Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo were born out of one of MLS's most unusual origin stories — a franchise relocated wholesale from San Jose that immediately became a powerhouse in its new home. The Dynamo's early 2000s run of back-to-back titles established Houston as a serious soccer city almost overnight. The club plays with an identity built on resilience and big-game composure, traits that carried them deep into the playoffs for years. Houston remains one of the more tightly bonded fan communities in MLS.

The Dynamo were formed in Houston in 2005 after the San Jose Earthquakes franchise relocated following that season. Houston won back-to-back MLS Cups in its first two seasons in the city, 2006 and 2007, joining D.C. United as the only clubs to repeat as champions at that point in league history. The Dynamo returned to the MLS Cup final in both 2011 and 2012 but lost both times to the LA Galaxy, and have not won a title since 2007.