Soccer players never get tired of playing the game.

That’s what this page is all about.

Where your FIRST TOUCH SOCCER book ends, the FREE KICK page begins.

It’s a chance for you to learn more about the Dynamo … and for me to talk about some of the great stories I couldn’t squeeze into the book.

Scroll down to get the latest news … and to learn more about American soccer. And check out some of the cool collectibles I have in my home.

Enjoy this site, check back whenever you like, and contact me with any questions or comments.

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Breaking News

Boniek Garcia
(© Panini)

What’s up with the Houston Dynamos

October 20, 2021: Darwin Quintero’s goal to beat the division-leading Seattle Sounders was named MLS Goal of the Week. Quintero eluded five defenders before blasting the ball into the net. Earlier in the same game, his perfect pass set up Maxi Urruti for another brilliant score, which also received voted for Goal of the Week.

2020 Season Preview: Team USA legend Tab Ramos begins his first season as Houston’s coach, but all-time great DeMarcus Beasley has retired as a player. Mauro Manotas, Alberth Elis, and Matias Vera lead the Dynamo into battle.

October 6, 2019: The Dynamo wrapped up their season with a 4–2 home win over the LA Galaxy. The team started the year well, but then stumbled during the summer and fell short of the playoffs. Mauro Manotas, Alberth Elis and Memo Rodriguez—a “homegrown” Texas star—were the main bright spots for Houston in 2019.

May 18, 2019: On “Super Hero Night” in Houston, the Dynamo scored two amazing goals in less than a minute to turn a 0–1 deficit into a 2–1 victory.

2018 Season Preview: After a good showing in the 2017 playoff, Houston sold off its top offensive player, Cubo Torres. Mauro Manotas will have to step up and take his place as the Dynamo’s top scoring threat. The defense will be improved with the addition of young Alejandro Fuenmayor, one of the top players in Venezuela last year.

June 8, 2017: Three Dynamo players appeared for the national team of Honduras in a World Cup qualifying match against Mexico. Boniek Garcia, Alberth Ellis, and Romell Quioto will also play for Honduras in their July 13 match against Panama.

Major League Soccer & the MLS Cup

MLS Cup
(© Major League Soccer)

  • The Dynamo are members of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top soccer league in North America. MLS played its first season in 1996 with 10 teams. In 2017, MLS had 22 teams. Each club plays 34 games in the regular season, followed by the playoffs. The MLS schedule stretches from March to December (including the playoffs). Most pro leagues around he world begin in the fall and end in the spring, leaving time for top players to compete in summer tournaments, such as the World Cup.

  • Much like other U.S. sports leagues, the MLS clubs with the best records compete in postseason playoffs. The winner of each conference advances to the MLS Cup, the league’s one-game championship final.

Collector’s Corner

Eddie Robinson
(© The Upper Deck Company)

Brian Mullan
(© The Upper Deck Company)

More treasures from the author’s collection!

  • Giles Barnes — Forward
    2012–2016
    Giles Barnes used his dribbling and shooting skills to play on Houston’s forward line, and also as a midfielder. He played in England for seven years before joining the Dynamo, and was named team captain at the start of the 2016 season.

  • Eddie Robinson — Defender
    2006–2011
    Eddie Robinson was one of the stars who joined the Dynamo after playing for the San Jose Earthquakes. He won one MLS Cup with San Jose and two more with Houston. Johnson was named to the league’s Best XI team in 2007.

  • Ricardo Clark — Midfielder
    2006–2009 & 2012–
    Ricardo Clark was a college All-American and the second pick in the MLS draft. He starred for Houston’s two MLS Cup winners before playing in Germany for three years. When Clark returned in 2012 he was named Houston’s team MVP.

  • Brian Mullan — Midfielder
    2006–2010
    Brian Mullan won five MLS Cups, including two with Houston. His skill and experience made him an excellent team leader.

  • Geoff Cameron — Defender
    2008–2012
    Geoff Cameron was one of Houston’s best all-around defenders. He rarely let an opponents slip by and was excellent heading balls out of danger. Cameron left Houston to play for Stoke City F.C. in the Premier League.

Fun Facts

Oscar De La Hoya
(Black Book Partners)

Did You Know?

• The first pro soccer team in Houston was the Stars, in the 1960s. The Stars played their home games in the Astrodome. They were followed by the Houston Hurricane, Houston Summit, Houston Dynamos, and Houston Hotshots. Several Mexican League teams played games in Houston and drew big crowds before the Dynamo began play in 2005.

• The team’s mascot is Dynamo Diesel, an orange-haired fox.

• From 2006 to 2011, the Dynamo played in Robertson Stadium on the campus of the University of Houston.

• One of the team’s owners is boxer Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya won championships in six different weight classes.

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