Hector Herrera Exits Houston Dynamo After Incident

Héctor Herrera, the Mexican midfielder and former captain of the Houston Dynamo, has been released from the team following a controversial spitting incident directed at a referee during a playoff match against the Seattle Sounders. The Dynamo declined to renew his contract for the 2025 season, citing the incident as a significant factor in their decision, although they acknowledged his overall contributions to the club, including winning the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Herrera's actions occurred in the 64th minute of the match, where he received a yellow card and subsequently spat at the referee, leading to a red card and his ejection from the game. Despite his successful tenure with the Dynamo since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2022, this unprofessional behavior has tarnished his legacy at the club. Following his expulsion, Herrera publicly expressed regret and apologized to fans and teammates, but his future in MLS remains uncertain as he enters the offseason as a free agent. Alongside Herrera, the Dynamo also announced the departure of five other players as they prepare for the upcoming season.