Houston, Texas is a city that has a deep history and passion for soccer. From the Houston Stars, who played at the Astrodome from 1967-68, to the Houston Hurricane and the Houston Summit, both operating from 1978-80, professional soccer has been a part of the city for over five decades.
Although there have been a few setbacks in the past, Houston’s soccer culture is as strong as ever and continues to grow every year.
1. Kyle Rote Jr.
Career
- 1969–1972: Sewanee Tigers
- 1972–1978: Dallas Tornado
- 1979: Houston Hurricane
- 1973–1975: United States
- 1983–1984: Memphis Americans
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Kyle Rote Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas in 1950. He played for the Sewanee Tigers from 1969 to 1972. He was a forward and was considered one of the best players in his era.
He was named an All-American twice and was a two-time NCAA Champion. He has since been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. He is currently a basketball coach at the University of Texas.
Kyle Rote Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 16-year professional career with the Dallas Tornado. Kyle Rote Jr. was a versatile player who was able to score inside and out. Kyle Rote Jr. was named to the NBA All-Star Team twice and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Kyle Rote Jr. retired in 1998 after playing his final season with the Houston Hurricane. Kyle Rote Jr. is currently the head coach of the Memphis Americans of the NBA Development League.
Kyle Rote Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player. Kyle Rote Jr. played 16 seasons in the NBA, with the Dallas Tornado, Houston Hurricane, and Memphis Americans.
Kyle Rote Jr. is currently the head coach of the Memphis Americans of the NBA Development League. Kyle Rote Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 16-year professional career with the Dallas Tornado.
2. Marcelo Palomino
Career
- 2012–2019: Houston Dynamo
- 2017–2018: Brazos Valley Cavalry
- 2019–2022: Houston Dynamo
- 2021: Charlotte Independence (loan)
- 2022: Houston Dynamo 2
- 2023: AFC Eskilstuna
- 2016: United States U16
- 2017: United States U17
- 2018: United States U18
- 2019: United States U20
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of January 9, 2023, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 31, 2020
Marcelo Palomino is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for AFC Eskilstuna in Sweden. Palomino spent his youth career with Houston Dynamo, making his professional debut in 2012.
Palomino has made 59 appearances for Houston Dynamo, scoring six goals. Palomino has also represented the United States at under-17 and under-20 level.
Palomino is expected to play a key role for Eskilstuna this season, as they look to land promotion to the Swedish top flight.
Palomino is a versatile player, able to operate in a number of positions on the pitch. Marcelo Palomino is an ambitious player, and is looking to continue his progress in Europe.
Palomino is a hard-working player, who is always looking to contribute to the team. Marcelo Palomino is a talented player, and is expected to continue his career in Europe.
3. Uchenna Uzo
Career
- 2012–2014: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
- 2013: K-W United
- 2016–2017: Phoenix Rising
- 2019: Pittsburgh Riverhounds
- 2020: Chattanooga Red Wolves
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 25, 2020
Uchenna Uzo is a defender who currently plays for the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the United Soccer League. Uzo played college soccer at Wake Forest University.
He was a two-time All-ACC selection and was a first-team All-American in his senior season. Uzo was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the fourth round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft but never played for them.
He then spent two years with the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions. Uzo signed with the Red Wolves in 2018. Uchenna Uzo is a Nigerian-born midfielder who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the USL.
Uzo has played for several clubs in the United States, most recently with the Phoenix Rising in the USL. Uzo has also played for the Coast Carolina Chanticleers in the NCAA. Uzo has represented Nigeria at international level, most notably at the U17 level.
Uzo is a hard-working midfielder who is known for his passing ability. Uzo is expected to be a key player for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the upcoming season.
Uzo is a versatile midfielder who can play in any midfield position. Uzo is a strong defender who is also good at creating chances for his teammates.
Uzo is a promising young midfielder who is expected to continue developing in the future.
4. Christian Duarte
Career
- 2012–2015: Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
- 2015: Ventura County Fusion
- 2016: Portland Timbers 2
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 13, 2016
Christian Duarte was born in Houston, Texas in 1994. He played for Houston Rush before signing with Portland Timbers 2 in July of 2017. Duarte has played in midfield for both Portland Timbers 2 and Houston Rush.
Christian Duarte is a solid midfielder with a lot of potential. He is still young and has a lot of potential to develop. Christian Duarte is a hard worker and is always looking to improve. He is a valuable member of both Portland Timbers 2 and Houston Rush.
Christian Duarte is a versatile midfielder who can play in a number of positions. Christian Duarte is a talented player who has a lot of potential to develop.
Christian Duarte was born on February 26, 1994 in San Jose, California. Christian attended Cal State Bakersfield and played for the Roadrunners from 2012-2015.
He was a prolific scorer during his time there, recording 78 apps (13 goals) and helping the team to two conference championships.
Duarte signed with the Ventura County Fusion in 2016, but only played two matches before moving to the Portland Timbers 2. He has made four appearances for the Timbers 2 so far this season.
Christian Duarte is a versatile midfielder who is known for his deadly finishing. He is a hard-working player who is always looking for opportunities to score.
Christian Duarte is eligible for the United States national team and has been called up for various friendlies in recent months. Christian Duarte is reportedly in talks with a number of clubs in Europe, and he will likely look to take his talents to a higher level next season.
Christian Duarte is currently contracted to the Ventura County Fusion for the 2017 season, but it is likely that he will move on in the near future. He has shown great potential and is definitely one of the most exciting upcoming midfielders in the American game.
Christian Duarte is a versatile player who is comfortable playing as a central midfielder, on the left or right side of the midfield. He is a hard-working player who is always looking to make an impact on the game.
Christian Duarte is a young player with a lot of potential, and he is sure to go on to have a successful career in the American league.
He is a player who is unafraid of taking on defenders, and his passing and shooting ability is top-notch.
5. Juan Carlos Flores
Career
- 2013–2015: Houston Dynamo
- 2016: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- 2016: United States U20
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of September 19, 2016
Juan Carlos Flores was born in Houston, Texas on July 30th, 1997. Flores is a forward who has played for clubs in Mexico and the United States. He first came to prominence with Pachuca, scoring 17 goals in 55 appearances for the club.
Flores then signed for Club America, where he scored 10 goals in 50 appearances. Flores was loaned to Tigres UANL in 2016, where he made 26 appearances and scored 5 goals.
Flores has also played for the United States at youth level, including captaining the U-20s at the Copa America in 2017.
Flores is currently contracted to Tigres UANL and is expected to feature in their upcoming season. Flores was born in Houston, Texas in 1997.
Flores started his youth career with Houston Dynamo in 2013. Flores made his professional debut with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in 2016. Flores has represented the United States U20 team.
Flores is a fast and skillful player who is good in the air. Flores is a promising young player who is likely to play a major role in the future for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.
Flores is a hardworking player who is always trying to improve his skills. Flores is a talented player who is looking to make a name for himself in the professional leagues.
Flores is a fast and skillful player who is good in the air, making him a valuable asset for any team.
6. Bryan Okoh
Career
- 2010–2016: FC Espagnol Lausanne
- 2016–2019: Lausanne-Sport
- 2019: Red Bull Salzburg
- 2019–2021: Liefering
- 2017–2018: Switzerland U15
- 2018–2019: Switzerland U16
- 2019: Switzerland U17
- 2021: Switzerland U21
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:10, 13 August 2021 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 5 December 2021
Bryan Okoh was born on May 16th, 2003 in Houston, Texas. Bryan Okoh started his professional career with SC Freiburg in the 3rd Bundesliga. Bryan Okoh transferred to Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga in Summer 2018.
Bryan Okoh captained the United States Under 17 national team at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Bryan Okoh has been praised for his consistency and leadership at Red Bull Salzburg. Bryan Okoh is 1.88m tall and plays as a Centre-back.
Bryan Okoh is a United States Citizen. Bryan Okoh has 4 siblings. Bryan Okoh is a graduate of the University of Houston.
Bryan Okoh is a versatile defender who can play in any position on the pitch. Okoh has experience playing for both FC Espagnol Lausanne and Lausanne-Sport in the Swiss Super League.
He has made appearances for the Switzerland U15, U16, and U17 teams, and is currently a member of the Switzerland U21 team.
Okoh is a hard-working defender who is always looking to put in a good performance for his team. Bryan Okoh is a versatile defender who can play in any position on the pitch. He has a good range of passing and is able to make crucial interceptions.
Bryan Okoh is a hard-working defender who is always looking to put in a good performance for his team. He is a versatile defender who can play in any position on the pitch.
Bryan Okoh is a versatile defender who can play in any position on the pitch and is a valuable member of the Switzerland U21 team.
Also Played For: fc red bull salzburg
7. Jannick Liburd
Career
- 2020–2023: SønderjyskE
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of November 8, 2020
Jannick Liburd is a 21-year-old American soccer player who currently plays for Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam. He began his career with Houston Dynamo in 2015 and spent the next two seasons on loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht.
In 2018, he joined Feyenoord Rotterdam and has since made 21 appearances for the club. Liburd has also represented the United States at U-17, U-20, and U-23 level. He is known for his strong shot and dribbling ability. Jannick Liburd is a versatile player who can play as a central midfielder or as a forward.
He is regarded as one of the most promising young American players and is expected to play a major role in the future of Feyenoord Rotterdam. Jannick Liburd is a popular player among his team-mates and is highly sought-after by other clubs. He is currently studying business at Stanford University.
8. Susan Bush
Career
- 1999–2002: North Carolina Tar Heels
- 2003: San Diego Spirit
- 1998–2000: United States
- 2003: North Carolina Tar Heels (assistant)
- 2005–2006: Houston Cougars (assistant)
- 2007–2012: Houston Cougars
- 2012–2014: Kinkaid Falcons
- 2014–2019: St. John's Mavericks
- 2019: Dallas Episcopal Eagles
- 2019: SouthStar FC
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Susan Bush was born on November 10, 1980 in Houston, Texas. Bush played forward for both Dallas Episcopal Eagles and SouthStar FC. Bush was a two-time All-American at the University of Texas.
Bush is the wife of former U.S. President George W. Bush and the mother of twins Jenna and Barbara. Bush is the founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Bush was appointed ambassador to the United Nations in 2013.
Bush is a member of the board of directors for the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Bush is a former spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. Bush has been involved in a number of charitable endeavors, including the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Bush played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1999 to 2002 and was a regular in the midfield. Bush was part of the United States U21 team that competed in the 1998 World Cup.
Bush then moved to Houston to join the coaching staff of the Houston Cougars in 2003. In 2006, she moved to coach the Kinkaid Falcons in the USL.
In 2012, she moved to coach the Houston Cougars again, this time in the W-League. In 2014, she moved to coach the St. John's Mavericks in the USL. In 2019, she moved to coach the Dallas Episcopal Eagles in the USL.
Bush has also been a manager in the USL, coaching the Houston Cougars in 2003 and the Kinkaid Falcons in 2005-2006.
Bush is currently the manager of SouthStar FC.
9. Jerson Monteiro
Career
- 2003–2006: UAB Blazers
- 2007: Chicago Fire
- 2007–2008: D.C. United
- 2008: Atlanta Silverbacks
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 October 2011
Jerson Monteiro was born in Luanda, Angola on April 28, 1985. He has played for several clubs in his native country, most notably Académica de Luanda and Sporting de Luanda.
He joined Columbus Crew SC in January 2014. He made his MLS debut on March 14, 2014 in a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. Monteiro scored his first MLS goal on July 10, 2014 in a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
In 2016, Monteiro was named to the MLS All-Star team. He was released by Columbus in November 2017. Monteiro signed with the Atlanta United FC on December 12, 2017.
He has represented Angola at international level and was part of the team that qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Monteiro started his professional career with the UAB Blazers in 2003. He played for the Chicago Fire and D.C. United before joining the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2008.
Monteiro helped the Silverbacks win the league title in 2008. He has also played for the Brazilian national team. Monteiro has made over 100 appearances in the MLS.
He retired from professional football in 2011. Monteiro is now a coach with the Atlanta Silverbacks Academy.
10. Pat Phelan
Career
- 2004–2007: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- 2008: Toronto FC
- 2008–2011: New England Revolution
- 2012: SJK
- 2013: San Antonio Scorpions
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of February 4, 2014, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of August 7, 2010
Patrick Phelan is an American defender who has played for clubs such as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Sporting Kansas City. Phelan has represented the United States at international level and played in the 2006 World Cup.
He is known for his aerial ability and tactical discipline in the defensive midfield position. Phelan signed with Sporting Kansas City in January of 2016 and made his MLS debut that season.
Phelan is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year and was voted into the MLS All-Star Game in both 2016 and 2017.
Phelan has also been named to the MLS Best XI twice. He is the son of former Irish international player and manager Tommy Phelan. Phelan is married with two children.
Patrick Phelan is an American defender who has played for clubs such as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Sporting Kansas City. He is known for his aerial ability and tactical discipline in the defensive midfield position.
Phelan signed with Sporting Kansas City in January of 2016 and made his MLS debut that season.
Phelan is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year and was voted into the MLS All-Star Game in both 2016 and 2017. He is the son of former Irish international player and manager Tommy Phelan. Phelan is married with two children.
11. Nelson Akwari
Career
- 1998–1999: Bradenton Academy
- 2000–2002: UCLA Bruins
- 2002: MetroStars
- 2003–2004: Columbus Crew
- 2003: Cincinnati Riverhawks (loan)
- 2005–2006: Real Salt Lake
- 2007: Charlotte Eagles
- 2008–2009: Charleston Battery
- 2010: Vancouver Whitecaps
- 2011: Los Angeles Blues
- 1999: United States U17
- 2001: United States U20
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of August 13, 2011, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of April 2, 2010
Nelson Akwari was born on February 4, 1982 in Houston, Texas. Akwari attended Bradenton Academy and played for the UCLA Bruins in 2000 and 2002. Akwari has played for the Houston Dynamo since 2007.
Akwari was part of the United States national team at the 2007 FIFA World Cup. Akwari was named to the MLS Best XI in 2008 and 2009. Akwari was part of the US team that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013.
Akwari was part of the US team that won the Copa America in 2015. Akwari was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2016. Akwari announced his retirement from professional football in 2017. Nelson Akwari is a forward who has played for a number of MLS teams, most notably for the MetroStars and Columbus Crew.
Akwari has a good amount of international experience, having played for the United States at both U17 and U20 levels.
Nelson is a hard-working player who always looks to put in a good shift for his team. He's a natural goal scorer, and will be looking to add to his tally in 2011. Nelson is a great team player, and is always willing to help out his teammates on the field.
Nelson is a versatile player, able to play both as a forward and as a midfielder. He's a natural leader, and will be an important part of any team he joins next season.
Nelson is a true professional, and is always prepared to give his all on the field. Nelson is a true all-round player, and is sure to make an impact in MLS next season.
12. Marcus Storey
Career
- 2001: Houston Texans
- 2001–2004: North Carolina Tar Heels
- 2004: Carolina Dynamo
- 2005: Columbus Crew
- 2006: Houston Dynamo
- 2008: TuS Heeslingen
- 2008–2009: SV Wilhelmshaven
- 2009–2010: SV Drochtersen/Assel
- 2010–2011: SV Wilhelmshaven
- 2012–2013: BSV Schwarz-Weiß Rehden
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Marcus Storey has played for the Houston Texans and the Carolina Tar Heels in the NFL. Marcus Storey was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1982. Marcus Storey has played 106 games in the NFL and scored 39 goals.
Marcus Storey was a part of the North Carolina Tar Heels team that won the NCAA Championship in 2004. Marcus Storey is a forward and is 5 feet 9 inches tall. Marcus Storey is a talented and experienced goalkeeper who has played for a number of clubs in Germany.
Marcus Storey has been a regular for SV Wilhelmshaven in the 2nd division and has been a key part of the side's recent success.
Marcus Storey is a very good shot-stopper who is known for his ability to make some spectacular saves. Marcus Storey is a hard worker who is always looking to make a contribution to his team.
Marcus Storey has a good international pedigree, having represented his country at youth level and senior level. Marcus Storey is a very experienced goalkeeper and will be a valuable asset to any side he joins in the future.
Marcus Storey is a very good character and is always willing to give 100% for his team. Marcus Storey is a goalkeeper with a very bright future and is sure to become a key player in the German top flight.
Marcus Storey is a talented goalkeeper who is sure to make an impact in the German top flight.
13. Zak Whitbread
Career
- 1992−2003: Liverpool
- 2003−2006: Liverpool
- 2005−2006: Millwall (loan)
- 2006−2010: Millwall
- 2010−2012: Norwich City
- 2012−2014: Leicester City
- 2013−2014: Derby County (loan)
- 2014−2015: Derby County
- 2015−2016: Shrewsbury Town
- 2003: United States U20
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Zak Whitbread is a centre-back who has played for Liverpool and Manchester United. He is a United States international and was part of the team that reached the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup.
Whitbread was born in Houston, Texas, in 1984. He started his career at Liverpool, playing in the youth team and making his debut in 2002. He made his senior debut for Manchester United in 2006. He was part of the team that won the 2007–08 Premier League title.
Whitbread was part of the Manchester United team that reached the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final. He left Manchester United in 2011 and joined Stoke City.
He left Stoke City in 2013 and joined West Bromwich Albion. Zak Whitbread is a centre-back who has played for Liverpool and Manchester United.
He was born in Houston, Texas, in 1984. He started his career at Liverpool, playing in the youth team and making his debut in 2002. He made his senior debut for Manchester United in 2006.
He was part of the team that won the 2007–08 Premier League title. He was part of the Manchester United team that reached the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final.
He left Manchester United in 2011 and joined Stoke City. He left Stoke City in 2013 and joined West Bromwich Albion.
14. Chad Smith
Career
- 2003–2006: Midwestern State Mustangs
- 2003: Texas Spurs
- 2004: Okanagan Challenge
- 2006: Virginia Beach Submariners
- 2007: FC Dallas
- 2007: Houston Dynamo
- 2008–2011: Charlotte Eagles
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of June 2, 2011
Chad Smith is a defender who played for the United States at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He played college football for the University of Central Florida. Chad Smith is married to actress Jaime King.
Chad Smith has two children; a son, Plato, and a daughter, Willow. Chad Smith is a musician, and he plays the drums. Chad Smith has participated in several charity events, including the One Union Haiti Relief Benefit Concert and the Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert.
Chad Smith has appeared in several feature films and television shows, including "The Fast and the Furious", "The Other Guys", and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".
Chad Smith was born in Houston, Texas, in 1980. Chad Smith is a defender who played for the United States at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Chad Smith was a highly touted defender coming out of high school, and he didn't disappoint in his first year of college.
He started all 38 games for the Eagles and helped lead his team to the playoffs. Smith was drafted by FC Dallas in the 2007 MLS Draft, but he never played for the team. He was traded to the Houston Dynamo in 2008, but was released shortly after.
Smith then signed with the Charlotte Eagles, where he started all 38 games in his second season. He was named USL Defender of the Year in 2010 and helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs again in 2011.
Smith has since retired from playing professionally, but he is still playing for the Eagles in the USL. Smith is a highly respected defender and is known for his strong defensive play.
He is a versatile player who can play anywhere on the pitch. Smith is a good leader on and off the field and is always willing to help his team out. He is a hardworker who always gives his all in every game.
Smith is a natural defender who knows how to read the game and shut down opposing players. He is a valuable member of the Eagles and will continue to play at a high level for many years to come.
15. Brede Hangeland
Career
- 1998–2000: Vidar
- 2000–2005: Viking
- 2006–2008: Copenhagen
- 2008–2014: Fulham
- 2014–2016: Crystal Palace
- 2001–2003: Norway U21
- 2002–2014: Norway
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Hangeland is a world-class centre back who has played for some of the world's biggest clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United. He has made over 250 appearances for Norway and was part of the team that reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
Hangeland is currently with English side Norwich City and is one of the club's key players. He has been married to his wife, Veronika, since 2007. Hangeland has two children, a daughter and a son. In 2012, he was named the Norwegian Footballer of the Year.
Hangeland is a regular in the Norwegian national team and was part of the squad that reached the 2014 World Cup.
He has also represented Norway in international tournaments including the Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. Hangeland is a popular figure in the Norwegian community and is known for his charity work.
16. Sophia Mundy
Career
- 2003–2004: Portland State Vikings
- 2005–2006: Houston Cougars
- 2007: Afturelding
- 2008: Valur
- 2009: Boston Aztec
- 2009: Boston Breakers
- 2010: Atlanta Beat
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:15, May 18, 2010 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22
Sophia Mundy was born on August 15, 1985 in Houston, Texas. Mundy played college soccer at Portland State University. Mundy was drafted by the Washington Freedom in the 2013 WPS Draft.
On October 21, 2013, Mundy made her professional debut in a 3-1 win over the Boston Breakers. Mundy played for the Freedom from 2013 to 2016. On January 12, 2017, Mundy was traded to the Western New York Flash in exchange for rookies Ali Krieger and Crystal Dunn.
Mundy played for the Flash from 2017 to 2018. On December 12, 2018, Mundy was traded to the Orlando Pride in exchange for Sam Kerr. Mundy is currently with the Pride.
Sophia Mundy is a professional soccer player who has played for various clubs in England. Mundy made her debut for the Houston Cougars in 2005 and played for the team for two seasons before transferring to the Afturelding team.
Mundy played for the Boston Aztec in 2009 and 2010 and then transferred to the Atlanta Beat in 2011. Mundy has played for the U.S. Women's National Team and has made appearances in the 2005, 2007, and 2009 World Cups.
Mundy is a midfielder and is known for her passing ability. Mundy is currently a free agent and is rumoured to be retiring at the end of the 2011 season. Mundy is married and has two children.
Mundy has been awarded numerous awards, including the FA Women's Player of the Year in 2007. Mundy is a dedicated family woman and loves spending time with her children and husband.
17. Francisco Navas
Career
- 2006–2009: Deportivo Cali
- 2009–2010: Houston Dynamo
- 2010–2011: Houston Dynamo
- 2012: Atlético Bucaramanga
- 2013: Uniautónoma FC
- 2014: Universitario Popayán
- 2015–2017: Deportes Quindío
- 2010: United States U20
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of December 9, 2016, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 17, 2010
Francisco Navas was born in Houston, Texas in 1991. He started his career with Deportivo Cali in 2006, and played for them until 2009. In 2009, he moved to Houston Dynamo and played for them until 2014.
After leaving Houston Dynamo, Navas spent a year on loan at Levante UD. He joined Manchester City in July 2016 and has since played for them in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. Francisco Navas has played for the Spain national team at U-17, U-19, U-21, and senior levels.
He was a part of the Spanish team that won the 2012 European Championship. Francisco Navas is a midfielder and is known for his accurate passing and dribbling. He is a two-time MLS MVP and was named in the 2016 MLS All-Star Team. Francisco Navas was born on February 12, 1988 in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.
He started his career with his hometown team, Medellín, before moving to Atlético Bucaramanga in Colombia. Francisco moved to the United States in 2010 and played with the U.S. U20 team.
In 2012, he transferred to Atlético Bucaramanga's rivals, Uniautónoma FC, in Colombia. In 2014, Francisco moved to Universitario Popayán in Peru and helped the team to win the Peruvian Primera División.
In 2015, Francisco moved to Quindío, in the Colombian Liga A, and helped the team to win the league and the Colombian Cup. In 2016, Francisco transferred to Atlético Madrid in Spain and played with the team until 2018.
In 2018, Francisco moved back to his home country, Colombia, and signed with Millonarios. Francisco is a versatile player and can play as a striker, midfielder, or defender.
18. Willis Forko
Career
- 2002: South Carolina Gamecocks
- 2003–2005: UConn Huskies
- 2006–2007: Real Salt Lake
- 2008: Vancouver Whitecaps
- 2008–2010: Bodø/Glimt
- 2010: Vancouver Whitecaps
- 2012: Houston Rangers
- 2008: Liberia
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Willis Forko was born on November 12, 1983 in Monrovia, Liberia. Forko played for the Colorado Rapids from 2006 to 2007 and the Houston Dynamo from 2008 to 2011.
Forko suffered a spinal cord injury in a CONCACAF Champions League game against Cruz Azul on November 8, 2021 and died from his injuries eight days later on November 14, 2021 in Houston, Texas.
Willis Forko was 37 years old at the time of his death. Willis Forko was a left-back who played for the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo in the MLS.
Forko was injured in a CONCACAF Champions League game against Cruz Azul on November 8, 2021 and died from his injuries eight days later on November 14, 2021 in Houston, Texas.
Willis Forko was 37 years old at the time of his death. Willis Forko was a left-back who played for the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo in the MLS.
19. Eric Kvello
Career
- 1995–1998: Georgetown Hoyas
- 1999: MetroStars
- 1999–2000: Hershey Wildcats
- 2000: Connecticut Wolves
- 2000–2002: Harrisburg Heat (indoor)
- 2001: Reading Rage
- 2001: Hershey Wildcats
- 2002: Carolina Dynamo
- 2002–2003: Cleveland Force (indoor)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Eric Kvello is a retired American professional soccer player who played as a striker. Eric Kvello played for Georgetown Hoyas from 1995 to 1998 before spending a season with the Chicago Fire.
Kvello then spent two seasons with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven before retiring in 2003. Eric Kvello was a member of the United States national team and made 33 appearances, scoring 10 goals. After retiring, Kvello became a soccer coach.
He is currently the head coach of the Houston Dynamo Academy. Eric Kvello is married and has two children. Kvello is a member of the United States Soccer Hall of Fame. Eric Kvello holds the record for the fastest goal in a U.S. Open Cup match.
He scored in just 10 minutes and 22 seconds in a 2002 match against the Dallas Burn. Eric Kvello is a Houston Dynamo Academy alumni.
20. Glenn Davis
Career
- 1983: Pennsylvania Stoners
- 1984: Houston Dynamos
- 1988: Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Glenn Davis played for the Houston Dynamo from 2004 to 2010. Davis has worked as a commentator for ESPN and FOX Sports in the past. He is also a radio personality, hosting Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on ESPN 97.5 FM.
Davis is a cousin of actress Halle Berry. Davis retired from professional soccer in 2010. He is currently a commentator for Houston Dynamo games on KUBE 57.
Davis was born in Houston, Texas, in 1966. He graduated from Alma mater Davis & Elkins College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Davis currently resides in Houston, Texas. Glenn Davis was a defender who played for Boston University Terriers and Davis & Elkins Senators in his youth career.
Davis played professionally for Columbus Capitals, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and Albany Capitals between 1988-1993. Davis became the manager of the Houston Hurricanes Youth Soccer Club in 2003.
Glenn Davis passed away on February 25, 2016 at the age of 54.
21. Michaela Abam
Career
- 2014–2017: West Virginia University
- 2018: Sky Blue FC
- 2018–2019: Paris FC
- 2019–2020: Real Betis
- 2021: Houston Dash
- 2013: United States U17
- 2018: Cameroon
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 4 May 2020, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:30, 17 July 2022 (UTC)
Michaela Abam was born on 12 June 1997 in Houston, Texas. She is a United States international and plays for Houston Dash in the NWSL. Abam started her youth career at Texas Rush.
She made her professional debut for Houston Dash in the NWSL in March 2019. Abam has represented the United States at under-20, under-23 and senior levels. She has also played for Israel at under-19 and under-23 levels.
Abam is known for her hard work and her ability to get forward. She is a versatile midfielder who can play in any position on the pitch. Abam is a key member of the Houston Dash team and is expected to continue playing for the club in the future.
Abam was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the United States to Nigerian parents. She attended West Virginia University before joining Sky Blue FC in 2018.
Abam has represented the United States at U17 level and Cameroon at senior level. Abam is a hard-working midfielder who is known for her consistency and ability to score goals.
Abam is a key player for Sky Blue FC and is expected to continue to make an impact in the near future. Abam is a versatile player who can play as a midfielder or as a forward.
Abam is a valuable member of the Sky Blue FC squad and is expected to continue to play an important role for the club in the future. Abam is a versatile player who can play as a midfielder or as a forward.
Abam is a hard-working midfielder who is known for her consistency and ability to score goals.
Final Words
Houston has produced some of the best soccer players in history, including David Beckham, George Weah, Brian McBride, and Clint Dempsey. These players have helped the city maintain a strong tradition in the sport, and they will continue to inspire young players to pursue their dreams of becoming the best they can be.
