Daniel Steres Houston Dynamo FC Defender #5 Key Contributions and Season Performance
If you’ve caught a Houston Dynamo FC match lately, you’ve definitely noticed Daniel Steres, defender number 5, making his presence felt on the back line. He keeps his cool under pressure and seems to read the game a step ahead of everyone else.
Steres anchors the Dynamo defense, and you can see how much his steady play means to keeping the ball out of Houston’s net.
So, what really sets Steres apart in a league this tough? He’s got years of experience, sharp instincts, and he’s not afraid to step up in big moments.
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This season, he’s already bagged two match-winning goals and helped the Dynamo limit opponents to just 39 goals—one of the league’s best defensive records. If you want to dig into his stats or check out his contract news, you can find it all at the official Houston Dynamo page.
Here’s a quick look at Daniel Steres’ recent stats:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 25 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
Contents
Daniel Steres’ Role At Houston Dynamo FC
Steres brings a veteran presence to Houston Dynamo FC’s back line. The team counts on his leadership and reliability, especially when the game is on the line.
Defensive Contributions and Leadership
Game after game, Steres makes his mark in the heart of the defense. As a central defender with over a decade of pro experience, he brings composure and helps direct the line, often working with Erik Sviatchenko to keep things organized.
His anticipation and aerial skills stand out, especially when the pressure ramps up.
Steres doesn’t just lead on game day—he sets the tone in training and in the locker room too. Younger defenders look to him for guidance, and you can tell the coaches trust him.
His strong relationship with head coach Ben Olsen and GM Pat Onstad keeps him in the lineup and in a leadership role.
Here’s a quick stat snapshot:
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 22 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 | 25 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 9 |
You can see his consistency and how he helps keep the goals against down.
Squad Number and Position
Steres always wears the number 5 for Houston Dynamo FC. That’s classic central defender territory, and he owns it.
He almost always lines up as a center back, whether in a back four or alongside another veteran in a three-man system.
His experience gives Ben Olsen tactical flexibility, letting the coach adjust based on what the match demands.
The club re-signed him through 2025, which says a lot about his value as both a starter and dependable backup.
Here’s where you’ll see Steres on the pitch:
- Center Back (main role)
- Right Back (occasionally)
- Emergency fill-in elsewhere in defense
Key Moments with Houston Dynamo FC
Steres just seems to pop up in big moments. In 2024, he notched two game-winners—one against LA Galaxy and another against San Jose Earthquakes.
His defensive work helped Houston finish among the league’s best in goals allowed.
He played in the Western Conference Final rematch against LAFC, showing composure when things got tight.
Steres’s calm presence helped Houston hold leads late and bounce back from tough spots. In 67 appearances and 47 starts over three seasons, he’s shown why the coaches and teammates value him so much.
You can find more about his highlights at Houston Dynamo FC’s official site.
Recent Performance Highlights
Steres has anchored Houston’s back line with a steady hand, using his experience to keep things organized. His defensive work, goal involvements, and big-game moments have really shaped Houston’s identity over the last couple of years.
2024 and 2025 MLS Seasons
In 2024 and 2025, Steres played a major role for Houston Dynamo FC. Heading into his tenth MLS season, he brought leadership and stability to a team with playoff dreams.
When Houston re-signed him in January, it showed how much the club trusted his steady play.
He started regularly both years, often going up against some of the league’s top scorers—guys like LAFC, Seattle Sounders FC, and FC Dallas. His ability to read the game and keep the back line in sync helped Houston keep their goals against low, even during rough stretches.
Steres’s consistency season after season made him a go-to guy for the coaching staff. His fitness and professionalism kept him ready for anything, whether it was a midseason grind or a late playoff push.
You rarely saw him lose focus or make unforced errors, and that set the tone for the rest of Houston’s defense.
Goals and Assists
Steres isn’t the first name you think of for scoring, but he’s chipped in when it matters, especially on set pieces.
In 2024 and 2025, he picked up some key stats—usually from corners or free kicks. His height and timing make him a real threat in the box.
Table: Daniel Steres Set Piece Contributions
| Season | Goals | Assists | Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| 2025 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
He’s smart about picking his moments to get forward and doesn’t leave the defense exposed. His goals and assists, though not many, have led to some crucial points for Houston—especially in close games down the stretch.
Watch closely, and you’ll see how his two-way play makes a difference in those tense, low-scoring battles.
Notable Matches and Opponents
Steres’s biggest games often come against Western Conference rivals. When Houston faces LA Galaxy, FC Dallas, or Real Salt Lake, he steps up and keeps the league’s top strikers quiet.
In Houston’s 2-1 Decision Day win over LA Galaxy, Steres earned a spot on the MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday.
He shows poise against playoff-caliber teams like LAFC and Seattle Sounders FC, making smart tackles and leading by example.
That 2-0 win over Austin FC? Steres was everywhere—making big challenges and barking out instructions to keep everyone focused.
Against teams like San Jose Earthquakes, his anticipation and reading of the game helped Houston keep things tight, close down space, and limit shots. These performances have played a big part in Houston’s push as a Western Conference contender.
MLS Western Conference Impact
Steres’s steady play has had a real impact on Houston’s standing in the Western Conference. By anchoring the defense, he’s helped the Dynamo stand up to some of the league’s most dangerous attacks.
That kind of stability really matters when goal differential can decide playoff spots late in the year.
Some highlights of Steres’ Western Conference impact:
- Regular starts against LA Galaxy, LAFC, and Seattle Sounders FC.
- Organized Houston’s back line in high-pressure matches, especially away from home.
- Mentored younger defenders and boosted Houston’s playoff chances.
His reliability in big games keeps Houston right in the mix, and you’ll see his name mentioned after just about every big conference result.
Honors And Achievements With Houston Dynamo FC
Daniel Steres has played a big part in Houston Dynamo FC’s recent success. His play has helped the club win trophies and make deep playoff runs.
2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Triumph
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a highlight from Steres’s time in Houston. He played a key defensive role throughout the tournament, helping the Dynamo lift one of American soccer’s oldest trophies.
Houston defended with discipline, and Steres’s awareness made it tough for opponents to break through.
Whether starting or coming off the bench, he kept the back line steady during knockout matches.
That cup win put Houston Dynamo FC back in the national spotlight and earned them a spot in continental play. For Steres, it meant another major trophy and showed his knack for big moments.
You can find more about his Open Cup run on the official player profile.
Western Conference Final Appearance
Steres helped lead Houston Dynamo FC to the MLS Western Conference Final in 2023. All season, he delivered solid defending and tactical flexibility.
The back line benefited from his set-piece marking and calm play, especially in the playoffs.
In the postseason, every little mistake gets magnified. Steres’s presence settled things down, and he helped the younger guys stay locked in.
He made smart decisions and kept the communication up throughout the playoff run.
Houston’s journey ended in the Conference Final, just short of the MLS Cup. Still, it was one of the club’s best seasons in recent memory.
Fans and coaches credited Steres with playing a huge part in that run. For more on Houston’s playoff push, check out LeaguesCup.com.
Club and League Records
Steres’s time with Houston Dynamo FC has seen him rack up a few milestones. After re-signing in January 2025, he reached his 10th MLS season—a big achievement for any pro.
In his first three years with Houston, Steres made 67 appearances and 47 starts. He chipped in six goals and seven assists, which is impressive for a defender.
Here’s a quick stat rundown:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | 67 | 47 | 6 | 7 |
He’s also picked up matchday honors, like being named to the Team of the Matchday by MLSSoccer.com.
Steres’s longevity and production set the bar for new defenders coming in. For the latest numbers, check out his Houston Dynamo FC stats.
Contract And Career Milestones
You’re looking at a defender who’s built a strong reputation over a decade in Major League Soccer. From contract talks to lasting club relationships, Daniel Steres keeps making his mark with Houston Dynamo FC.
Contract Extension Details
Daniel Steres inked a one-year deal with Houston Dynamo FC, which means he’ll stick around for the 2025 season. The contract packs a club option for 2026—clearly, the Dynamo trust his leadership and steady hand on the back line.
If you’re curious about the numbers, Steres is set to earn a base salary of $300,000, with a cap hit right around $323,438 for 2025. That’s a pretty typical setup for a veteran MLS defender, especially one in his mid-thirties.
This deal gives Houston some wiggle room, but also rewards Steres for his experience and consistency.
The club’s willingness to tack on that extra year? That says they still see real value in him.
You can always check out more about his current deal with the Dynamo.
Joining Houston Dynamo FC
Steres landed in Houston back in December 2021, coming over from the LA Galaxy. When he arrived, he brought with him a wealth of experience and a reputation as a steady, reliable defender.
Honestly, it’s not every day you see a center-back adapt that fast, but Steres jumped right into the starting lineup his first year.
The Dynamo needed to rebuild their defense at that point, and Steres helped them stabilize and start climbing the Western Conference standings.
His versatility—being able to slot in at multiple positions—makes him a huge asset for Houston.
If you want the nitty-gritty, the club’s official player page has you covered.
Major League Soccer Tenure
Steres has been around Major League Soccer for over a decade now. Before Houston, he made more than 120 appearances with the LA Galaxy, scoring some important goals and filling in as both a starter and a backup.
Since he joined Houston, Steres has already crossed the 200 MLS appearance mark.
Here’s a quick look at his MLS stats:
| Year | Club | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2021 | LA Galaxy | 123 | 8 | 2 | 10,630 |
| 2022-2024 | Houston Dynamo | 70 | 2 | 3 | 5,900 |
You can bet his leadership and versatility will keep paying off for the Dynamo as he racks up more milestones with the club.
Journey Before Houston: Professional Career
Daniel Steres built his career with grit and a bit of stubborn determination, working his way up through the American soccer ranks.
He bounced through MLS drafts, lower leagues, and had some big moments with major clubs.
LA Galaxy Years
Most folks first got to know Daniel Steres during his time with the LA Galaxy.
He joined in 2016 and wasted no time—he became a regular starter right out of the gate.
That first season, Steres logged over 30 matches, helped the Galaxy reach the playoffs, and made a real impression with his solid defending.
Steres moved between center back and right back, showing off his aerial skills and on-field leadership.
He also found the net during some pretty key matches.
Over several years, he racked up more than 120 games for the Galaxy and scored seven goals.
His consistency and commitment didn’t go unnoticed.
He picked up LA Galaxy II Defender of the Year honors before his MLS breakthrough and left a strong legacy with the club before heading to Houston.
Table: LA Galaxy MLS Stats (2016–2021)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 32 | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 22 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 | 3 | 1 |
| 2020 | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Chivas USA and Early MLS Path
Steres got his first MLS shot with Chivas USA.
They picked him up in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft after college.
He didn’t end up making an official league appearance, but the time still mattered.
He trained and played with the Chivas reserves, picking up valuable experience.
After the club released him, Steres stayed focused on making it in MLS.
That stretch tested him, but every session sharpened his game.
Early on, Steres learned how to deal with setbacks.
Those five months with Chivas USA taught him about the business side of soccer and what it really takes to stick around.
USL and Lower Division Success
Steres found his groove in the USL, and that’s where things started to click.
He played for Wilmington Hammerheads in 2013 and grabbed USL-Pro All-League Second Team honors.
By 2014, he joined LA Galaxy II and became a rock at the back.
Steres picked up LA Galaxy II Defender of the Year two years running, and in 2015, he landed on the USL All-League First Team.
His strong play in the lower leagues showed he had the quality and drive to move up.
Those USL years were crucial—steady match time against tough opposition prepped him for the next level.
His success there opened the door to the Galaxy’s first team, and, eventually, Houston Dynamo FC.
Personal Background And Early Life
Daniel Steres grew up in Burbank, California, and didn’t waste any time making his mark on the soccer field.
He developed discipline and leadership early, traits that shaped his career and his work in the community.
Youth Soccer And High School
Steres started out in Southern California’s lively youth soccer scene, sharpening his skills with local clubs.
At Calabasas High School, he stood out for his athleticism, technical ability, and defensive play.
He wasn’t just another player—Steres often captained his teams, leading by example and effort.
He picked up all-league honors at Calabasas and earned the respect of teammates and coaches.
During his teen years, he juggled school and heavy training.
That taught him time management and resilience, skills that paid off in college and beyond.
San Diego State University Experience
Steres took his game to San Diego State University, playing NCAA Division I soccer for the Aztecs.
He studied and competed against some of the best, learning from experienced coaches.
He started regularly and stepped into leadership roles.
His tactical smarts, aerial strength, and calm under pressure built his reputation.
Steres wore the captain’s armband twice, which says a lot about how much his teammates trusted him.
Here’s a look at how he did in college:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 15 | 2 | 1 |
| Sophomore | 17 | 1 | 2 |
| Junior | 18 | 3 | 1 |
| Senior | 19 | 4 | 2 |
His time at SDSU sharpened his technical and leadership skills.
That set him up for the jump to the pros.
Off-Field Leadership And Community Role
Steres is a lot more than just a soccer player.
Off the field, he takes on leadership roles, connects with fans, mentors young athletes, and supports local community initiatives.
He’s volunteered at youth clinics and gotten involved in outreach, especially in Los Angeles and Houston.
People notice his steady presence and his willingness to give back, passing along lessons from Calabasas High and San Diego State.
Community groups value his commitment to education and athletic development.
Steres’s off-field focus matches the patience and work ethic he shows on the pitch, making him a role model for young players and fans.
Steres In Continental And Domestic Competitions
Daniel Steres has gone up against all kinds of challenges, from domestic knockout games to big international tournaments.
As a defender, he’s played key roles for Houston Dynamo FC, often matching up against top talent from all over North America.
Concacaf Champions Cup Appearances
When Houston Dynamo FC made it to the Concacaf Champions Cup, Steres stepped up on the continental stage.
That tournament brings together the best from MLS, Liga MX, and other top North and Central American leagues.
Steres’s experience and calm presence have helped the Dynamo’s defense hold up against some tricky attackers.
In these matches, he reads the game even better, showing discipline and efficiency.
He’s shown strong one-on-one defending, broken up counterattacks, and won plenty of aerial battles.
Here’s a quick summary of his Champions Cup stats:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Minutes Played | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 180 | 1 |
These outings have only added to his rep as a steady, reliable figure when the heat is on.
Leagues Cup Involvement
Steres has made some key contributions in the Leagues Cup, both as a defender and as a leader.
The Leagues Cup matches MLS clubs against Liga MX squads, so every game is a real test.
In 2024, Steres played a big part in helping Houston Dynamo FC go deep into the group stages, holding his own against unfamiliar opponents.
He helped anchor a defense that kept shot totals down.
In those high-pressure knockout games, Steres’s efforts really matter—you see him organizing the line and making clutch plays in front of goal.
Main contributions in Leagues Cup:
- Multiple starts at center back
- Big interceptions and clearances
- Calm distribution under pressure
When the stakes rise, you want a guy like Steres keeping things steady at the back.
You can check out more about his recent tournament work at his Leagues Cup profile.
U.S. Open Cup Contributions
Let’s talk U.S. Open Cup—one of those tournaments that really separates the contenders from the pretenders across American soccer. Steres, he’s a guy coaches trust in these matches.
The games? They get wild. You need depth, a cool head, and plenty of grit. Whenever the Dynamo rotate the squad, Steres steps in and takes on the job of leading younger teammates.
You’ll catch him barking out instructions, organizing the backline, keeping everyone in line when things get heated or a bit unpredictable. His approach? Pretty simple—win your battles, hold the line, and just clear the danger.
Since he joined up, Houston’s made a few pretty respectable runs in the Open Cup. Steres usually starts and racks up most of the minutes in those knockout rounds, and you can see the defensive numbers back it up.
He’s got a knack for helping Houston sidestep those early exits and make a real push in the tournament.
| Year | U.S. Open Cup Appearances | Starts | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3 | 270 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 | 180 |
Every time the Open Cup rolls around, you know you can count on Steres. If you want the full rundown on his matches and stats, take a look at the Houston Dynamo FC player profile.
