Ezequiel Ponce Houston Dynamo FC Forward #10 Season Highlights and Impact

Ezequiel Ponce, Houston Dynamo FC’s star forward, wears the #10 shirt and, wow, has he made a splash since arriving in 2024. If you’ve caught any Dynamo games this season, you can’t miss how clutch his goals have been. The club brought Ponce in on a record transfer from Greece, and he wasted no time making himself the heartbeat of the attack.

At 28, Ponce brings a mix of experience and sharp movement that’s injected real energy up front. He’s mostly known for his scoring touch, but he’s also out there hustling, tracking back, and setting up teammates with some smart passes.

His recent two-goal performance—yep, including an extra-time winner to take down San Diego FC—pretty much sums up why everyone in Houston is buzzing about his future. If you want all the details and his latest stats, check out his official player page.

Here’s a look at some of Ponce’s key 2025 stats with Houston Dynamo FC:

Stat	Value
Position	Forward, #10
Age	28
Goals (MLS 2025)	8
Appearances	18
Height	1.80m

Ezequiel Ponce’s Signing With Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo FC brought in Ezequiel Ponce as their new number 9, filling a huge need up top. The club made waves with a record-setting transfer, locking him in with a deal that runs through at least 2027.

Record Transfer and Designated Player Status

Houston Dynamo FC turned heads by signing Ezequiel Ponce from AEK Athens, breaking their own transfer record. That move showed everyone that the Dynamo mean business when it comes to chasing top-tier talent. General Manager Pat Onstad made it clear: this signing marks a new direction for the club.

Ponce came in as a Designated Player, which lets the Dynamo pay him outside the usual salary cap. That’s a real vote of confidence from the front office. For Dynamo fans, this move says the team’s not just here to make up the numbers—they want trophies, and they want more goals.

Ponce brings European experience and a reputation as a clinical finisher. With him in the squad, Houston can mix things up tactically and, honestly, you expect the goals to keep coming. Get the full story on his transfer from this official Houston Dynamo news release.

Role as Starting Striker

Houston’s coaching staff counted on Ponce to lead the line right away. Pat Onstad even called him one of the ‘final pieces’ for a title push. With a solid goal-scoring record in Greece and Argentina, Houston’s hoping he’ll deliver when it matters most.

He wears the number 10, which says a lot about the trust the staff have in him. Unlike some signings who need time to settle, Ponce jumped right into the starting lineup and became the main man up front.

Here’s how he did at AEK Athens in 2023-24:

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists
2023-24	32	15	5

He moves off the ball, pulls defenders out of position, and creates better looks for his teammates. If you want a full breakdown, check out this MLS Soccer coverage.

Contract Details and Eligibility

Ponce signed with Houston Dynamo FC through June 2027, and the club can keep him until the end of 2028 if they want. That’s smart business—flexibility for the club, but also a sign they see him as a long-term piece.

With Designated Player status, Dynamo can pay him what he’s worth and not worry about MLS roster rules. After his paperwork went through, he became eligible for MLS matches pretty quickly.

Pat Onstad talked up the club’s new ambition and willingness to spend big, saying it’s a sign of where they’re headed. For the full scoop, check his contract and registration details.

Position and Number: Forward #10

Ezequiel Ponce lines up as Houston Dynamo FC’s #10 forward, and his game is all about movement, finishing, and reading the play. He’s not just lurking in the box—he’s connecting passes, pressing high, and making life tough for defenders.

Impact on the Attack

As the main man up top, Ponce never stops moving in the penalty area. At Houston, he uses his strength and quick feet to carve out chances for himself and create space for others. In his first season, he made his mark with six goals in 14 matches—pretty impressive numbers.

Here’s a look at his latest stats:

Matches Played	Goals Scored	Assists	Shots on Target
14	6	2	17

He scores with both feet and with his head, which keeps defenders guessing. Watch any Dynamo match and you’ll see how his movement pulls defenders out of position, opening up space for guys like Amine Bassi and Erik Dueñas.

Ponce’s work rate also lets Houston press from the front, forcing turnovers and winning the ball back quickly. For more on his style and contributions, check his Houston Dynamo FC player profile.

Tactical Fit Under Ben Olsen

Coach Ben Olsen asks his forward to do more than just finish chances. You’ll catch Ponce dropping deep, linking up with midfielders, and getting involved in the build-up. That fits Olsen’s vision for a mobile, smart striker who leads the press and transitions.

When Dynamo go forward, Ponce positions himself as a target man or combines in tight spots. He makes clever runs, always looking for through balls or quick touches. That unpredictability gives Olsen options when he wants to tweak the formation or tempo.

Ponce understands spacing and timing, helping Houston’s midfielders connect with the attack. His pressing and ground coverage up front also help Olsen’s defensive setup by blocking passing lanes and forcing mistakes. These qualities make him a natural fit for Olsen’s system.

Performance in Major League Soccer

Ezequiel Ponce arrived at Houston Dynamo FC and made an instant impact in the 2024 and 2025 MLS seasons. His knack for scoring and staying calm in pressure moments has lifted Houston’s attack, especially against Western Conference rivals.

MLS Statistics and Highlights

You can’t ignore Ponce’s numbers. In 2025, he’s put up 4 goals in 19 appearances, shaping Houston’s attack week after week. Last season, he scored 5 times in just 10 games—a strike rate any MLS forward would love.

Here’s a look at his current MLS stats:

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024	10	5	—	—
2025	19	4	—	—

Ponce’s quick feet and sharp instincts in the box have translated well from Europe. The Dynamo had a slow start, but his arrival sparked their attack. Every stat tells you he isn’t just a finisher—he lifts the whole team, as you’ll see in the club’s records and match reports.

Influence in Key Matches

Ponce has already delivered some unforgettable moments for Dynamo fans. Remember his two-goal game in that wild 4-3 comeback at San Diego FC? He snapped the home team’s winning streak and put himself on the national radar. It wasn’t just him, but Ponce stepped up with clutch goals late—including the game-winner in extra time.

He’s adapted to the MLS pace and physicality, showing his ability to deliver when the pressure’s on. Each goal against teams like San Diego FC and LAFC gives you a sense of his match-winning skills. For a recap of his standout performance, read about his brace at San Diego FC.

Western Conference Competition

The Western Conference is a real test for any forward. Ponce has shown he can step up against big clubs like LAFC and San Diego FC. Every week, he matches up with some of the league’s toughest defenders and still finds ways to make an impact.

You’ll see his best stuff against playoff contenders—he keeps threatening the goal against teams like New York City FC and Atlanta United, even though they’re from the East. Against Western rivals, Ponce’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat. His form has helped Houston stay in the mix, pushing LAFC and the rest right to the wire.

Previous Career and Transfers

Ezequiel Ponce’s journey has taken him through some of Europe’s top leagues and clubs, all building his reputation as a skilled forward. Each stop helped him grow, sharpen his skills, and boost his value.

Stints at AEK Athens and Spartak Moscow

Ponce made his mark at both AEK Athens and Spartak Moscow. At AEK, he became a fixture in their attack, scoring regularly and playing a key role in their league campaigns. He helped AEK Athens stay competitive in the Super League Greece, which got him noticed by bigger clubs.

His move to Spartak Moscow took him to another level. He competed in European tournaments and went up against some really tough defenders. With Spartak, Ponce played both as a starter and coming off the bench, showing he could adapt to different tactical systems.

Club	Appearances	Goals
AEK Athens	73	23
Spartak Moscow	61	19

Across these clubs, Ponce showed off his athleticism, work rate, and ability to score under pressure. Those performances in Europe set the stage for his move to Houston Dynamo.

Seasons in La Liga and Ligue 1

Alright, let’s talk about Ponce’s time in Spain and France. Before he made headlines in Greece and Russia, he spent some time in La Liga with Granada and Elche. You’d catch him going up against some of the league’s best defenders, learning how to work in a possession-heavy system. He’d make those sneaky runs behind the back line and link up with the midfield—classic striker stuff.

Then he took his talents to Lille in Ligue 1. That league’s famous for turning raw talent into real pros, and Ponce got a taste of that. Sure, he didn’t light up the scoreboard like he later did in Greece, but those matches in France really sharpened his tactical sense.

Spain and France definitely put Ponce’s adaptability to the test. He had to deal with new languages, fresh team cultures, and all sorts of different locker room vibes. That kind of experience? It turned him into a more complete forward, no doubt about it.

Early Career in Argentina and Serie A

Ponce kicked things off at Newell’s Old Boys, one of Argentina’s legendary clubs. If you followed him there, you saw a young kid with serious strength and a real nose for goal.

AS Roma came calling when he was still a teenager. Even though he only got a handful of Serie A appearances, training with some top-tier players in Rome showed him what elite football looked like. He bounced around on loan to get used to the European game.

Those early years in Argentina and Italy set the tone for everything that followed. They gave him the hunger and know-how to chase success wherever he landed.

International Experience

Ponce has put in work for Argentina at the youth level. He’s played for the Argentina U-20 National Team, hit the pitch at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and even got in the mix for the Olympic squad in 2020.

Argentina U-20 National Team

A lot of Ponce’s early international growth happened with the Argentina U-20s. In 2016, he got his first call-up and played up front in a talented group that hit several youth tournaments.

He didn’t waste time—he became a regular starter and showed off his attacking instincts. He played alongside guys who’d go on to big leagues in Europe and South America.

Coaches liked his work rate and how he found space in the box. All those matches under pressure? They got him ready for bigger moments.

Argentina U-20 Appearances Table

Year	Caps	Goals
2016	10	3

Fans really got to see his technical skills and finishing touch in those games.

Participation in FIFA U-20 World Cup

When the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup rolled around, Ponce wore the Argentina shirt on a huge stage. The tournament was in South Korea, with heavyweights like England in the mix.

He played in the group stage, facing some tough squads. His play helped Argentina stay in the fight during those gritty matches.

You could see his work ethic every time he tracked back and linked up with the midfield. He didn’t just score—he helped set up attacks and kept the team moving.

Ponce’s biggest impact might’ve come when Argentina needed goals in tight group stage moments. He finished the tournament with an assist, providing a spark in the final third.

2020 Olympic Games Involvement

By 2020, Ponce had taken another step and found himself in the conversation for Argentina’s Tokyo Olympic squad (which, yeah, ended up being in 2021). The fight for a spot on that team? Brutal. Tons of young stars wanted in.

He joined the training camps and was part of the wider Olympic setup, but didn’t make the final roster for Tokyo. Still, just being in the mix showed how highly Argentina rated him at that age.

Working with top coaches and future national team regulars gave him a little more international seasoning. Even without match minutes, that Olympic experience helped him prep for bigger club and country challenges.

Houston Dynamo FC’s Ambitions and Recent Success

Houston Dynamo FC has really tried to shake things up in Major League Soccer. They’ve mixed some big wins with smart moves off the field. You can feel their ambition just by looking at their trophy case and the way they play.

2023 U.S. Open Cup Triumph

The Dynamo grabbed the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, and that gave fans plenty to cheer about. Winning that trophy? It put Houston back in the national spotlight. It wasn’t just about the silverware—it proved the team’s progress under new leadership.

Players like Coco Carrasquilla stepped up in key matches, pushing the Dynamo forward from midfield. That Open Cup run set the mood for the rest of the season.

Shell Energy Stadium saw some wild nights. The crowd brought the noise, and the team responded. That cup run reminded everyone: Houston knows how to win when it counts.

2023 U.S. Open Cup Key Stats

Statistic	Value
Matches Won	5
Goals Scored	13
Final Opponent	Inter Miami CF

Western Conference Final Run

Houston made noise in the Western Conference playoffs, showing more grit and consistency than they’d had in a long time. Head coach Ben Olsen got the squad defending as a unit and attacking with numbers.

They reached the Conference Final by knocking out higher seeds with balanced play and some clever tactical tweaks. Pat Onstad, the general manager, built a deeper roster and gave Olsen more options to work with.

Those playoff games made it clear: Houston can hang with the best in MLS. They knocked out teams like Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake with tough defense and sharp chemistry up front.

2023 MLS Playoffs: Houston Dynamo FC

Round	Opponent	Result
1st Round	Real Salt Lake	Won
Semifinal	Sporting Kansas City	Won
Western Conf. Final	LAFC	Lost

Key Squad Members and Leadership

Alright, let’s talk about the heart of this squad. Coco Carrasquilla? He sets the tempo in midfield, always linking up defense and attack with a kind of effortless energy.

Then there’s Ezequiel Ponce, who came in hot for 2024. He wasted no time adding some real punch up front.

Of course, you can’t forget captain Héctor Herrera. He’s the steady hand, managing the pace and calming everyone down when things get dicey.

Some of the younger guys have really stepped up lately. It’s a clear sign that Houston’s development pipeline isn’t just hype.

Now, behind the curtain, Pat Onstad and Ben Olsen have put their stamp on this team. Onstad keeps bringing in the right pieces, and Olsen’s got everyone buying into his gritty, disciplined style.

Honestly, their partnership? That’s a big reason why Houston keeps looking sharper every year.