Houston Dynamo

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Lore & Background

The Dynamo were recognized as a 2006 expansion team after the San Jose Earthquakes suspended operations for 2006 and 2007 to allow the relocation. Originally named Houston 1836, the franchise changed its name to Houston Dynamo following backlash from the Mexican community regarding the Texas Revolution date. In their first two seasons, the club won consecutive MLS Cups against the New England Revolution in 2006 (decided by penalty shootout) and 2007. The team also reached the MLS Cup finals in 2011 and 2012, finishing as runners-up both times.

In Their Own Story

On April 2, 2006, the Dynamo played their first regular season game at Robertson Stadium, defeating Colorado Rapids 5–2 with Brian Ching scoring four goals. That year, they advanced to the MLS Cup where New England's Taylor Twellman scored in extra time before Brian Ching headed in the tying goal one minute later. The match became the first in MLS history decided by a penalty shootout, which Houston won 4–3. In 2007, after struggling in the regular season and making trades for Richard Mulrooney, Joseph Ngwenya, and Nate Jaqua, the team went on an eleven-game unbeaten streak. They defeated FC Dallas and Kansas City Wizards to reach the MLS Cup again, winning 2–1 on a second-half goal by Dwayne De Rosario.

Reader's Guide

The Dynamo's early history is defined by their immediate success following relocation from San Jose. After playing at Robertson Stadium for six seasons, they moved to Shell Energy Stadium in 2012. The club won the Supporters' Shield runners-up position once in 2008 and reached the final of the now defunct North American SuperLiga, losing to the New England Revolution. Ownership changed in late 2007 when Anschutz Entertainment Group began negotiations with Brener International Group and Golden Boy Promotions (Oscar De La Hoya) to sell a majority stake.

Did You Know?

• The club was originally named Houston 1836 but changed it to Houston Dynamo due to backlash from the Mexican community regarding the Texas Revolution date.
• Brian Ching scored four goals in the Dynamo's first regular season game against Colorado Rapids on April 2, 2006, all assisted by Dwayne De Rosario.
• The 2006 MLS Cup was the first match in MLS history to be decided by a penalty shootout, with Houston defeating New England Revolution 4–3.
• In 2007, the Dynamo set an MLS record with a shutout streak of 726 minutes during an eleven-game unbeaten run.
• The team moved from Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston to Shell Energy Stadium in East Downtown Houston during the 2012 season.