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Houston Dynamos

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Not to be confused with Houston Dynamo.
Houston Dynamos
Full nameHouston Dynamos Soccer Team. (USL).
Nickname(s)"The Dynamos."
Founded1983
Dissolved1991
GroundHouston, Texas, United States.
LeagueUnited Soccer League.

Houston Dynamos was a U.S. soccer team that existed in various forms from 1983 to 1991. In 1991, the team’s owners changed the name to Houston International, but the team lasted only through the 1992 season before folding. The Dynamos were founded by Pete Kane and John M Gaughan. The Dynamos were founded with the intention of a continued building of the sport of soccer in Houston Texas. The Dynamos were the first team to give contracts to its players based on an entire year not on a season. The Houston Dynamos players year round went to parks, schools and events promoting the sport of soccer. In 1985 the Dynamos brought Pele to Houston creating great interest in the sport and spreading goodwill.

1984: United Soccer League

In 1983, the United Soccer League (USL) was formed after the second American Soccer League (ASL) folded that year. The ASL had served as the de facto U.S. second division for decades, but collapsed due to over expansion and financial insolvency. The USL intended to avoid this fate by creating a lean, financially responsible league. In 1984, the league began play with nine teams in three regional divisions. The Houston Dynamos joined the Oklahoma City Stampede and Dallas Americans in the Western Division. The Dynamos gained a significant boost when it signed José Neto. Houston finished third in the league, but second in its division. In the wild card game, the Dynamos defeated the Dallas Americans. In the semifinals, they defeated the Oklahoma City Stampede two games to none. Their run ended in the championship, when they lost 3-0 to the Fort Lauderdale Sun in the third, and deciding, game of the series.

1984 Roster

1985-1986: Independent

In 1985, the Dynamos chose not to return to the USL for the league’s second season when it became apparent the league would not survive. Despite the league’s attempt at financial austerity, it indeed folded eight games into the 1985 season. Having forsaken the USL, the Dynamos played an exhibition schedule as an independent team.[2]

1987-1991: Lone Star Soccer Alliance

In 1987, the Dynamos entered a newly established league, the Lone Star Soccer Alliance.[3][4][5] At the end of the 1990 season, the team ownership changed the team’s name to Houston International for the franchise's final season.[6]

Coaches

Year-by-year

Year League Reg. Season Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
1984 USL 2nd, Western Finals Did not enter
1985 Independent “N/A” “N/A” Did not qualify
1986 Independent “N/A” “N/A” Did not qualify
1987 LSSA 2nd Finals Did not enter
1988 LSSA 2nd Finals Did not enter
1989 LSSA 3rd Semifinals Did not enter
1990 LSSA 4th, Southern Did not qualify Did not enter
1991 LSSA 3rd, Southern Did not qualify Did not enter

Honors

MVP

Coach of the Year

Executive of the Year

Legacy

The MLS team the Houston Dynamo is named after the Dynamos.

References

  1. ^ 1984 roster listing
  2. ^ "www.sover.net". Archived from the original on 2009-06-17. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  3. ^ Lone Star Soccer Alliance
  4. ^ "Sports Briefs". Houston Chronicle. Houston, TX. June 13, 1987.
  5. ^ "sover.net 1987". Archived from the original on 2009-07-31. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  6. ^ Conway, Joe (January 30, 2006). "Can 1836 be a hit where other soccer teams have missed?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
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