Nelson Quiñones Houston Dynamo FC Forward #7: Player Profile and Season Highlights

Alright, soccer fans, if you’re tuned in to Major League Soccer, you’ve probably caught #7 flying down the wing for Houston Dynamo FC. That’s Nelson Quiñones, the young Colombian forward who’s quickly carved out a spot as a key part of the Dynamo attack.

Nelson Quiñones brings a ton of speed, skill, and creativity to the field. He’s honestly one of the most electric players you’ll see in orange these days.

Quiñones came over from Colombia’s Once Caldas, first as a loanee and then as a full Dynamo player after July 2023. He’s just 22, but he’s already made an impact in MLS. His sharp movement and ability to break open a game out wide have turned some heads.

If you want a guy who can change a match with a single burst or a clever pass, Quiñones is your man.

Here’s a quick look at his Dynamo stats:

Stat	Value
Position	Forward (Winger)
Number	7
Age	22
Joined Dynamo	2023
Goals	See latest regular updates on MLS profile

Player Profile and Background

Nelson Quiñones made his mark as a fast, dynamic left winger for Houston Dynamo FC. His story starts in Colombia, and his game is all about pace, skill, and a real drive to attack.

Early Life in Tumaco, Colombia

Nelson Giovany Quiñones Iturre was born on August 20, 2002, in Tumaco, a coastal city in Colombia’s Nariño Department. Tumaco’s got a proud football tradition and turns out plenty of young talent.

Growing up in Tumaco, Quiñones played street football every day and dealt with the challenges of his environment. That kind of upbringing built toughness and a serious work ethic.

His early years in Tumaco gave him the foundation for a career in football. He looked up to older players and local teams, picking up lessons in teamwork and discipline.

Those values stuck with him as he started chasing his dream of going pro.

Youth Career Development

Quiñones started turning heads early in the youth system at Once Caldas, a respected Colombian club. He mostly played as a winger, showing off his pace and quick feet along the flanks.

By 17, he’d already made his professional debut for Once Caldas. Solid performances in Colombia’s top division led Houston Dynamo FC to bring him in on loan, then lock him down permanently on July 13, 2023.

You can check out more about his move on the Houston Dynamo player profile.

Here’s a quick look at his club appearances:

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals
Once Caldas	2019-2022	30	1
Houston Dynamo FC	2023-	20*	2*

*Numbers are approximate, based on public stats.

Personal Attributes and Playing Style

Quiñones lines up mainly as a left winger, but he’s flexible enough to slot into other attacking spots. When you watch him, you see a player who drives straight at defenders, uses both feet, and creates space with a quick shift or a burst of acceleration.

Speed, balance, and acceleration are his calling cards. He’s dangerous in one-on-one situations and loves to get involved by crossing or cutting inside for a shot.

Standing at 5’8”, he leans on agility over brute strength.

He plays with real energy and a bit of an edge. Coaches and teammates point out his work rate and how willing he is to track back and help out defensively.

For his latest stats and match impact, check out the Houston Dynamo profile page.

Club Career with Houston Dynamo FC

Nelson Quiñones’s journey with Houston Dynamo FC really shows his rise from South America to the MLS spotlight. He’s played in some big games, including domestic tournaments and postseason showdowns.

He’s stepped up as a forward and made his mark in the lineup.

Transfer from Once Caldas

Quiñones arrived at Houston Dynamo FC in July 2022 from Once Caldas in Colombia. Houston set up the deal as a loan with an option to buy, betting on a young winger who’d already shown flashes in Colombia’s top flight.

Once the paperwork—International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa—cleared, Houston locked in the transfer. Quiñones’s arrival brought more pace and creativity to the attack.

The Dynamo made the move permanent in July 2023 after seeing enough promise during his loan.

Player Profile Table

Attribute	Value
Full Name	Nelson Giovany Quiñónes
Birth Date	August 20, 2002
Nationality	Colombian
Houston Dynamo #	7
Previous Club	Once Caldas

With Quiñones, Houston added depth, competition, and a bit of international flair to their squad. You can find more about him on the club’s official site.

Houston Dynamo Debut Against Minnesota United FC

Quiñones debuted for Houston Dynamo FC against Minnesota United FC. He stepped on as a winger and instantly brought speed and directness to the attack.

He wasted no time going at defenders and tried to create scoring chances. That willingness to take players on and get forward was obvious from the jump.

The coaching staff noticed his work rate and defensive effort, which is so important in the high-tempo games against Western Conference teams.

Contributions in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Quiñones contributed during Houston Dynamo’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run. The tournament gave him more minutes and a chance to show his attacking skills in knockout matches.

He played mostly on the wing, making runs behind defenders and chipping in with assists. His efforts helped Dynamo build momentum in the Cup.

Those intense matches gave him a crash course in the American soccer scene.

He had a hand in several key plays and showed he was adjusting well to the Dynamo’s system.

Impact in the Western Conference Final

Reaching the Western Conference Final was a big deal for the Dynamo, and Quiñones played his part during the playoff push. As the games got tougher, he made contributions in attack, linking up with fellow forwards and getting into dangerous spots.

He didn’t always start, but he made his presence felt off the bench. His speed stretched defenses and opened up chances for teammates in those tight postseason battles.

Quiñones’s ability to make an impact at this level shows how much he’s grown with Houston. His play in those big games is exactly why the Dynamo invested in him.

International Career with Colombia

Nelson Quiñones has made real progress with Colombia at the youth level, especially with the U-23 squad. He got valuable experience in the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, facing some of South America’s best young players.

U-23 Colombian National Team Call-Up

When Quiñones got the call for the U-23 Colombian national team, it was a huge step in his career. He stepped onto the field with a new level of intensity, going up against top young talent from Colombia and abroad.

The call-up came after his strong performances with Houston Dynamo FC. It showed that Colombian coaches valued not just his technical skills but also his work ethic and versatility.

Playing for the U-23s put him alongside other bright prospects in some tough away matches and high-pressure friendlies. He used these chances to adapt to the tactical side of Colombian football at the international level.

He took that opportunity to build consistency and add to his resume at just 22.

Participation in 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament

The 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament brought together South America’s top under-23 players. Quiñones added speed and technical skill to Colombia’s attack, mostly playing out wide.

He featured in high-stakes matches that demanded constant tactical changes. Here’s a quick look at his tournament stats:

Match
Appearances: 4
Starts: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Shots: 6
Key Passes: 5

Colombia’s run was about teamwork as much as individual talent. Quiñones often linked up in attack and pressed defensively when needed.

His performances raised his profile and showed just how coachable and adaptable he can be.

Injury Setback and 2024 Season

Nelson Quiñónes hit a real roadblock in 2024—a major injury that sidelined him for the entire season. Houston Dynamo FC lost a key forward just as he was starting to make a serious impact.

Knee Injury Details

Quiñónes suffered a significant knee injury while playing with Colombia’s U-23s during the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela. These international call-ups bring pride, but sometimes they come with risk.

Houston Dynamo’s medical team jumped in and quickly confirmed the injury was serious. He needed surgery, and it was scheduled for later that month.

It’s a tough break for a young player who was gaining momentum. Quiñónes had become a big part of Houston’s plans and was also making strides with his national team.

Suddenly, he was out, not because of league play but due to international duty.

That timing hurt both the club and the player.

Recovery Timeline and Impact on Houston Dynamo

After the injury, everyone knew Quiñónes would miss all of 2024. His recovery and rehab would take months, so Houston Dynamo had to figure out how to move forward without one of their most exciting attackers.

Here’s a snapshot of what the Dynamo lost in 2024:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	28	19	4	2
2022	8	0	0	0

With Quiñónes out, the team had to rethink the left wing and look at new options. The coaching staff weighed new signings and internal talent.

As the season went on, you could really see how much his absence changed the team’s attack and chemistry on the field.

Missed Opportunities in the 2024 Season

Quiñónes’s injury didn’t just shake up the matchday lineups—it hit harder than that. For him, missing out on 2024 brought his progress to a screeching halt, both with Houston Dynamo and Colombia’s U-23 squad.

If you’re a Dynamo fan, you felt that loss up front. Quiñónes brought a spark, real creativity, and a burst of pace that’s tough to replace. Houston didn’t just lose goals and assists—they missed his unpredictable movement and the chaos he stirs in defenses.

The 2024 MLS campaign, especially during those crunch moments, really needed his energy. Depth and versatility? Those are gold in this league, and the Dynamo had less of both without him.

Colombia’s U-23s lost out, too. Quiñónes couldn’t suit up for big international fixtures or chase Olympic dreams. Just as he started locking down a spot, the injury yanked him out of two big projects.

Fans were left to wonder—what if he’d stayed healthy? How different could this season have looked?

Want to dive deeper into the injury and what it meant? Check out the Houston Dynamo FC official announcement.

Performance Analysis and Key Matches

Nelson Quiñónes has been trending upward for Houston Dynamo FC. When he’s fit, the left wing looks a lot more dangerous and unpredictable.

Goals and Notable Moments

Let’s be honest—Quiñónes’s goal numbers aren’t eye-popping. But if you watch him, you know he changes the game in ways stats don’t always show. He’s sharp in the buildup and sets up teammates with slick passes.

His quick feet and clever runs? Those keep defenders guessing. He’s not afraid to take a risk, and that’s what makes him a difference-maker.

Before the injury, Quiñónes had a nice little run—some assists, a couple multi-goal games where he played a key role. He’s the kind of player who draws fouls and keeps the ball when things get tight. Give him space out wide and he’ll whip in a cross that makes defenders sweat.

Here’s a quick look at his last full season before the knee injury:

Season	MLS Matches	Goals	Assists	Shots On Target	Key Passes
2023	21	2	3	9	18

You can always check the latest numbers on the Houston Dynamo’s official player page.

Performance Against LAFC

When Houston faces LAFC, Quiñónes turns up the intensity. These games demand discipline and quick thinking, and LAFC’s defense is no joke.

In the 2023 matchups, he pushed hard down the left, using his speed to test their backline. He connected well with the midfield and racked up key passes, even if the goals didn’t come.

Houston managed to keep the ball moving upfield, and Quiñónes played a big part in that. He’d pull defenders wide, opening up space for others to attack through the middle.

Defensively, he didn’t slack off. Late in those tense games, you’d see him hustling back, cutting out passes, and protecting slim leads. These LAFC clashes are high-pressure, and Quiñónes looked right at home.

Role as Left Winger

Quiñónes owns that left wing spot. He brings energy and creativity, always stretching defenses with his runs. He’s ready to receive or deliver a cross at a moment’s notice.

He’s got the balance and control to keep the ball when defenders close in, which gives his teammates more options. One-on-one, he’s fearless—he’ll take on his marker, cut inside, and either shoot or slip a pass.

When he combines with the left back, those overlapping runs can really open up the attack. It’s a big boost for Dynamo’s wing play.

He’s not shy about defending, either. Quiñónes presses high, setting the tone as the first line of defense when Houston loses the ball. On the left, he brings width, composure, and a vital link between the back and front lines. That’s the kind of player every MLS team wants.

For more stats, check out ESPN’s Nelson Quiñónes page.

Honors, Contracts, and Legacy

Nelson Quiñónes, wearing number 7, has left his mark since joining Houston Dynamo FC. His role keeps growing, and you can see his influence on club history, contract status, and future prospects.

Achievements and Honors

You won’t see a trophy cabinet full of silverware for Quiñónes—at least, not yet. But his progress has been steady and promising. Since arriving from Colombia, he’s become a reliable option on the wing, always bringing energy.

He helped Houston lock down 13 clean sheets during one of their most stable defensive seasons. He’s not the top scorer, but his presence helps the attack flow.

He hasn’t lifted the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Houston Dynamo FC, but with his pace and drive, you’ve got to think that could change. His role could grow even more as the club pushes for more success.

Houston Dynamo FC: Key Stats (2023-2024)

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	25	2	3
2024	0*	0	0

*Missed 2024 season due to knee injury

Contract Details and Club Options

Quiñónes first arrived on loan from Once Caldas. Houston Dynamo made it permanent in July 2023.

His contract runs for two years, with club options tacked on if they want to keep him longer. You can see more on his contract status.

That’s pretty standard for MLS—teams want flexibility with young players. Houston showed real faith by making the deal permanent and giving him regular minutes when he’s healthy.

Those club options? They’re a sign that management values him for the future. Guaranteed money and a secure roster spot let Quiñónes focus on his game and grow with the Dynamo.

Future Prospects at Houston Dynamo

Alright, let’s talk about what’s next for Quiñones down in Houston. He’s staring down a big opportunity, but man, there’s a real challenge too.

Missing all of 2024 with that knee injury? That’s tough. If you’re a Dynamo fan, you’re probably just hoping he gets back on the field in 2025 and starts finding his rhythm again.

If Quiñones gets his speed back, he could really shake up the attack. I mean, he’s got that direct style—he just goes at defenders.

Honestly, there’s still a lot we haven’t seen from him. Players need time after injuries like that, right? So, it’ll be interesting to see how he handles the pressure.

If he bounces back, maybe he writes his name a little bigger in Dynamo history. These next couple seasons? They’re going to matter for both him and Houston.

You’ll want to keep an eye on his recovery. No need to rush—just watch and see how it plays out.