Football Season Guide

Suffered through poor 2025 W9 D15 L10. This wasn’t enough to get them to the playoffs. Only 3 teams in the Western Conference scored fewer than Houston’s 46 goals. Defensively looked shaky too. Lack of leadership, this the 1st season after captain Herrera left, and multitude of injury issues led to this poor campaign. The biggest drop was in the home efficiency. Prior 2025 Houston had a top 5 home record in each of the previous 5 years. Last term they achieved only a handful of home wins and this was damaging. Coach Olsen, in charge for 3rd straight season, opted to revamp the squad this winter. Many underperforming players, especially in defence and attack, were let go. Quality was brought to replace them. None more than the returning crowd-favourite Hector Herrera. Houston’s captain for 3 of the last 4 seasons is back and ready to rally the ranks again. Polish winger Bogusz also returns to the MLS, champions with LAFC just a few years back. New CB Halter and duo of experienced LBs provide fresh options in defence. Overall Houston look to have better roster even if the depth is a concern. The only natural CF is Ponce. He missed time injured last term so if he is hurt again this season this could be an issue. That said 2 of the most aggressive wingers Quinones and Ennali missed the entire 2025 but now they can help again. This could see Houston using fluid front line in many games, especially on the road.