Though they started out in 1996 as a charter member of the MLS – dubbed the San Jose Earthquakes – the Houston Dynamo aren't technically considered an original league team. In fact, the details of the team's move to Houston in 2005 meant it entered the league as an expansion team the following year – despite the fact that the players, coaches, and staff all relocated with the team. It’s an oddball occurrence to be sure, but this hasn’t stopped the Dynamo from becoming a force to be reckoned with on the pitch!

From Cali to Texas

In the early 200s, the Earthquakes were having a rough time in San Jose and couldn't secure their own soccer stadium to save their lives. So, team owner AEG finally decided to move to greener pastures in Houston. The MLS, though, decided to keep the name, colors, and official records of the Earthquakes in San Jose in the hopes to resurrect the property as an expansion team. This meant that while the Dynamo would be composed of veteran players and coaches, they would otherwise be a clean slate with no existing performance records – a brand new expansion team on paper.

As a result, the “new” team had a fantastic inaugural season for 2006. With a record of 11-8-13, the Dynamo finished second in the Western Conference and went on to battle to a win for the MLS Cup. The feat qualified the team for a berth at the CONCACAF Champions Cup for 2007, where they made it to the semifinals before finally washing out. And the club did it all wearing Houston colors, much to the chagrin of the city of San Jose!

More Success to Come

It’s been all smiles since the move to Houston for these pro soccer players. The Dynamo have since gone on to greatness, including their latest success in winning the US Open Cup in 2018. There’s little that can stop this soccer club in its push to continue to bring championships to their new hometown.