This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘ the Houston Dynamo preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest Dustyn Richardson from “Bayou City Soccer.” You can find that video on Spotify below.
2025 Recap
For the Houston Dynamo, 2025 was both a disappointment and a season of change. They finished with a 9-10-15 record, but only missed the playoffs by 4 points. They were below average both offensively and defensively, and their 12th place finish accurately reflects their 12th place goal differential.
2025 was not without some notable moments. Houston signed DP Ondrej Lingr (left, in Slavia Prague red/white) in the summer transfer record, although with six goal contributions in just under 1,800 minutes, he didn’t acclimate well to the team.
Ezequiel Ponce and Jack McGlynn were far more effective. Ponce led the team with ten goals; McGlynn (shown at right with the USMNT) notched six goals and the same number of assists. Both players had seasons that left fans wanting to see more from their top talent.
Transactions
The Houston Dynamo saw 19 players (and counting) leave the club this offseason, whether it be via trade, sale, or termination. However, looking at the list of outgoing players, the incoming players should be able to replace what was lost and actually improve on last year’s quality.
Incoming players include Héctor Herrera (left), who returns to Houston for a second time from Toluca. This time, however, he is not on a designated player contract.
They also signed Brazilian winger Guilherme from Santos and midfielder Agustin Bouzat from Velez Sarsfield. Both should be day one starters. Overall, this team looks a little better already, and has a $4.4M price tag to prove it.
Depth Chart
The depth chart, much like the Dynamo on the field, seems to be ever evolving. With some speculation, we have a 4-3-3 that sees Jack McGlynn on the right wing, often cutting inside while letting Griffin Dorsey overlap on the wing. We know coach Ben Olsen wants to get Jack McGlynn more of the ball, and playing a wing/center attacking hybrid would do just that.
We are speculating that the Mateusz Bogusz deal gets completed and plugging him as the starting #10. (Editor’s note: The Bogusz deal was confirmed after this story was filed but before it was published. He’s pictured right from when he was at LAFC).
With his joining, Lingr (whose contract might get bought down) would be a super-sub type player.
Rumors have Houston looking into a 3/5 man backline, but depth at the moment seems to prevent that from being an everyday formation. However, tactics could have this 4-3-3 as a 3 man backline in attack anyway. Dorsey plays out of position often, while Felipe Andrade would kick back and form a 3 man backline.
While we think this works on paper, Ben Olsen is responsible for putting it into action.
Questions
- Which player outside out projected starting 11 has the best chance to win a starting job?
- Lucas Halter. If they chose a 3 man backline, he’s already in position to start.
- What are realistic expectations for 2026?
- They should be aiming for the playoffs. Maybe 5-8 range, realistically.
- What are some storylines to follow throughout the season?
- Houston has the 2nd worst home advantage in MLS last season. Can they play better at home?
- What styles will this team match up well against?
- Teams that sit back, who Houston can control play against.
- What styles will this team struggle against?
- Teams that want possession and are solid enough to dictate play.
- Which player improves the most in 2026?
- Jonathan Bond- he HAS to be good for Houston to be successful.
- Which player regresses in 2026?
- Artur. It looked like he lost a step last season.
Hear more, and follow along as I preview all 30 MLS teams before kickoff of the 2026 season!
YouTube- youtube.com/@thedesignatedpundits
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Bob Ventimiglia is a leading soccer podcaster and handicapper, renowned for his sharp analysis and consistent success at the soccer sportsbook.
As a founding member and MLS expert on the BetUS MLS Show, he earned “Capper of the Week” honors four times during his debut season.
Now, he is producer for “The Designated Pundits” MLS podcast and “The High Impact Pundits” NWSL podcast.
💸 BetUS TV MLS Expert (4x Capper of the Week)
📝 Member- North American Soccer Reporters
