Houston Dynamo 2025 player report cards: Duane Holmes
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2025 report card series, recapping each Houston Dynamo player’s season. Next up, we look at midfielder Duane Holmes.
2025 Grade: C
2025 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 18
Minutes played: 583
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
(image via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
2025 in review
The Dynamo were still looking for midfield help early in the season when they struck a deal with Duane Holmes from Preston North End. Unfortunately, in what was an omen of what the 2025 season was, Holmes suffered a fracture in his leg in his final match for the English club and was sidelined for his first couple of months in Houston. Holmes made his debut on May 28 and got his first start a month later on June 28.
Holmes played on the wing and deeper in midfield, while looking to provide a spark to an offense that was stagnant for long stretches of the season. At 30 years old and a veteran of English soccer, Holmes showed his skill and technical ability with the Dynamo. When Jack McGlynn was moved higher up the field, right around the time Holmes signed, it kind of took away the need for Holmes on an every-match basis. He made just five starts but his dribbling and ability to get forward and beat defenders gave Houston something that they didn’t really have anywhere else on the roster.
Moment of the season
Holmes scored what proved to be the match-winner in the Dynamo’s 3-2 win at St. Louis CITY SC in August. He crashed the box off a turnover and slotted in a pass from Ondrej Lingr to open his account in Major League Soccer and give the Dynamo a much-needed three points at the time.
Looking forward
Holmes is under contract through 2026 with two more option years. With a healthy, full offseason, Holmes should be a valuable piece for the Dynamo next season. With Sebastian Kowalczyk gone and Amine Bassi seemingly leaving as well, Holmes will likely be the first player off the bench to provide offense when the Dynamo need a spark.
