Counting Down Houston Soccer’s Biggest Moments of 2025: 5 Through 1
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, wrapping up with numbers 5 through 1 today. If you missed numbers 10 through 6, you can check them out here.
5. Dynamo sell big pieces
(image via espn.com)
(image via as.com)
The Houston Dynamo were set to look very different going into 2025 after the club declined the option and parted ways with captain Hector Herrera. The roster shake up continued as the Dynamo got and accepted an offer for midfielder Coco Carrasquilla from Pumas in LigaMX. Then on the eve of the MLS season beginning, Houston sold defender Micael to Palmeiras in Brazil for a club-record fee. Between Herrera, Carrasquilla, and Micael, the Dynamo made some good money but lost three vital pieces from their starting eleven. The team never really recovered from losing these players and failed to make the playoffs in 2025.
4. World Cup fever heats up
(image via FIFA World Cup 26 Houston)
The FIFA World Cup will come to North America, and Houston, in 2026 and the prep has already begun. Most qualifying wrapped up this year and the World Cup draw in December got fans buzzing as groups were formed and matches were set for each city. Houston learned that it will host the likes of Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and more. If the announcement of games got people so excited, just wait until we get to the summer and the real show comes to town.
3. Dash snap Kansas City’s unbeaten run
(image via Houston Dash)
After a rough start to the 2025 season, the Houston Dash returned from the summer break and rolled off an impressive streak to get themselves back in playoff contention. As the season wound down, the Dash hosted the NWSL’s best team, the Kansas City Current. Kansas City had already clinched the Shield for the best record in the league and came to Shell Energy Stadium unbeaten in 17 straight matches. Houston showed it could compete with the best of the best as they held the high-powered Current scoreless. Ryan Gareis scored to give the Dash 1-0 win. It didn’t end up getting Houston into the postseason but it laid down a marker that this team is on the rise and ready to compete in 2026.
2. SheBelieves Cup shines at Shell
(image via Michael Wyke/AP)
The United States Women’s National Team returned to Houston when the SheBelieves Cup kicked off at Shell Energy Stadium in February. Japan beat Australia 4-0 in the opening match of the day. The UWSNT took on Colombia in what turned out to be a very cold night in downtown Houston. Catarina Macario scored the opener and Ally Sentnor scored a distance banger to give the Americans a 2-0 win in their opening match of the tournament. Over 15,000 fans braved the cold to see the stars of the women’s game shine in H Town.
1. Mexico beats USA to win Gold Cup
(image via Yahoo Sports)
Houston showed the world that it’s a huge soccer city when the Concacaf Gold Cup Final came to NRG Stadium. The dream match up came to fruition with the USA and Mexico meeting in the region’s marquee final. A sell-out crowd of 70,925 fans packed NRG Stadium to see a great match. Chris Richards scored after just 4 minutes to give the Americans an early lead. Mexico responded with goals from Raul Jimenez, in the first half, and Edson Alvarez’s winner in the second half to give El Tri the championship.
