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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Dynamo introduced Ezequiel Ponce at Shell Energy Stadium after paying a club-record transfer fee. General manager Pat Onstad emphasized that this signing signals the club’s intent to make another deep playoff run.
“We believe we’re just one or two pieces away from making a push,” Onstad stated. “You saw this group really come together towards the end of last year. With an experienced coach who knows how to ensure we’re peaking at the right time, we’re ready.”
Ponce, a 27-year-old Argentine forward, brings extensive international experience, having played in Spain, France, Russia, and Greece. He scored 16 goals across all competitions last season for AEK Athens.
Onstad praised Ponce as “a forward who can lead the line and be aggressive, not just offensively but defensively as well.”
Despite a series of injuries that currently place the Dynamo in sixth in the conference standings, Onstad said the club’s leadership is continually seeking ways to build on or surpass last year’s run to the conference finals.
“We’re always asking ourselves, ‘How do we keep improving? How do we compete with the rest of the league?'” he said.
Ponce is expected to make his Dynamo debut on Saturday, July 20, against Vancouver. The Dynamo will host Real Salt Lake at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.