Gabriel Segal Houston Dynamo FC Forward #17 Performance Highlights and Statistics

Gabriel Segal, now rocking #17 for Houston Dynamo FC, brings a real spark and some serious promise to the club’s attack. At just 24, he’s already got MLS fans buzzing from coast to coast.

If you’re looking to get a sense of what this guy can do, you’re in the right spot.

Segal kicked off his career in the States before landing with Houston Dynamo FC. He came over from New York City FC after a stint overseas.

He’s bounced through several leagues, showing off his adaptability and skill. That makes his future in Houston even more intriguing, doesn’t it?

Let’s see how his journey and stats stack up as he aims to make a splash in that bold orange kit.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	New York City FC	10	0	0
2024	Houston Dynamo FC	Data Pending	—	—

Curious about Segal’s latest stats? Check out his Houston Dynamo FC profile.

Gabriel Segal at Houston Dynamo FC

Gabriel Segal has injected fresh energy into Houston Dynamo FC’s attack since joining the Western Conference squad. With his arrival, Dynamo fans have noticed new tactics and a real fight for those forward spots.

Player Role and Jersey Number

You’ll spot Segal up top for Houston, wearing #17. As a center-forward, he’s all about holding up play, making those darting runs behind defenders, and—when he gets the chance—burying it in the net.

Houston needed someone with Segal’s nose for goal. His time with other clubs gives him a leg up in adapting to Houston’s pressing style.

By taking on #17, he joins the line of Houston forwards trying to shape the attack every single season.

He’s got a skillset that’s perfect for opening space for wingers and linking up with midfielders. Segal’s off-the-ball work makes him a forward coaches can trust in big MLS moments.

Impact on the Team

Segal’s arrival immediately boosted Houston’s forward depth. The club wanted to add more attacking options after some recent roster shakeups.

His pace and tactical awareness, plus that experience from both the U.S. and abroad, stand out in training and on matchday.

With Segal in the mix, Houston can rotate their attackers and keep legs fresh during those long MLS stretches. You can spot improvements in the build-up and more chances in front of goal.

Coaches trust Segal to come off the bench or start, depending on what the moment calls for.

He’s become a new focal point, pushing the pace and giving Houston fresh tactical looks up top. His chemistry with the midfield? It’s made the attack less predictable for opposing defenses.

Debut and Early Performances

Segal landed in Houston before the 2025 MLS season after a trade with New York City FC. The deal included a third-round SuperDraft pick and a sell-on percentage if he moves again.

He started out coming off the bench, then earned some starts as a forward for the Dynamo. He brought energy and quick movement to the attacking third.

In those first few games, Segal created real scoring chances and pressed hard against defenders. Here’s a look at his early Dynamo numbers:

Stat	Number
Matches Played	6
Goals	2
Assists	1
Shots on Target	8
Minutes Played	380

These performances have helped Houston develop a more flexible attack as 2025 rolls along. For more on his transfer and updates, check the Dynamo official roster.

Transfer from New York City FC

Gabriel Segal made the move from New York City FC to Houston Dynamo FC, aiming to add some punch to their attack. Let’s dig into the details of that trade and what it means for both sides.

Deal Details and Context

Houston Dynamo FC picked up Segal from NYCFC in February 2024. In return, they sent a third-round 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick up north.

NYCFC kept a percentage of any future transfer fee if Segal moves again. Segal had made 10 appearances and scored two goals for NYCFC in 2023 before Houston came calling.

He joined NYCFC in 2023 after leaving FC Köln in Germany. He made a quick impression with his energy and pressing.

Now, with Houston, the Dynamo get a young forward just as they’re looking to refresh their attack.

Want the official scoop? Here’s the NYCFC trade announcement.

Key 2023 Stats at NYCFC

Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Age
10	2	0	22

Motivation for the Move

Houston Dynamo FC went after Segal to add some versatility and depth at striker, especially after losing a few forwards in the last transfer window.

For Segal, the move meant a shot at more playing time at a club where the competition for minutes is wide open.

Both the Dynamo staff and Segal himself hope this move lets him build on his Bundesliga and MLS experience.

NYCFC, meanwhile, opened up a roster spot and kept a stake in Segal’s future. That’s a smart play if he gets transferred down the line.

This move also shows NYCFC wants to build around their other young talents and veterans.

Reaction from Clubs and Supporters

NYCFC fans mostly saw the move as good business, considering Segal’s limited minutes and the sell-on clause.

Dynamo fans? They welcomed Segal as a promising attacker who could fill some gaps and bring new options up front.

Houston Dynamo’s brass expressed plenty of excitement about Segal’s work rate and immediate potential. Social media and fan forums showed cautious optimism.

Both sets of supporters are waiting to see how Segal fits in and adapts to his new squad.

For more on the reaction, here’s the official Houston Dynamo transfer announcement.

Playing Style and Strengths

Gabriel Segal brings a sharp, modern edge to the forward position. His strengths line up with what’s trending in MLS—technical ability, smart movement, and a knack for finding space.

Positioning and Movement

You notice Segal’s sense of space right away. He finds gaps between defenders and uses quick, sharp runs to break lines.

His timing is solid, making him a great target for through balls and crosses.

Segal constantly tweaks his positioning, drifting wide or dropping deeper to keep defenders guessing. These little adjustments open passing lanes and give teammates more attacking options.

He often creates mismatches in the box, making him a threat on set pieces and cutbacks.

You’ll see him lose markers in crowded penalty areas. For a forward, he doesn’t just rely on speed—he reads the game with real maturity.

Finishing and Creativity

Inside the box, Segal has a knack for clinical finishing. He prefers close-range chances, but he’ll let fly from tight angles if he spots an opening.

His recent MLS numbers? With just 113 minutes in the 2025 season, he’s already bagged 2 goals for Houston Dynamo. That’s some efficiency (see more at ScoutingStats).

Season	Minutes	Goals	Assists
2025	113	2	0

Beyond scoring, Segal sets up chances for others with smart lay-offs and quick passes. He’s not the main playmaker, but he can create looks for teammates by pulling defenders out of position.

His improvisation in tight spaces adds a creative spark when Houston needs it.

Adaptation to MLS Tactics

MLS games move fast and mix creativity with a physical edge. Segal’s early games with Houston show a forward who’s adapted quickly.

He handles physical duels, shields the ball, and uses his body to carve out space.

You see him respond to coaching, shifting between pressing high and dropping back to help defensively.

Segal brings energy to Houston’s press, disrupting defenders before they can settle in.

He’s willing to adjust his role as the match unfolds. That shows his understanding of tactical discipline in the American game.

He fits right into Dynamo’s system, blending skill with tactical smarts. That’s what you want in a forward looking to make it in MLS.

Career Progression Before Houston Dynamo FC

Gabriel Segal’s story as a forward starts with standout youth soccer, a run with NYCFC, and a loan to Israel. His early experiences set the table for his arrival at Houston Dynamo FC.

Youth and Early Development

Segal’s soccer journey began in the D.C. area before he headed to Stanford University. There, he played for the Cardinal and showed off his attacking instincts and relentless work rate.

At Stanford, Segal earned All-Pac-12 honors and drew attention for his playmaking up front. He also trained with U.S. youth national teams, adding an international flavor to his development.

Key moments from youth and college:

• Played college soccer at Stanford University

• Earned All-Pac-12 and NCAA tournament honors

• U.S. youth national team call-ups

That early success paved the way for his selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by NYCFC.

Time at NYCFC and Loan Periods

NYCFC brought Segal in as a forward after the draft. He got his first pro minutes in Major League Soccer, but playing time was pretty limited at first.

To get more experience, Segal went on loan to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel’s top division.

In Israel, he adapted to a new country and league, picking up valuable first-team minutes. That time helped him get sharper and tougher in the box.

Professional clubs before Houston Dynamo FC:

Club	Period	League
New York City FC	2022–2023	MLS
Hapoel Tel Aviv	2023 (loan)	Israeli Premier League

After returning to NYCFC, Segal saw brief action before heading to Houston Dynamo FC, looking for a bigger role in MLS.

Notable Statistics and Milestones

Gabriel Segal jumped into the pro game with appearances for both NYCFC and Hapoel Tel Aviv. He didn’t light up the scoreboard right away, but he worked hard—pressing, moving, and dragging defenders out of position.

Let’s take a look at some of his stats before he landed with Houston Dynamo FC:

Season	Team	League	MLS Appearances	Goals
2022	NYCFC	MLS	5	0
2023	Hapoel Tel Aviv	Israeli Premier	12	2
2023	NYCFC	MLS	4	1

Segal picked up an 8.2 Sofascore rating in a match against Houston Dynamo while wearing NYCFC colors. That steady improvement, paired with his flexibility up top, made the Dynamo want him.

Key Teammates and Player Dynamics

Segal’s best moments up front? They come from building chemistry with Houston Dynamo FC’s midfield and attackers. If you want to see how he fits, you’ve got to watch how he works with the scorers and playmakers around him.

Collaboration in the Attack

At Houston, Segal brings speed and sharp movement, plus a determined finishing touch. He doesn’t act as a lone striker, though. In tight spaces, he links up with creative midfielders like Ezequiel Ponce.

Ponce’s vision and slick passing open lanes and set up chances for Segal. That’s a real difference-maker.

When Toyosi Olusanya lines up on the wing, you spot how easily he shifts between creating and attacking. Segal feeds off Olusanya’s quick crosses and his relentless pressure down the side.

With Lawrence Ennali attacking from the other wing, Segal finds more open space in the middle and times his runs to perfection.

The forwards here move as a pack. Segal’s give-and-go work, smart positioning, and willingness to share the ball add layers to Houston’s attack. You can almost feel defenders getting nervous.

Comparison to Other Forwards

Segal’s game isn’t quite like some of his Dynamo teammates. Take Exon Arzú—he goes right at defenders, using power and direct runs. Segal leans more on anticipation and technical skill.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers for Segal, Arzú, and Stephen Annor Gyamfi (2025 season):

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Key Passes	Minutes Played
Gabriel Segal	14	2	0	14	678
Exon Arzú	11	4	1	9	920
Stephen Annor Gyamfi	9	1	2	10	540

Segal’s stats show he connects play more than he finishes it. He might not score as much as Arzú, but he helps set up the chances others put away.

Supporting Cast and Depth

The players around Segal shape his success. Nelson Quiñones comes off the bench with pace, stretching defenders late in games. Andy Batioja brings a physical presence when the team needs to mix things up.

Houston rarely leaves Segal stranded up top. The midfield presses and recovers, letting the forwards focus on attacking. That approach gives the Dynamo options and keeps Segal fresher as the season wears on.

Depth at forward means every player has to stay sharp. Competition with Arzú, Gyamfi, and others keeps Segal on his toes—both in matches and at training. When you see that internal push, you know the attack will stay flexible and dangerous.

Contribution to Houston and the MLS

Gabriel Segal’s time in Houston is already shaking up the lineup and the attack. As a young American forward, he’s adding to both Houston’s ambitions and the league’s pool of rising talent.

Potential Role in Houston’s Future

Segal looks set to grab a key spot in Houston’s forward rotation. He uses his skills inside the box to create and finish chances.

At 24, he’s still got room to grow. His first touch and quick decisions keep the ball moving, which fits right into the Dynamo’s style.

Houston’s been betting on young players lately, and Segal fits that mold. If he keeps showing strong off-the-ball movement and flexibility, he could become a regular starter. With his age and soccer IQ, Segal could anchor the club’s attack for a while.

You’re also getting a forward who knows what it’s like to play under playoff pressure. He learned plenty with New York City FC before joining Houston, and that experience helps him handle the demands of MLS.

Impact on Team Objectives

Houston wants to make the playoffs and push for trophies. Segal brings extra depth and a new look to the attack.

Every minute he’s on the field, he’s pushing teammates to fight for their spots. That makes practices tougher and lifts the team’s standards.

On game day, Segal presses high and wins the ball back early. That fits Houston’s plan to pressure opponents. He’s also proven he can score when it matters, coming through in clutch moments with his old club.

Check out some of Segal’s key stats (MLS Regular Season):

Season	Team	Matches Played	Goals	Assists
2023	New York City FC	10	2	0
2024	Houston Dynamo FC	— (TBD)	—	—

As Segal settles in, you can bet those numbers will climb—especially if he locks down a starting job up front.

Recognition and Media Coverage

Segal isn’t a household name yet, but when he landed at Houston Dynamo FC, people started to notice. MLS fans and the media picked up on his move pretty quickly.

His profile keeps growing. You’ll spot coverage on ESPN, Transfermarkt, and plenty of local outlets that follow Houston’s soccer scene.

The Dynamo wasted no time announcing how well Segal fit into the team’s culture. Reporters talk up his work ethic and the technical ability he brings to the table.

Some analysts call him a clever signing, especially in a league where you’ve got to watch the salary cap. Houston filled a need without breaking the bank or rolling the dice on some mystery international.

If Segal steps up and delivers in those big moments, you just know the spotlight’s going to find him. More interviews, more buzz, and you can bet Dynamo fans will be talking as Houston chases MLS glory.