How a relocated franchise became a powerhouse of early Major League Soccer success
In short: Founded in 2005 after the San Jose Earthquakes relocated, the Houston Dynamo defied expectations by winning back-to-back MLS Cups in their first two seasons. This rapid ascent transformed the club into a league force, though their journey from Robertson Stadium to modern dominance remains a complex tale of shifting ownership.
The Houston Dynamo emerged from a unique administrative maneuver. In December 2005, Major League Soccer granted permission for the San Jose Earthquakes' staff and players to move to Texas. While the league retained the Earthquakes' name and history for a future expansion team, the newly formed Dynamo were officially recognized as a 2006 expansion franchise. The club initially faced local friction over its proposed name, 'Houston 1836,' which critics argued inappropriately celebrated the Texas Revolution. Ownership quickly pivoted to the 'Houston Dynamo,' stripping away the controversial branding to better align with the community.
The team's early performance was nothing short of historic. Under coach Dominic Kinnear, the Dynamo secured consecutive MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007. The 2006 victory was particularly notable as the first MLS final decided by a penalty shootout, where Houston defeated the New England Revolution 4–3. By 2007, the club had established a formidable reputation, including an MLS-record 726-minute shutout streak. This era was defined by key figures like Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosario, who were instrumental in the club's rapid accumulation of silverware.
As the club matured, ownership underwent significant changes. Originally managed by Anschutz Entertainment Group, the Dynamo saw a shift in 2007 when AEG was pressured to divest due to their simultaneous ownership of the Los Angeles Galaxy. A partnership involving Gabriel Brener and boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya eventually took control, with Brener becoming the majority owner by 2015. Despite moving into the soccer-specific Shell Energy Stadium in 2012 and maintaining a 36-match unbeaten streak at home, the club faced fluctuating results, including a playoff drought and a return to championship form with their 2018 U.S. Open Cup win.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Houston Dynamo FC
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