Houston Dynamo 2025 player report cards: Ezequiel Ponce
(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 striker Ezequiel Ponce.
2025 Grade: B-
2025 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 32
Minutes played: 2,669
Goals: 10
Assists: 1
(image via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
2025 in review
Expectations for Ezequiel Ponce entering the 2025 season were clear — deliver more goals and become the consistent scoring threat the Houston Dynamo envisioned when they invested $8 million to bring him in as a Designated Player. While his effort and defensive work rate remained unquestionable, Ponce once again found himself isolated up top for long stretches, often disconnected from meaningful service in the box.
His relentless pressing and ability to hold up play were valuable assets to Ben Olsen’s system, but those qualities don’t replace what you need most from your leading striker — goals. Ponce started all 32 regular season matches that he appeared in, scoring 10 goals and adding one assist. He took 81 shots with only 24 on target, finishing slightly below his expected goals mark of 12. While that production isn’t poor, it falls short of what you expect from a Designated Player of his caliber.
Much of Ponce’s frustration came from the lack of creativity and consistent service from the midfield and wide players. Too often, he played with his back to goal, doing the dirty work rather than being on the end of quality chances. The effort was there, but the connection between him and the attack still hasn’t clicked at the level the club needs.
Moment of the season
Ponce’s moment of the season came on the road against San Diego, where he silenced Snapdragon Stadium with a brilliant brace that helped the Dynamo secure a massive victory over the eventual Western Conference winners. It was a glimpse of what he can do when properly supplied — composed finishing, clinical movement, and leadership in big moments.
Looking forward
Ezequiel Ponce remains an important piece of the Houston Dynamo’s long-term plans, with his contract running through June 2027 and club options through the end of 2028. This offseason will be crucial for the front office to surround him with more creative and dynamic attacking talent capable of unlocking his full potential. With new attacking reinforcements expected, Ponce will again be under pressure to produce at a higher clip in 2026 — something both he and the fan base will be eager to see.
