Counting Down Houston Soccer’s Biggest Moments of 2025: 10 Through 6
As we approach what should be a huge 2026 for soccer in the Bayou City, we would be remiss if we didn’t remember 2025. From Houston’s club teams to colleges to international play, these past 12 months have produced some memorable moments. We’re counting down the 10 biggest moments from 2025, starting with numbers 10 through 6 today. Be sure to check back in tomorrow for the top 5.
10. Dynamo dominated by Messi-less Miami
(image via as.com)
This was billed as Lionel Messi’s first trip to play the Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium but it never happened. Miami was in the middle of Concacaf Champions Cup play and rested their star in the visit to Houston. Fans paid a lot of money to see Messi and were left disappointed when he didn’t even make the trip to town. The crowd was still full but the Dynamo delivered an all-time stinker to the eventual MLS Cup champions, losing 4-1.
9. University of Houston takes down University of Texas
(image via Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar)
New head coach Ben Williams and the Houston Cougars got off to a fast start to their season, notably taking down the Texas Longhorns 4-1 in August. The win was Houston’s first over Texas since 2000, a span of nearly 25 years. The Cougars trailed 1-0 at half time but stormed back with four second half goals for a statement win for a program looking to continue building towards prominence.
8. Jane Campell makes history
(image via Houston Dash)
Although the Houston Dash missed the postseason in 2025, captain Jane Campbell hit some big career milestones. Campbell became just the third goalkeeper in league history with 600+ saves and 15,000+ minutes, and is the only one to do both with the same club. Campbell was benched early in the season after some rough outings but regained her spot in the lineup and flourished as the Dash improved vastly after the summer break. Campbell also joined the staff at Rice University this year, as a volunteer assistant coach, continuning to cement her legacy as a Houston legend.
7. Dynamo celebrate 20th season
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo celebrated their 20th season in Houston during 2025. It’s been 20 years since the old San Jose Earthquakes moved to Texas and won MLS Cups in their first two seasons. The club brought back some old legends and honored some of the historic moments the team has had in Houston. Unfortunately, on the field was nothing but a celebration. The Dynamo failed to make the playoffs, signaling a very disappointing end to what was tabbed to be a celebratory campaign.
6. Houston Christian wins Southland Conference, earns NCAA Tournament appearance
(image via Southland Conference)
The Houston Christian Huskies, under head coach Nick Whiting, capped off a memorable 2025 season by winning the Southland Conference tournament and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Olivia Rossman scored in overtime to give HCU a 1-0 win over Stephen F. Austin in the Southland final. It was the third Southland title for the Huskies since they joined the conference in 2013. HCU earned a trip to Baton Rouge to take on nationally ranked LSU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ella Remy scored the program’s first ever goal in NCAA Tournament play but the Huskies fell 4-1 to the Tigers.
