Important Players for 2025
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
As the Houston Dynamo embark on the 2025 MLS season, the team faces a transformative period following the departures of key figures such as Héctor Herrera and Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla. In this pivotal season, the contributions of three standout players will be crucial in steering the Dynamo toward success.
Artur
Artur is the engine that keeps the Houston Dynamo’s midfield ticking, providing a level of consistency and reliability that few players can match. His near-ironman status in 2024—missing just 17 minutes of action all season—underscores his durability and importance to the team’s structure. As a defensive midfielder, his ability to recover possession is vital, allowing the Dynamo to maintain control and dictate the tempo of matches. More than just a ball-winner, Artur’s tactical awareness and positioning serve as a security blanket for the team’s more attack-minded midfielders, giving them the freedom to push forward without constantly looking over their shoulders. His presence not only disrupts opposition attacks but also facilitates smoother transitions from defense to offense, making him an indispensable piece of the Dynamo’s system heading into the 2025 season.
Ezequiel Ponce
Ezequiel Ponce represents a new era for the Houston Dynamo’s attack, arriving as the club’s record signing with the expectation of solving their long-standing goal-scoring woes. In just 15 appearances after joining midway through the 2024 season, he found the net six times—an encouraging return that highlighted his ability to capitalize on the chances created in Ben Olsen’s system. While the Dynamo have not struggled to generate opportunities, finishing has often been their Achilles’ heel, making Ponce’s role all the more crucial in 2025. His instincts inside the box, physical presence, and sharp finishing ability provide the cutting edge Houston has been missing. If the Dynamo are to take the next step as a serious contender, Ponce will need to be the player who consistently punishes defenses and converts half-chances into goals.
Erik Sviatchenko
Erik Sviatchenko will be the backbone of the Houston Dynamo’s defense in 2025, taking on a critical leadership role following the departures of captain Héctor Herrera and veteran goalkeeper Steve Clark. With Micael rumored to be on his way to Brazil, Sviatchenko will not only need to anchor the backline but also guide his likely center-back partner, Ethan Bartlow, as the duo adjusts to a new defensive setup. His wealth of experience, gained from years of competing at high levels in Europe, will be invaluable in organizing the Dynamo’s defensive structure, ensuring stability, and providing a calming presence in high-pressure moments. As the most seasoned defender in the squad, his ability to read the game, communicate effectively, and instill confidence in those around him will be crucial in maintaining Houston’s defensive resilience throughout the 2025 season.
