Houston Dynamo 2025 player report cards: Ethan Bartlow
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2025 report card series, recapping each Dynamo player’s season. Today we look at center back Ethan Bartlow.
2025 Grade: C
2025 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 22
Minutes played: 1,326
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
(image via FBref.com/FBcharts.com)
2025 in review
Ethan Bartlow entered the season expecting to secure a starting role alongside veteran Erik Sviatchenko in central defense. He got the Week 1 start, but it came next to rookie Obafemi Awodesu due to Sviatchenko’s early injury — a theme that persisted throughout the season. The opportunity was there for Bartlow to solidify his place, but inconsistency and decision-making issues held him back as the coaching staff rotated center backs in search of stability.
Like Awodesu and Pablo Ortiz, Bartlow struggled under pressure. Poor choices in passing lanes and hesitation in defensive situations often led to dangerous turnovers and counterattacks. Another challenge was confidence — when surrounded by veteran leaders like Steve Clark and Héctor Herrera, Bartlow looked composed and assured. Without them, his uncertainty became far more visible.
Even so, he did provide value. Bartlow finished the season as the team’s most accurate passer among defenders and was one of the best aerial threats on both sides of the ball.
Moment of the season
Bartlow’s standout moment came in the wild 4–3 road win against San Diego. In one of the most entertaining matches of the season, he contributed two assists, playing a crucial role in one of Houston’s most surprising victories of the year. It was a reminder of his technical quality and potential when confident and composed.
Looking forward
The Dynamo announced they would not exercise Bartlow’s club option for 2026, ending his time in Houston. While his development stalled and inconsistency became a concern, his passing ability, aerial strength, and age make him a player who will likely draw attention from other MLS teams or ambitious USL clubs. His future may not be in Houston, but his professional career is far from over.
