Houston Dynamo name Wilmer Cabrera as new head coach

HOUSTON – The Houston Dynamo named Wilmer Cabrera as its new head coach.

Cabrera, 49, played for the Colombian National Team. He was previously the first head coach for the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, the Dynamo's United Soccer League affiliate. 

He also has managerial experience with the Colorado Rapids and Chivas USA of Major League Soccer.

"I'm really happy to be here and I understand the responsibility of a big club like the Houston Dynamo," Cabrera said. "There's a big history and a big fan base, so I understand the responsibility." 

Dynamo GM/VP Matt Jordan said during the coaching search, the club looked at experience, if the candidate was a teacher of the game, their view of the game, and if they had a track record working with both professional players and young players.

"His experience, work ethic and unique background, having coached at every level of soccer in this country, including the professional level and with the U.S. National Team programs in player development, will greatly benefit our club as we move forward. I’m excited to begin working with him to put together the 2017 Houston Dynamo and build towards getting us back to where we all want to be," Jordan said.

"This is an important time for the Dynamo organization and an important appointment in the process of returning the club to its winning ways," Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. "The management team and the board of directors underwent a thorough and collaborative review of the coaching decision and we confidently agree that Wilmer is the right choice for us at this moment."

The Dynamo and former head coach Owen Coyle agreed to mutually part ways in March and he left the team in May. The second-year head coach expressed a desire to be closer to his family in England and the club accommodated the request.

Wade Barrett took over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

The team finished last in the Western Conference this season with a record of 7-14-13 for 34 points.