Houston Dynamo 2024 player report cards: Sebastian Ferreira
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. Today we dive into Houston’s striker Sebastian Ferreira.
2024 Grade: C
2024 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 18
Minutes played: 723
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
G+ per 96: -0.07
2024 in review
(via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
Sebastián Ferreira had a mixed 2024 season with the Houston Dynamo. Despite being one of the team’s Designated Players, he struggled to deliver consistent, impactful performances. Head coach Ben Olsen entrusted Ferreira with the starting striker role at the beginning of the season, hoping for a rebound after a disappointing 2023 in which Ferreira had fallen out of favor.
However, just 25 minutes into the year, during the team’s Champions Cup match against St. Louis CITY SC, Ferreira suffered a serious hamstring injury that derailed his season. The injury was severe, described by General Manager Pat Onstad as “the muscle almost tearing off the bone.” Unfortunately, Ferreira rushed his recovery, returning to the field before fully regaining fitness. It became evident that he was neither match-ready nor in peak form.
Over the course of the season, Ferreira made 18 league appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists. While he contributed in key moments—such as a late header to secure a draw against Minnesota United—his overall output fell short of expectations for a Designated Player.
Ferreira’s struggles opened the door for other attacking players, such as Aliyu Ibrahim, to take on more prominent scoring responsibilities. With Ferreira’s form hindered by lingering hamstring issues and the team lacking attacking depth, the Dynamo opted to make a record-breaking signing in Ezequiel Ponce. Ponce’s arrival relegated Ferreira to a backup role, solidifying his position further down the depth chart.
Despite these challenges, Ferreira’s technical ability and flashes of brilliance—particularly on set pieces—still made him a valuable squad player. However, he fell short of the centerpiece role envisioned when he first joined the club.
Moment of the season
Ferreira’s standout moment in 2024 came in a match against Ben Olsen’s former team, D.C. United, where the Paraguayan striker delivered a stunning hat trick. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 51st minute, added a second just three minutes later in the 54th, and sealed the hat trick with a clinical finish in the 86th minute.
Looking forward
The Dynamo now face a critical decision with Ferreira: either further integrate him into their tactical setup or reassess his role within the squad. Ferreira is under his DP contract through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. The club may lean toward moving on from the Paraguayan striker, but his decline in form since his debut season has significantly reduced his market value. Another possibility is a contract buyout, but this would be costly for the club and unfavorable for Ferreira. At 26, he's in the prime of his career, but given his recent struggles, finding a new team could prove difficult. Meanwhile, the Dynamo would be left absorbing a significant financial hit. This situation is one to watch closely during the offseason, as both sides weigh their next moves
