Houston Dynamo FC
| The star on the crest is an ad hoc adoption, likely a nod to Texas as it was its own nation. | |||
| Full name | Houston Dynamo | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) |
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| Founded | 2005 | ||
| Ground | BBVA Compass Stadium | ||
| Capacity | 22,039 | ||
| Owner | Philip Anschutz (AEG) | ||
| Co-Owners | Oscar De La Hoya (GBP) Gabriel Brener | ||
| Manager | Owen Coyle | ||
| League | Major League Soccer | ||
| 2013 | Eastern Conference: 4th Overall: 9th Playoffs: Conference finals | ||
| Website | Club website | ||
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Houston Dynamo is an American Major League Soccer club based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2005, the club began play in MLS in 2006, and originally played its home games at Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston campus before moving to the BBVA Compass Stadium during the 2012 season.
The Houston Dynamo won the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups in their first two years following player and coaching staff relocation of the San Jose Earthquakes; the Earthquakes were put on hiatus until 2008. In 2008, the Houston Dynamo became the first Major League Soccer club to secure a point on Mexican soil in the CONCACAF Champions League era.[citation needed]
The Dynamo is owned by majority owners Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in partnership with Brener International Group (headed by Gabriel Brener), and world and Olympic boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya.[1] The team's head coach for its first nine seasons was former U.S. international Dominic Kinnear, who left for San Jose following the 2014 season.
History
The team was created on December 15, 2005 when the San Jose Earthquakes players and head coach Dominic Kinnear were relocated, due to AEG being unable to secure a soccer-specific stadium. Although all of San Jose's players and Kinnear moved to Houston, the team's name, logo, history and statistics were not transferred and remained inactive in San Jose until the Earthquakes were reactivated in 2007. The Houston Dynamo MLS home record attendance currently is 70,550, which was set in 2006.
Inaugural season (2006)
The Dynamo played their first MLS league game on April 2, 2006 at Robertson Stadium in front of a crowd of 25,462. The Dynamo beat the Colorado Rapids 5–2, with Brian Ching scoring four goals, with all four assisted by Dwayne De Rosario. Later in the season, Houston beat established MLS clubs such as D.C. United, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution, Chicago Fire and FC Dallas.
The Dynamo finished their first season with an 11-8-13 record, earning them second place in the Western Conference. In the Conference semifinal playoffs, they beat Chivas USA. They beat Colorado Rapids 3-1 in the Western Conference Final to advance to the MLS Cup.
Houston beat the New England Revolution 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie to win the 2006 MLS Cup on November 12, 2006 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The game 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, and for the first time in MLS history, the championship was decided by a penalty shootout. Kelly Gray and Stuart Holden scored Houston's first two penalty kicks. Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching scored the last two. Goalkeeper Pat Onstad saved New England's Jay Heaps penalty kick to secure the MLS Cup for Houston. By winning the 2006 MLS Cup, Houston qualified for the 2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
2007 season: Repeat
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 Pachuca 2-0 in the first leg but losing 5-2 after extra time in the return leg.
Houston began its 2007 MLS league season with shutouts against Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA. Houston then struggled in the regular season, losing against New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, and New England Revolution. Due to their success in winning the MLS Cup in their first season, Houston were invited to spend the day at the White House on May 29, 2007 and meet with President George W. Bush.
Houston made some significant trades during the 2007 season They traded Kevin Goldthwaite and a first round pick in the 2008 SuperDraft to Toronto FC for Richard Mulrooney. They traded Alejandro Moreno to Columbus Crew in exchange for Joseph Ngwenya. And they traded Kelly Gray to Los Angeles Galaxy for Nate Jaqua. After regrouping and pulling off a win against FC Dallas, Houston began an unbeaten streak of eleven games and a shutout streak of 726 minutes,[2] a new MLS record.
Houston also competed in the inaugural North American SuperLiga, where they dominated the group stages,[citation needed] before losing in a semifinal shootout against Pachuca.
Houston finished in second place in the regular season in the Western Conference, advancing to the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs, where they met FC Dallas in the first round. 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 the second year in a row. 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 their second MLS Cup in a row.
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 owns the Los Angeles Galaxy.[3] 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.[4]
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 will hold 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).[5] De La Hoya has been seen wearing Dynamo colors on his boxing uniform with a small Houston Dynamo logo on his right leg in a fight against boxer Steve Forbes. He has also pledged to help find Dynamo a soccer-specific stadium, though he has been too busy with training to participate significantly in Dynamo decision-making. He has said he would become more involved once he retires in 2009.[6]
2008 season
The Dynamo started early competing in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship debuted on February 20, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Houston qualified to participate in the tournament via their win as MLS Cup Champions. The Houston Dynamo won their first match against Sydney FC, before finishing second place after their 6-1 loss to Gamba Osaka in the final match. The Dynamo was back on the pitch competing in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (qualifying via 2007 MLS Cup Champions). The Dynamo played 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.
The Houston Dynamo opened its home opener with a 3-3 draw with Texas Derby rival, FC Dallas, after falling 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 moving to Robertson Stadium where the Red Bulls defeated the Dynamo 0-3 in front of more than 30,000 fans.
2009 season
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 in the quarterfinals.
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. However, despite their better goal differential, they finished second in the Western Conference, because they lost the regular season series to the Galaxy.
In the playoffs, Houston beat the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on aggregate in extra time. The Dynamo then lost 0-2 in extra time to the Galaxy in the Western Conference final, in a game that was interrupted several times due to rolling blackouts in Los Angeles.
The Dynamo reached the semifinals of the 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.
2010 season
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. In the home opener against Real Salt Lake, Brian Ching suffered a hamstring strain which kept him out for 4–6 weeks. The Dynamo won the game, 2-1, on a pair of penalty goals by Brad Davis. Geoff Cameron was the next player to be lost during the season, after rupturing his PCL during a game against the Chicago Fire; the Fire won the game, 2-0. Cameron returned in August, and scored a 70th minute header from a free kick against D.C. United in the Dynamo's 3-1 win on September 25 in RFK Stadium. The majority of the season saw the Dynamo win, lose, and tie almost in that order (while going winless during the months of June and July) with the club losing out on the playoffs by Week 17, going only 4-7-2 since then. The Dynamo finished the season 9-15-6 (7th in the West, 12th overall) and missed the playoffs for the first time since moving to Houston during the 2005-06 offseason. The Dynamo finished strong, however, with the club's only winning streak at the end of the season against playoff bound teams at San Jose (1-0) on October 16 and at home against Seattle (2-1) on October 23.
During the 2010 season, the Dynamo continued their season with the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The club defeated 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 Morelia on August 5 at Robertson Stadium.
2011 season
 |
The Dynamo ended the 2011 regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of twelve wins, nine losses, and thirteen draws for 49 points. This record was fueled by MVP candidate Brad Davis's league leading 16 assists.
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, 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, but despite this blow, 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 2011 MLS Final. Two seasons prior, the Dynamo faced the Galaxy there in the Western Conference Final, during which several blackouts occurred. The Dynamo were not able to power through the game, surrendering a goal to Landon Donovan in the 72nd minute.
2012 season: A new stadium
They played their first seven MLS regular season matches on the road because BBVA Compass Stadium, the new home of the Dynamo, was being constructed and eventually opened on May 12, 2012. The Dynamo began the 2012 season with a bang, winning their first two matches away at Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes but they were only able to earn another two points from their next five matches, for a total of eight points.
After completion of their new stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, the Dynamo made a victorious home debut on May 12, 2012 vs. D.C. United thanks to a 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. The Dynamo's MLS regular season was marked by ups and downs and changes in formation from a 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and back again by long-time manager Dominic Kinnear. Despite star center back Geoff Cameron's transfer to Stoke City midseason, The Dynamo went unbeaten with a record of 5-0-2 from July 3 to August 3, marked by superb play from captain Brad Davis, Calen Carr, newcomer Macoumba Kandji, new designated player Oscar Boniek Garcia, and the emergence of Will Bruin as a prominent goalscorer, who subsequently went on to lead the Dynamo in scoring with 12 regular season goals. However, some late season lapses caused the Dynamo to drop from second to fifth in the Eastern Conference and only make the playoffs as the wild card.
In the playoffs, the Dynamo traveled to Chicago to face the Chicago Fire in the MLS Wild Card Match. Buoyed by 2 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 Semifinals, which was played over two legs. Behind goals from Adam Moffat and Will Bruin, Houston extended their unbeaten streak at home to 29 games in all competitions, handing Kansas City a 2-0 loss in the first leg in front of 20,689 fans at BBVA Compass Stadium. In front of a crowd of 20,894, Kansas City defeated the Dynamo 1-0, but the Dynamo survived 2-1 on aggregate.
The Dynamo advanced to face D.C. United in the Eastern Conference Finals, with the first leg being played in Houston. Houston won the first leg 3-1, behind goals from Andre Hainault, Will Bruin, and Kofi Sarkodie in front of 22,101 fans. In the second leg, a 33rd minute goal from Oscar Boniek Garcia gave the Dynamo a 1-1 draw, and the Dynamo held on for a 4-2 aggregate win and advanced to their second straight MLS Cup to face the Los Angeles Galaxy
MLS Cup 2012 was hosted by L.A. in a rematch of the 2011 MLS Cup, this time in front of a sellout crowd of 30,510. After getting a goal from Calen Carr in the 44th minute, the Dynamo held a 1-0 halftime lead. However, the 2nd half turned the game on its head, beginning with Carr's ACL tear suffered in the 59th minute. One minute after this injury, the Galaxy equalized through Omar Gonzalez's header. Five minutes later, Landon Donovan sealed the Dynamo's fate just as he had the year before with a penalty after Ricardo Clark handled the ball in the area. Robbie Keane added a third goal for L.A. in stoppage time, and L.A. were crowned MLS Champions for 2012.
The Houston Dynamo managed significant achievements during 2012. During the 2012 season, they were undefeated at home, part of what would eventually become a 36-match unbeaten streak in all competitions that stretched across two stadums and parts of three seasons.[7] Will Bruin emerged in his 2nd year with the team as their leading goal-scorer. Newly acquired Designated Player Oscar Boniek Garcia had a productive half-season, and by season's end had won MLS Latin Player of the Year honors. Their MLS Cup appearance in 2012 marked the Dynamo's 4th MLS Cup appearance in their 7 year existence in the league. 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.
2013 season
The 2013 Dynamo season saw the men in orange continue their home dominance with a 9-4-4 record. Their 36 consecutive game home-win streak was ended by Sporting Kansas City on 12 May, 2013 in a 0-1 loss during which Aurelien Collin heading home the winner. Nevertheless, the Dynamo would make the playoffs yet again 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 Compass Stadium. Will Bruin continued his torrid post season run of goals with a brace in a 3-0 rout against Le Impact.
The Dynamo then had to face New York Red Bulls who had bested them during the regular season in all three meetings, and it looked like they would thrash the Dynamo in the playoffs as well 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, recently returned to full form, scored in stoppage time to complete the Dynamo 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 punished a mistake from the Red Bull defense to tie it up before the half. Enter Omar Cummings for a second time, and for a second time, he scored a thrilling stoppage time goal to put the Houston Dynamo into the Conference Championship for s 3rd consecutive year.
Unfortunately for the Dynamo, that would be as far as they would go. After an uninspired tie at home against Sporting Kansas City, the future champions, the Dynamo would fall 2-1 to Sporting on the return leg in Kansas. However, 2013 would still be considered another in a long line of successes for the Dynamo, and the team had their core players all locked into long-term contracts for the future.
Colors and badge
The colors of the Dynamo crest are orange, black and white, with Space City blue added as an accent and border color. The star on the crest is an ad hoc adoption, likely a nod to 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 sanctioned star was added above the shield in 2008, after wearing the 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 logo in 2009 for their win at MLS Cup 2007.
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Original unused Houston 1836 crest
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Houston Dynamo crest (2006-)
Name
Houston announced the name "Dynamo", on March 7, 2006, which refers to Houston's energy-based industrial economy, as well as a previous Houston soccer team, Houston Dynamos who played in the Lone Star Soccer Alliance and United Soccer League. The official reason for the name is that "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." The name "Dynamo" is also an homage to teams based out in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union -- Dynamo Kyiv, Dinamo Bucureşti, Dynamo Moscow, and Dinamo Zagreb.[8] 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 flag which is light blue and of yet another team in Houston's sports history - the Houston Oilers of the NFL.
Originally, on January 25, 2006, the team had announced that Houston 1836 would be the team name. This followed a 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. The name had perceived ambiguity, however, as it is also the year of Texan independence from Mexico. Houston 1836's logo featured a silhouette of 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 war for Texas independence. Due to protests from Hispanic fans, the name was changed to the Dynamo. The MLS has since not allowed any online surveys to name expansion teams.
Stadiums
| Stadium | Capacity | Location | Year(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robertson Stadium | 32,000 | Houston, TX | 2006–2011 | |
| Carl Lewis Track & Field Stadium | 6,000 | Houston, TX | 2006 | Hosted one game in US Open Cup |
| Aggie Soccer Stadium | 3,500 | College Station, TX | 2007, 2011 | Hosted one game in CONCACAF Champions' Cup, one game in US Open Cup |
| BBVA Compass Stadium | 22,039 | Houston, TX | 2012–present | Have gone 13-0-6 in first 19 MLS regular season games in new stadium |
BBVA Compass 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 Minute Maid Park, across Highway 59 which would be the third sporting facility for Downtown Houston. The venue, now known as BBVA Compass Stadium, opened on May 12, 2012 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 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 will be able to experience unobstructed views from both the lower and upper seating bowls, which are supported by a single concourse.[9] The concourse provides full access around the stadium with easy access to concession and toilet facilities.[9] The fan experience will be enhanced by modern sound and video elements throughout the stadium.[9] Fully integrated broadcast facilities will allow viewers and listeners to feel part of the atmosphere.[9]
Aside from Major League Soccer and international soccer matches, the new Dynamo stadium also hosts Texas Southern University football, concerts, boxing matches, and much more.[9] With its downtown location, the new stadium is now a part of a true Stadium District, which already features Minute Maid 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]
Houston Sports Park
The training facility for the Dynamo first team 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. One of the fields, entitled the Methodist Champions Field, is reserved exclusively for use by the Dynamo and visiting professional teams. The remaining fields are available for public rental. Future plans for the complex will see the construction of a Methodist Hospital physical therapy center and a Competitive Edge Sports Performance facility. The complex, located 10 miles south of BBVA Compass Stadium, was built through a partnership with the City of Houston.
Club culture
Supporters
The Dynamo enjoyed good fan support in its first season. Their first ever match attracted 25,462 fans against Colorado Rapids on April 2, 2006. 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 km) from Houston, in Frisco, Texas.
There are currently four officially recognized Supporter groups, Texian Army, La Bateria, Brickwall Firm and El Batallón.[10]
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.[11] Dynamo Diesel began working alongside the Houston Dynamo marketing and community outreach programs. He is not only present at games, cheering on the team, but also joins the Houston dancers, the Dynamo Girls[12] helping to promote the Dynamo in Houston.[13] The Dynamo Girls were featured in an episode of the MTV reality series Made.[citation needed]
Rivalries
The Houston Dynamo's main rival is FC Dallas. The two teams play for El Capitan, a cannon that goes to the regular season victor.
The Dynamo have also developed an intra-league rivalry with Sporting Kansas City.[14]
The team's main international rival is Pachuca. The Houston Dynamo and Pachuca have faced each other in the North American SuperLiga as well as the CONCACAF Champions League since 2007 and have a combined record of 3-3-1.
Revenue and profitability
The Dynamo's revenues have increased significantly since moving into BBVA Compass Stadium in 2012, propelling the team into profitability.[15] The Dynamo doubled their season ticket sales to 12,000 within one year of moving into the new stadium.[15]
Sponsors
On August 24, 2007, the Houston Dynamo reached a four-year sponsorship deal with Houston based retail electricity provider, Amigo Energy, worth $7.5M. Amigo Energy became the official jersey sponsor. The Dynamo were the fifth league team to sign jersey sponsors.[16] The Amigo Energy logo appeared on all team jerseys, along with other on-field gear, and Amigo Energy also became the official home and business retail energy provider of the Dynamo.
On December 7, 2010, the team announced Greenstar Recycling as their new corporate jersey sponsor. The deal was worth $12.7 million over three years, with two additional option years, making it the largest sponsor in team history. The Greenstar logo appeared on Dynamo game jerseys and all team apparel. Greenstar had managed all recycling and waste management services at BBVA Compass Stadium.[17] The deal ended amicably after just over two years to facilitate Waste Management's acquisition of Greenstar.[18]
In July 2014, the Houston Dynamo and Dash signed a jersey sponsorship deal with BHP Billiton that will extend to 2017, with a two-year option.[19] [20]
Broadcasting
Television
For the 2015 season, Root Sports Southwest will broadcast Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer matches. On February 8, 2012 the Houston Dynamo and Spanish-language television partner MultiMedios Houston reached a broadcast agreement for the 2012 season which includes broadcast of 16 Dynamo regular-season games plus a weekly, 30-minute studio show and "Dynamo al Día", a daily 15-minute show that provides interviews and team-related content.[21] MultiMedios was previously a television partner of the Dynamo from 2006 to 2009. Broadcasts, available in high-definition, feature play-by-play broadcaster Ernesto Chavana and color analysts Willie Gonzalez and Heliodoro Hinojosa.
Previous local TV broadcasters
- CSN Houston
- Fox Sports Houston
- KHOU-DT Channel 11.2
- KYAZ azteca houston (Channel 51) - (Spanish broadcasts)
Radio
We are really excited about this new partnership with the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo have incredible momentum – a winning team, a passionate fan base and a great new stadium. We really look forward to being the radio home of the Dynamo for years to come and part of the fastest growing sport in the United States.
David Gow, Gow Media CEO[22]
In January 2013 the Dynamo announced the start of a new multiyear deal with Gow Media.[22] Effective for the 2013 season, Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM will broadcast all Dynamo games with play-by-play announcer Matt Pedersen, along with a 30-minute pregame and 30-minute postgame show (home games will be followed by a 1-hour post game radio show). Select games will simulcast on sister station ESPN 97.5 FM, when scheduling allows. The deal also includes a weekly radio show hosted by Houston soccer personality Glenn Davis, Dynamo All-Access, airing on Monday nights from 7 - 9 p.m beginning January 21, 2013. The deal ends the relationship with the only other radio station the club has had since its inception: KBME SportsTalk 790 AM.
Spanish radio broadcasts are carried by KEYH 850 AM La Ranchera, with Daniel Mejia calling play-by-play and Alex Parra providing color.
Players and staff
- For details on former players, see All-time Houston Dynamo roster.
Current roster
As of January 21, 2014.[23]
| No. | Position | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Tyler Deric (HGP) |  United States
|
| 2 | DF | Kofi Sarkodie | United States
|
| 3 | DF | Oumar Ballo |  Mali
|
| 4 | DF | Jermaine Taylor |  Jamaica
|
| 5 | DF | Raúl Rodríguez |  Spain
|
| 6 | MF | Nathan Sturgis | United States
|
| 7 | DF | DaMarcus Beasley (DP) | United States
|
| 8 | MF | Luis Garrido |  Honduras
|
| 10 | FW | Giles Barnes |  England
|
| 11 | MF | Brad Davis (Captain) | United States
|
| 12 | FW | Will Bruin | United States
|
| 13 | MF | Ricardo Clark | United States
|
| 14 | FW | Jason Johnson (GA) | Jamaica
|
| 15 | MF | Alexander López (DP) | Honduras
|
| 16 | DF | A.J. Cochran (GA) | United States
|
| 17 | FW | Chandler Hoffman | United States
|
| 18 | DF | David Horst | United States
|
| 19 | FW | Rob Lovejoy | United States
|
| 21 | MF | Zach Steinberger | United States
|
| 22 | MF | Leonel Miranda (on loan from Independiente) |  Argentina
|
| 23 | DF | Taylor Hunter | United States
|
| 26 | DF | Corey Ashe | United States
|
| 27 | MF | Óscar Boniek García | Honduras
|
| 28 | MF | Memo Rodriguez (HGP) | United States
|
| 30 | GK | Michael Lisch | United States
|
| 31 | GK | Joe Willis | United States
|
Out on loan
| No. | Position | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | FW | Erick Torres (DP; on loan to Guadalajara) |  Mexico
|
Team officials
| This section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2014) |
- Owner: Anschutz Entertainment Group
- Equity partners: Oscar De La Hoya, Brener International Group[1]
- Senior club staff
- President of Business Operations —
Chris Canetti - Executive Vice President —
Steve Powell - Senior Vice President — David Tagliarino
- Technical Director & General Manager — Matt Jordan
- Assistant General Manager & Director of Soccer Operations — Nick Kowba
- Coaching staff
- Head coach —
Owen Coyle - Assistant Coach —
Sandy Stewart - Assistant Coach — Wade Barrett
- Sports Performance Director & Fitness Coach — Paul Caffrey
- Head Athletic Trainer — Theron Enns
- Assistant Athletic Trainer — Rory Blevins
Honors
- MLS Western Conference
- Winners (Playoff) (2): 2006, 2007
- Winners (Regular Season): 2008
- MLS Eastern Conference
- Winners (Playoff) (2): 2011, 2012
- Minor Trophies
- Texas Derby Winners (5): 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012
- Carolina Challenge Cup Winners (2): 2006, 2007
- Texas Pro Soccer Festival Winners: 2008
- MLS Reserve Division Winners (2): 2008, 2012
- Dynamo Charities Cup Winners (3): 2009, 2010, 2013
Seasons
| Year | Regular Season | Playoffs | US Open Cup | CONCACAF Champions' League | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2nd, West (11-8-13) | Won Conference Semifinals (Chivas USA 3-2) Won Conference Finals (Colorado Rapids 3-1) Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 4-3) |
Semi-Finals | Could not qualify | |
| 2007 | 2nd, West (15-8-7) | Won Conference Semifinals (FC Dallas 4-1) Won Conference Finals (Kansas City Wizards 2-0) Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 2-1) |
Round of 16 | Semifinals | |
| 2008 | 1st, West (13-5-12) | Lost Conference Semifinals (New York Red Bulls 1-4) | Round of 16 | Champions Cup-Semifinals Champions League-Quarterfinals | |
| 2009 | 2nd, West (13-8-9) | Won Conference Semifinals (Seattle Sounders FC 1-0) Lost Conference Finals (Los Angeles Galaxy 0-2) |
Semi-Finals | Group Stage | |
| 2010 | 7th, West (9-15-6) | Did not qualify | Quarter-Finals | Did not qualify | |
| 2011 | 2nd, East (12-9-13) | Won Conference Semifinals (Philadelphia Union 3-1) Won Conference Finals (Sporting Kansas City 2-0) Lost MLS Cup (Los Angeles Galaxy 0-1) |
Did not qualify† | Did not qualify | |
| 2012 | 5th, East (14-9-11) | Won Knockout Round (Chicago Fire 2-1) Won Conference Semifinals (Sporting Kansas City 2-1) Won Conference Finals (D.C. United 4-2) Lost MLS Cup (Los Angeles Galaxy 1-3) |
Round of 32 | Quarterfinals | |
| 2013 | 4th, East (14-11-9) | Won Knockout Round (Montreal Impact 3-0) Won Conference Semifinals (New York Red Bulls 4-3) Lost Conference Finals (Sporting Kansas City 1-2) |
Fourth Round | Group Stage | |
| 2014 | 8th, East (11-17-6) | Did not qualify | Fifth Round | Did not qualify |
Note †: Eliminated in the Qualification Semifinals.
Team records
International tournaments
The Dynamo participated in competition against international clubs for the two years following their inaugural season. 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.
Rivalry results
| Season | Played | Dynamo Win | Draw | FCD Win | Dynamo Goals | FCD Goals | +/- | Texas Derby Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | Houston Dynamo |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | Houston Dynamo |
| 2008 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | FC Dallas‡ |
| 2009 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | Houston Dynamo |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | FC Dallas |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | Houston Dynamo |
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | Houston Dynamo |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | FC Dallas |
| Total | 20 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 31 | 23 | +8 | Houston Dynamo (5), FC Dallas (3) |
Note ‡: FC Dallas won on away goals rule, 4-2
Key
| * | Neither teams met in the tournament |
| † | Pachuca or Houston did not qualify |
| ‡ | Neither team qualified |
| Season | Played | Dynamo Win | Draw | Pachuca Win | Dynamo Goals | Pachuca Goals | +/- | SuperLiga Rivalry Winner | Dynamo SL Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | C.F. Pachuca§ |
Semi-finals |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | Houston Dynamo | Runners-up |
| 2009‡ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | Houston Dynamo | Semi-finals |
| Total | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | Houston Dynamo (2), Pachuca (0), Tie (1) |
————————— |
Note §: Pachuca won on penalty kicks, 4-3.
| Season | Played | Dynamo Win | Draw | Pachuca Win | Dynamo Goals | Pachuca Goals | +/- | CONCACAF Rivalry Winner | Dynamo CCL Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | Pachuca |
Semi-finals |
| 2008* | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Semi-finals |
| 2008-09† | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Quarterfinals |
| 2009-10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | Pachuca |
Group stage |
| 2010-11‡ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011-12‡ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012-13† | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | TBD |
| Total | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | -4 | Houston Dynamo (0), Pachuca (2) |
————————— |
Player records
Career
|
|
|
MLS regular season only, through December 13, 2013
Season
- Goals: Brian Ching – 13 (2008)[24]
- Assists: Brad Davis – 16 (2011)
- Shutouts: Tally Hall – 12 (2013)[25]
MLS regular season only
Attendance
Average season attendance
| Season | Reg. Season | MLS Playoffs |
| 2006 | 18,935 | 20,274 |
| 2007 | 15,883 | 30,530 |
| 2008 | 16,939 | 30,053 |
| 2009 | 17,047 | 27,465 |
| 2010 | 17,310 | DNQ |
| 2011 | 17,694 | 24,749 |
| 2012 | 20,985 | 21,395 |
| 2013 | 19,923 | 21,395 |
Notes:
- The 19% increase in regular season attendance from 2011 to 2012 coincides with the Dynamo's move into their new stadium.
Highest attended matches
| Attendance | Date | Match | Notes |
| 30,972 | 11/10/07 | HOU vs. KC | 2007 Western Conference Final |
| 30,588 | 10/7/07 | HOU vs. LA | 2007 Regular Season Match |
| 30,361 | 10/18/08 | HOU vs. LA | 2008 Regular Season Match |
| 30,088 | 11/2/07 | HOU vs. DAL | 2007 Western Conference Semi-Final |
| 30,053 | 11/9/08 | HOU vs. NY | 2008 Western Conference Semi-Final |
References
- ^ a b "De La Hoya new Dynamo equity partner". mls.net. February 29, 2008.
- ^ Dynamo allow goal, but stay hot, houstondynamo.com, July 22, 2007
- ^ MLS wants owners to sell Dynamo, Houston Chronicle, November 21, 2007
- ^ Dynamo For Sale; De La Hoya Group Interested, MyFoxHouston.com, November 21, 2007
- ^ De La Hoya on the way to Dynamo, HoustonDynamo.com, February 26, 2008
- ^ Canales, Andrea (May 6, 2008). "De La Hoya plans for his MLS future". ESPN Soccernet. Retrieved June 24, 2008.
- ^ http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2013/05/breaking-down-streak-most-memorable-moments-houston-dynamos-36-home-unbeaten-run
- ^ Eighty-Sixing 1836: Why isn't "Houston" offensive too? Editorial, Enter Stage Right, March 20, 2006
- ^ a b c d e Major League Soccer, L.L.C. "Dynamo Stadium 2012". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
- ^ "Houston Dynamo Supporters". Major League Soccer. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
- ^ "Houston Dynamo introduces 'Dynamo Diesel' as its new mascot". Major League Soccer. April 3, 2007. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
- ^ "Dynamo Girls". Major League Soccer. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
- ^ "Dynamo Diesel: About Diesel". Major League Soccer. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
- ^ Dart, Tom. "Rivalry between Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City brings out the best in both teams". houstondynamo.com. Houston Dynamo. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^ a b Sports Business Journal, MLS club presidents on the season ahead, March 4, 2013, http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/03/04/In-Depth/Presidents.aspx
- ^
Barr, Greg (August 24, 2007). "Dynamo sports soccer sombrero as Amigo Energy sponsors team". Houston Business Journal.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ New Houston shirt deal worth $12.7 million by Ridge Mahoney, December 7, 2010
- ^ "Dynamo cut ties to jersey sponsor Greenstar - Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. March 4, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ "Houston Dynamo enter partnership with BHP Billiton". houstondynamo.com. July 1, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "Dynamo picks BHP Billiton for jersey sponsorship deal". Houston Chronicle. June 30, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "Dynamo, MultiMedios Houston announce TV deal for 2012 season" (Press release). Houston Dynamo. 02/08/2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Houston Dynamo, Gow Media enter multiyear radio partnership" (Press release). Houston Dynamo. January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
- ^ "Players". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ Brian Ching, MLS Soccer. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
- ^ Tally Hall, MLS Soccer. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
External links
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