Dynamo announce roster decisions following 2023 season
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Major League Soccer offseason waits for no one. Just days after losing the Western Conference Final, the Houston Dynamo have announced their roster decisions as they begin the offseason and preparation for 2024. Houston exercised options on four players, declined options on eight players, and two players are now out of contract and are free agents.
The Dynamo exercsied contract options, meaning they will return for the 2024 season, on midfielder Luis Caicedo, defender Tate Schmitt, forward Thor Ulfarsson, and goalkeeper Xavier Valdez. The club declined options, meaining they will no longer be on the team next season, on forward Ifunanyachi Achara, midfielder Charles Auguste, forward Beto Avila, defender Teenage Hadebe, defender Mujeeb Murana, forward Daniel Rios, and midfielder Matias Vera. Forward Ivan Franco will return to Club Libertad in Paraguay following the conclusion of his loan for this season.
Hadebe’s departure will open a Designated Player spot for the Dynamo, meaning they will now have just two of their three spots filled. Sebas Ferreira and Hector Herrera are the other DPs currently. If the club can buyout Ferreira this offseason, depending on how it is structured, it would open another DP spot. The league is also reportedly considering adding a fourth DP, meaning Houston could bring in three Designated Players this winter.
Forward Corey Baird and defender Griffin Dorsey are both out of contract and are now free agents. According to the press release from the Dynamo, “the club is currently negotiating with select players about their return to the team for the 2024 campaign.” Dorsey became a fan favorite this season as he locked down the right back position in the team’s run to the USOC championship and the Western Conference Final.
The Dynamo’s updated roster heading into this offseason can be seen below, listed alphabetically by position.
Goalkeepers: Steve Clark, Andrew Tarbell, Xavier Valdez
Defenders: Ethan Bartlow, Micael, Franco Escobar, Chase Gasper, Tate Schmitt, Brad Smith, Daniel Steres, Erik Sviatchenko
Midfielders: Luis Caicedo, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Artur, Hector Herrera, Sebastian Kowalczyk, Brooklyn Raines
Forwards: Amine Bassi, Sebas Ferreira, Aliyu Ibrahim, Nelson Quinones, Thor Ulfarsson
