If there’s one thing Major League Soccer loves, it’s a good redemption story. And the Houston Dynamo's signing of Júnior Urso has all the makings of one of those tales that either ends in cheers and trophies or fades away as just another name lost in the league’s archives. At 35, the Brazilian midfielder is coming to Houston with a contract through 2025, possibly extending through 2026.
Looking at the numbers, Urso doesn’t exactly make you sit up in your seat. With 13 goals and 10 assists in 117 regular-season MLS games, playing for Orlando City and Charlotte FC, he’s not exactly lighting it up. For a midfielder, it’s not a jaw-dropping stat line, but it’s not a total bust either.
But the Dynamo isn’t just signing Urso, they’re rebuilding. The team saw two key pieces of their midfield walk out the door during this transfer window. Héctor Herrera had his contract option declined, and Coco Carrasquilla headed off to Pumas in Mexico. That’s left a big hole in the engine room, the place that makes the ball tick.
From that angle, it makes sense to bring in a guy who’s already familiar with the MLS shortcuts, and who brings a leadership presence. Not every player can be measured by just goals and assists. Sometimes it’s about the impact they make on the consistency and competitiveness of the team.
And, truth be told, Urso’s never missed a playoff since arriving in the league. Coincidence? Maybe. But teams that go deep in the postseason need players who can handle those big moments. You don’t learn that in practice. You learn it in the heat of the battle, on the field when the stakes are sky-high.
That said, don’t expect Júnior Urso to carry the Houston Dynamo on his back. He’s not that midfielder who controls the game, pulling off magical passes and scoring game-winning goals on his own. But what he can be is the guy who does the dirty work, who keeps things steady, and who makes sure the team stays on track.
The Dynamo’s also brought in Erik Dueñas and Jack McGlynn, two young guys who still have something to prove. With Herrera and Carrasquilla gone, someone’s going to have to step up and take charge in the midfield. Can Urso be that guy? Sure. But if he’s the best player in the middle of the park, then the Dynamo might have a bigger problem than they think.
These days, clubs are looking for young South American and European talents, guys who can be flipped for a profit down the line. Júnior Urso isn’t exactly that guy. At 35, his market value’s pretty much non-existent. His move to the Dynamo isn’t about making a financial investment; it’s a sports gamble. And that could be risky. The league is getting faster, more technical, and players over 30 need to offer more than just experience to keep up.