Houston Dynamo FC named Pat Onstad as their general manager on Monday.
Onstad, 53, is returning to a Dynamo club with which he won consecutive MLS Cup titles in 2005-06. He also won an MLS Cup with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003.
The two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year recently served as the Columbus Crew’s technical director and vice president of soccer operations. He will assume the general manager’s position with Houston on the heels of the club parting ways with Matt Jordan in August.
“As we went through the search process, Pat clearly showed himself to be the best person for the job based on his experience in a number of leadership roles, his track record of success at every stop and his understanding of our league, our club and our community,” Dynamo majority owner Ted Segal said in a statement. “His preparation and attention to detail during the interview process illustrated the qualities that I believe will make him successful as our general manager. I look forward to working with him to build the Dynamo into championship contenders once again.”
Onstad said he is relishing the opportunity to make Houston a contender again. The Dynamo (6-15-12, 30 points) have been eliminated from postseason contention, marking the fourth consecutive year that they will miss the playoffs.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Dynamo as general manager,” Onstad said. “My family and I loved our time in Houston when I played for the club, and it has been a goal of mine since I retired to return one day and help this club compete for championships again. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait to get to work.”
–Field Level Media