Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC

The greatest goalkeeper in U.S. Soccer history has just landed in Houston. Not as a player, but as a minority owner! The former Everton and Manchester United star has joined the Houston Dynamo FC ownership group under the direction of Ted Segal, who was a childhood friend of Howard before they went their separate ways. Now, they are united in their vision to expand the game of football in Houston.

Today, the club held a press conference where the media and selected people from the supporter groups gathered to ask some questions towards the new Dynamo man. Questions included attendance, what Tim’s role will include, and his long term vision for the club. 

Tim was as outspoken as someone who was recently brought into a club could be. While he wasn’t overly transparent as to what he will add, his charisma and experience alone made the atmosphere really positive. 

Howard spent five years as Memphis 901 FC’s sporting director, while also being a TV analyst for NBC Sports. In his playing days, Howard was considered by many to be the greatest American goalkeeper of all time and his resume is fitting of that description.

Howard played in 121 games for the national team and had 13 seasons in the Premier League, 10 of which came at Everton. Howard was also the Concacaf Goalkeeper of the Year three straight times from 2013 to 2015. Howard also won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2007 and 2017, 10 years apart. Fans will most likely remember Tim Howard because of his World Cup heroics, where he notched a record 15 saves against Belgium. 

Embedded below are some quotes from both Ted Segal and Tim Howard taken from the press conference:

I Asked @Everton football legend and @HoustonDynamo minority owner Tim Howard about his recent conversations with the players.

Said that he’s already spoken to Hector Herrera, who was a great rival to him, and that “it was great to meet the guys.”#Hustlin4More pic.twitter.com/6gCccFvgaR

— Juan Pereira🇻🇪 (@JpHouSports) July 16, 2024

Howard says they have to do a better job converting all the soccer fans in Houston to Dynamo and Dash fans. He doesn’t have the answer right now but that is his priority number one. It’s ultimately about community connectivity, a place where people feel welcome and appreciated.

— Bayou City Soccer (@BayouCitySoccer) July 16, 2024

“I’ve had a great amount of accomplishments in my career but being an owner is on top of the list.” -Former #USMNT GK & @NBCSportsSoccer analyst @TimHowardGK! #Hustlin4More pic.twitter.com/yNvTEs8QXv

— NoodleTime & Dinámico (@NoodleTiempo) July 16, 2024

Howard says he’s committed to make the Dynamo and Dash a winning club. Said no one wins every game, except Arsenal in 2003, but he did save a penalty.

Says this is his first day on the job officially but he was doing work behind the scenes last week on a player for the Dash.

— Bayou City Soccer (@BayouCitySoccer) July 16, 2024

Tim Howard when asked about his ownership stake with the club, “This is long term, I’m in it for the long haul.”

❓: @NoodleTiempo#DFTV #Hustlin4More

— DynamoFanTV (@DynamoFanTV) July 16, 2024

Howard says he is so invested in women’s sports and he has a daughter playing at a high level. Jokes that him getting her on the Dash now isn’t exactly how it works.

Calls the Dash a sleeping giant and says it’s important for him to reiterate “I’m not just here for the Dynamo.”

— Bayou City Soccer (@BayouCitySoccer) July 16, 2024

2 things that stand out:

1) Both #TedSegal & #TimHoward have emphasized on improving the FAN EXPERIENCE!

2) Ted pointed to #Howard’s experience being helpful to recruit players & help improve the club infrastructure because he’s been part of elite clubs through his career. pic.twitter.com/1ut79PgjbH

— NoodleTime & Dinámico (@NoodleTiempo) July 16, 2024

Ted Segal opens the press conference giving his condolences to the city of Houston and everyone affected by Hurricane Beryl and says he is grateful for what the city has done for him and gives a reminder of today’s food distribution event at HSP. pic.twitter.com/J8RZ75nApt

— Bayou City Soccer (@BayouCitySoccer) July 16, 2024