Who Are Houston Dynamo FC? History, Stats & More
Houston Dynamo FC is based in Houston, Texas. Founded in December 2005, the club was a solution to the relocation of San Jose Earthquakes’ staff and players after the 2005 season ended.
The Dynamos compete in the Western Conference of the MLS. Currently, Ted Segal owns the majority of the shares in the club. This is after the acquisition of the remaining stakes of the club which gives him full control of the ownership of the Houston Dynamo.
History of Houston Dynamo FC: Founded in 2005
Houston Dynamo FC enjoyed thumping success during their inaugural seasons as they won the MLS Cup twice in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, the club clinched the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, cementing its place as one of the most successful teams in MLS.
The team’s colors; orange, white, and “Space City blue”, represent the Houston flag and the NFL’s Houston Oilers. The team had initially announced the name “Houston 1836”, which led to some issues involving Hispanic people in residing the area. The matter was related to the war for Texas’ independence in 1836.
Who was the founder of Houston Dynamo FC?
Houston Dynamo FC was not founded by a single individual, but rather by the ownership group AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group). Houston Dynamo was established in 2006, following the relocation of the San Jose Earthquakes from California to Texas. The previous owner of the Earthquakes, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), became the primary owner of the Dynamo.
AEG was responsible for managing the team’s business operations, which played an important role in establishing the franchise in Houston. During its tenure as owner of the Dynamo, AEG was instrumental in securing the team’s stadium (BBVA Compass Stadium now known as the Shell Energy Stadium) and appointing key personnel such as Oliver Luck as president and general manager.
Current COO of Houston Dynamo FC; Who is Jessica O’Neill?
Jessica O’Neill has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC), where she will be responsible for managing all of the club’s business operations. At the same time, she will continue her duties as the president of the Dash, another organization affiliated with HDFC.
O’Neill’s appointment follows the departure of John Walker, who had previously held the role of President of Business Operations.
O’Neill joined the HDFC as the Dash president in 2022 and was instrumental in recruiting a general manager to supervise all soccer operations, leading the team to its first postseason qualification, and setting attendance records.
Stadium of Houston Dynamo FC: Shell Energy Stadium
Shell Energy Stadium, located in Houston, Texas, is a magnificent soccer-specific stadium that serves as the home for Houston Dynamo FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, and Houston Dash, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. The stadium has undergone several name changes such as BBVA Stadium in 2019, and PNC Stadium after mid of 2021 season.
However, the stadium underwent a new renaming in January 2023 to Shell Energy Stadium, following a naming rights deal worth a whopping $40 million over eight years.
The stadium has established itself as a hub for the city’s soccer enthusiasts, with its top-notch facilities, excellent amenities, and lively atmosphere. It is no surprise that Shell Energy Stadium has become a go-to destination for soccer fans looking to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams in action.
Q: What is the name of Houston Dynamo FC’s stadium?
Ans: The name of the Home stadium of the Houston Dynamo FC is Shells Energy Stadium. All the team’s home games are played in the stadium.
Fans and Culture of Houston Dynamo FC
The Dynamo experienced tremendous fan support during their debut season. While attendance decreased during the following months, the team’s luck changed on August 9th when they played a doubleheader at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
The Dynamo’s supporters remain a vital part of the team’s success, with three officially recognized groups – El Batallón, La Bateria, and Brickwall Firm – lending their vocal and visual support at every game.
Houston Dynamo has established itself as one of the most popular teams in Major League Soccer, thanks in part to its impressive record of sellouts. The team’s relatively young fan base is a testament to its appeal to younger generations.
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC KEY INDIVIDUALS
Notable players in the history of Houston Dynamo FC
Houston Dynamo FC has been fortunate to have a wealth of exceptional talent throughout its history, with many players playing pivotal roles in the team’s success. Among these players are Brian Ching, Dwayne De Rosario, and Brad Davis, who all made significant contributions to the team’s achievements.
Brian Ching’s goal-scoring prowess was crucial to the team’s success, netting 69 goals in 172 appearances, and playing a critical role in helping the team win two MLS Cups. Dwayne De Rosario, who scored 31 goals in 83 appearances, was a key player in the team’s early years, winning the MLS Cup MVP award in 2006 and 2007.
Brad Davis’s midfield prowess contributed significantly to the team’s triumphs, with 16 goals and 43 assists in 271 appearances, earning him six MLS All-Star titles and two MLS Cup wins.
Pat Onstad, Stuart Holden, Boniek Garcia, and Ricardo Clark are also among the players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success. Onstad’s legendary goalkeeping skills helped the team win two MLS Cups and saw him named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year three times. Stuart Holden’s creative midfield play earned him 16 goals in 79 appearances and a spot in the MLS Best XI in 2009.
Boniek Garcia’s dynamic play saw him named to the MLS All-Star team three times, and Ricardo Clark’s consistent performances helped the team win two MLS Cups.
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Best Manager in the history of Houston Dynamo FC
There have been several talented managers in the history of Houston Dynamo FC, but Dominic Kinnear stands out as the most successful. Kinnear led the team from 2006 to 2014, during which time he won two MLS Cups, four conference titles, and reached the playoffs eight times. He also led the team to two US Open Cup finals, although they narrowly missed out on both occasions.
Kinnear’s success with Houston Dynamo FC was built on a strong team ethic, with the players working tirelessly for each other and executing his tactical plans to perfection. He was known for his ability to motivate his players, and his attention to detail was unmatched, with his game plans being meticulously prepared and executed.
Kinnear’s achievements with Houston Dynamo FC are a testament to his coaching ability, and his success at the club earned him recognition as one of the best coaches in MLS history. He has since gone on to coach other teams in the league, but his time at Houston Dynamo will always be remembered as the most successful period in the club’s history.
Q: Who is the COO of Houston Dynamo FC?
Ans. Jessica O’Neill currently serves the role of COO for Houston Dynamo FC.
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC RECORD BREAKERS
All-Time Top Scorers of Houston Dynamo FC
Brian Ching is a former American soccer player who spent most of his career playing for Houston Dynamo FC. Ching was a fan favorite and an instrumental player for the Dynamo, helping the team win back-to-back MLS Championships in 2006 and 2007, as well as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2018.
Ching played as a forward for the Dynamo and was known for his physicality, aerial ability, and skill in front of goal. After retiring as a player in 2013, Ching remained involved with the Dynamo as the team’s managing director and then later as an ambassador.
| Players | Number Of Goals |
| Brian Ching | 67 |
| Mauro Manotas | 64 |
| Will Bruin | 57 |
| Brad Davis | 45 |
| Alberth Elis | 35 |
Q: Who is the all-time highest goal scorer of Houston Dynamo FC?
Ans: Brian Ching has scored the highest goals in the history of Nashville FC.
All-Time top assists provider of Houston Dynamo FC
Brad Davis is a former professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo Football Club. He helped lead the team to two MLS Cup championships and three conference titles.
Davis was known for his impressive skills, leadership, and work ethic, serving as team captain from 2011 to 2015. He retired in 2016 and signed a one-day contract with Houston Dynamo to officially retire as a member of the team.
| Players | Number Of Assists |
| Brad Davis | 97 |
| Boniek Garcia | 32 |
| Alberth Elis | 28 |
| Brian Ching | 27 |
| Brian Mullan | 26 |
Q: Who is the all-time assist provider for Houston Dynamo FC?
Ans. Brad Davis has provided the most assists for Houston Dynamo FC
Most all-time appearances for Houston Dynamo FC?
Ricardo Anthony Clark, a former American soccer player, played as a midfielder for several clubs, including MetroStars, San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, Columbus Crew SC, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Stabæk in Norway.
Clark’s career began at Furman, and he was picked second overall by MetroStars in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. During his time in the MLS, Clark assisted Houston Dynamo in winning two MLS Cups, and he played for the United States national team, tallying three goals and 34 caps.
Clark competed in several international tournaments, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, before retiring from professional football in 2019 after his final two seasons with Columbus Crew SC.
| Player | Number Of Appearances |
| Brad Davis | 322 |
| Ricardo Clark | 295 |
| Boniek Garcia | 266 |
| Corey Ashe | 258 |
| Bobby Boswell | 230 |
Q: When did Houston Dynamo FC start playing in the MLS?
Ans: Houston Dynamo FC was founded in 2005 and started playing in the MLS in 2006.
Most Expensive Transfer in the history of Houston Dynamo FC
Sebastian Ferreira, the Paraguayan International, was signed through the 2025 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2026, the club announced previously. The transfer cost Houston a reported $4.3 Million in totality, making him the most expensive signing in Dynamo history
| Name | Club From | Transfer Amount |
| Sebastian Ferreira | Libertad | $3.91m |
| Alberth Elis | Monterrey | $2.20m |
| Adalberto Carrasquilla | FC Cartagena | $1.82m |
| Tomas Martinez | SC Braga | $1.66m |
| Amine Bassi | FC Metz | $1.50m |
Q: How many MLS Cups have the Houston Dynamo FC won?
Ans: Houston Dynamo FC has won MLS Cup two times in their history, once in 2006 and then again in 2007.
CONCLUSION: Overview of Houston Dynamo FC legacy
Houston Dynamo FC has established a rich legacy in Major League Soccer (MLS) since its founding in 2005. The team has won two MLS Cups and reached four finals, making them one of the most successful clubs in the league.
They have also been consistent in their performance, making the playoffs in 10 of their 16 seasons. In addition, Houston Dynamo has produced several talented players, including Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark, who have gone on to play for the USMNT.
The team’s passionate fanbase and impressive facilities, such as the BBVA Stadium, have made Houston Dynamo FC a beloved institution in the city and a respected opponent in MLS.
