Houston Dynamo 2024 player report cards: Hector Herrera
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. We continue today with the captain whose Dynamo career has come to an end this week, Hector Herrera.
2024 Grade: C+
2024 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 22
Minutes played: 1616
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
G+ per 96: 0.10
2024 in review
(via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
Hector Herrera’s 2024 season with the Houston Dynamo didn’t quite reach the MVP-caliber level he showed in 2023. His dramatic dismissal in the playoff match against Seattle, where he was sent off, still lingers in fans’ minds. However, a closer look at his season stats reveals a more nuanced story.
Early in the season, Hector missed several games due to a knee injury but made a strong return in late April, re-establishing his role as captain and key playmaker for the Dynamo. Herrera was selected to the 2024 MLS All-Star Team by commissioner Don Garber. While he had a significant contribution to Houston’s midfield and possession play, Herrera had lower-than-expected offensive stats for a Designated Player.
In September, Herrera suffered another setback, this time a hamstring injury sidelined him for five matches, but he returned in time for the season finale to help the Dynamo secure playoff seeding. However, his season concluded with the playoff match against the Sounders, where he was ejected for spitting at a referee during the decisive game, leaving the fans puzzled at his lack of composure.
Overall, Hector’s indisputable talent bolstered Houston’s midfield, but injuries and a season ending disciplinary issue clouded his impact in crucial moments of the season.
Moment of the season
Herrera had a standout performance in the Leagues Cup came against Real Salt Lake, where he truly shined. However, his best showing in MLS play was in the away win over Sporting Kansas City. In that match, the Mexican international created three scoring opportunities and netted a beautiful goal from just outside the penalty area—a stunning strike that highlighted his skill and precision.
Looking forward
The club held an option to bring back the former Mexican international for 2025, however his absences due to injury, his age, and high salary cap hit were major reasons why the club declined to bring him back. Herrera’s Dynamo career ended on a sour note but he will be remembered as one of the best signings in club history and a key to the club’s resurgence.
