Houston Dynamo Bids Farewell to Héctor Herrera

Héctor Herrera won’t be around for 2025. And honestly, calling him the team’s linchpin isn’t a stretch. He arrived with one clear mission: transform the club. And boy, did he make it happen, bringing back that fearless energy the Dynamo needed to go toe-to-toe with any opponent. But like every good story, Herrera’s chapter in Houston has come to an end.

At 34, Herrera landed in Houston with a pretty impressive pedigree; former Atlético Madrid player, star in Mexico, and a wealth of experience. He didn’t just show up with big expectations on his shoulders; he carried a promise. That Latin flair, that bit of daring and finesse, he brought that all to the Dynamo’s midfield, and it was just what the team needed. Thanks to him, Houston wasn’t just back in the playoffs; they lifted the Open Cup, a moment that felt almost like redemption for the club. Yet, General Manager Pat Onstad has decided it’s time to look forward. The choice not to renew Herrera’s contract, risky as it may be, signals a fresh path for the Dynamo.

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Now, Onstad makes it clear he wants to preserve the style Herrera helped shape. With ball possession, quick passes, and subtle touches, the Dynamo evolved past being a team just chasing opponents. Under Ben Olsen’s guidance, they’ve grown into a team with identity, a team that knows its game plan and dictates the pace.

Looking to 2025, the focus is on solidifying the foundation and adding young talent. The midfield’s where they’re planning to beef up, possibly with a new leader who brings the same on-field authority but without the limitations that age brought to Herrera in his final season. Onstad openly acknowledged Herrera’s performance didn’t quite hit the mark in 2024, largely due to an injury that kept him off the pitch early in the year. To many, that injury was the beginning of an inevitable decline. Herrera just didn’t recapture the 2023 magic, a season when he was even tossed into MVP conversations. And when he finally returned, it seemed like something was missing, like that old spark was just a bit dimmer.

Herrera won’t be easily forgotten. His departure leaves a hole in the heart of the Dynamo, and his last game in the 2024 playoffs only added to the bittersweet nature of his farewell. Sent off after a heated moment with the ref, it captured the frustration of a season filled with highs and lows for him.

Onstad’s decision isn’t just about stats; it’s about philosophy. He knows the Dynamo needs fresh legs, a new wave of energy to stay competitive in a league where teams are constantly bringing in high-profile talent. Herrera was absolutely the perfect fit for the Dynamo when he joined. But now, with the focus shifting to a rebuild, the team is setting its sights on new profiles, maybe not as flashy but players who can keep up the tempo and style Olsen has cultivated.

Onstad’s let slip that the hunt for reinforcements is already underway, and all signs point to bringing in someone who’ll blend smoothly alongside players like Amine Bassi, Artur, and Coco Carrasquilla. These are names with the potential to carry forward the playstyle that’s been established. Replacing Herrera is no small task, but Onstad seems determined to do whatever it takes to keep this team in the race.