Houston Dynamo Acquire Forward Duncan McGuire
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Today, the Houston Dynamo announced the acquistion of forward Duncan McGuire from Orlando City SC in exchange for $1,250,000 in General Allocation Money. Orlando will receive $600,000 GAM in 2026, $400,000 in 2027, and $250,000 in 2027/28. Orlando may also receive up to an additional $1,150,000 in GAM if certain performance metrics are met. The 25-year-old is signed through 2027 with a club option for 2028.
McGuire was selected sixth overall by Orlando in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. He spent three and a half seasons in central Florida, totaling 109 appearances with 32 goals and 7 assists in all competitions.
“Duncan is a young striker who has demonstrated an ability to score goals consistently and affect games in the final third,” said Houston Dynamo FC President of Soccer Pat Onstad. “He has gained valuable experience for his age, and we believe he has the qualities and mentality to continue improving within our environment. We are pleased to add him to the group and look forward to his contributions as we continue our climb up the table in preparation for the playoffs.”
McGuire earned his first call up to the United States Men’s Senior National Team in 2024 and made his debut off the bench against Slovenia in January of that year. He also played for the U.S. in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris where he started two matches and came off the bench in two more.
In January of 2024, McGuire nearly made a move to England. He flew to the United Kingdom to side for Championship side Blackburn Rovers but they pulled out of the deal. It was then announced the next day that he had signed for Sheffield Wednesday, also in the Championship, on a loan deal with an option to buy. However, the move was denied by the English Football League after the paperwork was not submitted in time, and McGuire returned to Orlando City.
McGuire gives the Dynamo another option up front in their attack. This move could also spell the end of Ezequiel Ponce’s time in Houston. Tom Bogert has reported that clubs in South America have shown interest in the Argentine forward. Spending this amount of money on a young striker makes it seem that he will be the starting striker for Houston. Now, can the club move Ponce and clear a Designated Player spot.
McGuire now gives the Dynamo a proven goal
