
| style="text-align:center" | HOU vs. [[Sporting Kansas City|KC]]
| style="text-align:center" | 2007 Western Conference Final
|-
| style="text-align:center" | 30,588
| style="text-align:center" | 10/7/07
| style="text-align:center" | HOU vs. [[LA Galaxy|LA]]
| style="text-align:center" | 2007 Regular Season Match
|-
| style="text-align:center" | 30,361
| style="text-align:center" | 10/18/08
| style="text-align:center" | HOU vs. [[LA Galaxy|LA]]
| style="text-align:center" | 2008 Regular Season Match
|-
| style="text-align:center" | 30,088
| style="text-align:center" | 11/2/07
| style="text-align:center" | HOU vs. [[FC Dallas|DAL]]
| style="text-align:center" | 2007 Western Conference Semi-final
|-
| style="text-align:center" | 30,053 
| style="text-align:center" | 11/9/08
| style="text-align:center" | HOU vs. [[New York Red Bulls|NY]]
| style="text-align:center" | 2008 Western Conference Semi-final
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Houston Dynamo FC}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Houston Dynamo}}
{{Navboxes
| titlestyle = background:#FF6B00; color:#101820; {{box-shadow border|a|#101820|2px}}
| list1 =
{{Houston Dynamo squad}}
{{Houston Dynamo managers}}
{{Houston Dynamo matches}}
{{Major League Soccer}}
{{MLS Cup Winners}}
{{MLS Conference Champions}}
{{USOC winners}}
{{Texas sports}}
{{Houston}}
}}
{{Portal bar|Association football|Texas|United States}}

[[Category:Houston Dynamo FC| ]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 2005]]
[[Category:Soccer clubs in Houston|Dynamo]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer teams]]
[[Category:U.S. Open Cup winners]]
[[Category:Soccer clubs in Texas]]