2025 Position Group Preview - Defenders
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Major League Soccer season is fast approaching. The Houston Dynamo will get their 2025 campaign underway on February 22. After two straight playoff appearances, the Dynamo have gone through some changes this offseason. Leading up to the first match against FC Dallas we’ll be breaking down each position group, the players within the group, and some expectations for them. Next up are the defenders.
Obafemi Awodesu
2024 stats (MLS play): 0 appearances
Projected 2025 role: Depth piece/Dynamo 2 starter
Awodesu is a promising center back for the future. Obafemi, better known as Femi, signed a first-team contract for 2025 and will be part of the roster this year. While Femi may not see many minutes with the first team during the regular season, opportunities in competitions like the Leagues Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will provide chances for him to join the game-day roster and possibly log some minutes. Femi will certainly play an important role with Dynamo Dos, where he has established himself as a starter and a leader. Now, under new coach Marcelo Santos, he will need to step up as a key figure for the team.
Ethan Bartlow
2024 stats (MLS play): 16 appearances
Projected 2025 role: Backup center back
Bartlow just turned 25 and is undoubtedly the "next in line" to take over a center-back role. With Sviatchenko nearing the later years of his career and Micael attracting interest from across the soccer world, Ethan Bartlow has firmly established himself as the go-to replacement for either of them when the time comes. He brings a strong presence to the backline, with impressive numbers in blocks, tackles, and successful take-ons. I can definitely see Ethan becoming the next defensive star for Houston Dynamo FC in the future.
Griffin Dorsey
2024 stats (MLS play): 32 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists
Projected 2025 role: Starting right back
Griffin went from being an unknown player to a household name in Houston. His consistency, both defensively and offensively on the right wing, has made him a crucial part of Ben Olsen’s tactical setup. Griffin stretches the field by consistently hugging the right sideline, giving Houston the width they need to control the game and maintain possession. The only concern, however, is the lack of depth in this position, which puts a lot of pressure on Dorsey. Not only does he have to deliver offensively — which he does exceptionally well — but he must also stay healthy throughout the season, as no one else on the team offers the same qualities on that side of the field.
Franco Escobar
2024 stats (MLS play): 32 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists
Projected 2025 role: Starting left back
The fiery Argentinian was brought in to instill a winning mentality across the entire team, and one thing we know for certain is that Franco will bring passion to every pitch he steps on. A highly skilled blocker and interceptor, Escobar has provided solid defensive security in recent seasons and will continue to do so. His presence is particularly important when the team transitions into attack, pushing Griffin Dorsey high up the pitch, while the backline shifts into a makeshift three-man defense with Escobar, Erik, and Micael. Lastly, don’t be surprised if the Rosario native chips in with a handful of goals — he loves to make late runs into the box.
Micael
2024 stats (MLS play): 32 Appearances
Projected 2025 role: Starting left center back
They say a left center back who is actually left-footed is like a unicorn in the soccer world, but when you add the fact that he's also a really good player, you’ve got a true gem. Micael is the perfect partner for Sviatchenko. The young defender quickly seized his role and has shown immense promise, even beginning to attract attention from the wider soccer world. We should savor his talents in 2025 before his inevitable departure. Micael brings physicality and strength to a team that built on a successful 2024 season, where Houston Dynamo FC was one of the teams with the fewest goals conceded.
(Editor’s Note: News broke this morning from Tom Bogert that Brazilian club Palmeiras have agreed a deal to sign Micael for a club-record outgoing fee)
Daniel Steres
2024 stats (MLS play): 21 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists
Projected 2025 role: Jack of all trades off the bench
Daniel Steres — aren’t we all glad he’s back? A player who has, and can, fill any role asked of him in the backline. Re-signed earlier this year with an option for 2026, Daniel’s return was widely welcomed by the fanbase, and I’d wager the coaching staff feels the same, thanks to his versatility and commitment. Steres consistently defends with determination in every match, and he becomes a dangerous asset during Dynamo’s set-piece attacks.
Erik Sviatchenko
2024 stats (MLS play): 31 appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists
Projected 2025 role: Starting right center back
Erik is one of the foundational pillars of this team. He brings both maturity and experience to a role that demands not only those qualities but also leadership, both on and off the pitch. Paired with the younger center back, Micael, the responsibility to lead from the back falls on Sviatchenko due to his extensive experience. His leadership is evident in the way he organizes the defense, and he will need to elevate his game further as he helps guide Andrew Tarbell, who is stepping into the first role of starting goalkeeper.
