Where we left off last year
2023 season: 51 points, 4th in the Western Conference
The Houston Dynamo defied expectation after expectation last year. Not only did they finish in the top half of the West for just the second time since 2014, but they took down Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to win the U.S. Open Cup.
Not bad for the first season under manager Ben Olsen.
Looking at the players, Hector Herrera played like a changed man after a lackluster start to life in MLS. By his own admission, the former Porto and Atletico Madrid midfielder wasn’t “100% focused” to close out 2022 season. Last year was a different story, though, with the 33-year-old collecting four goals and 11 assists while leading his team to a trophy.
With Herrera pulling the strings from deep next to Artur and Griffin Dorsey enjoying a breakout year with Coco Carrasquilla next to him in the right halfspace, the Dynamo were impressively balanced in 2023.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Griffin Dorsey, RB: Dorsey isn’t a new name in Houston, but re-signing the 24-year-old is one of the Dynamo’s only notable incoming roster moves. He developed into a top-tier right back down the stretch in 2023 and opted to re-sign with Houston in free agency.
- Sebastian Ferriera, ST: Ferreira was a serviceable option up top for Houston in 2022 before being sent out on loan to Brazil for almost all of last year. Now he's back with the Dynamo. Can he add a little more than Corey Baird did for Olsen and co. in 2023?
- Jan Gregus, CM: Gregus, 33, isn’t a flashy, season-altering addition, but he will add capable depth behind Artur and Herrera at the base of Olsen’s midfield.
