Houston Dynamo has officially announced the departure of Mexican midfielder Héctor Herrera after the two sides failed to reach an agreement for a contract renewal. The announcement was made discreetly and briefly on their social media and in a statement listing the players who would not continue with the team, hinting that the relationship did not end on the best of terms.

One of the defining moments of Herrera's final stretch with the club was his behavior in the recent playoff match against the Seattle Sounders. During a tense second-half moment, Herrera reacted impulsively toward referee Armando Villarreal after receiving a yellow card for a midfield foul on Jackson Ragen. In a move that did not go unnoticed, the Mexican player spat in the direction of the referee as he turned his back, an action captured by VAR, which resulted in a red card following a review.

This incident not only stirred controversy but may have been the catalyst for the club and player to go their separate ways. Houston Dynamo has opted to close the chapter on Herrera, prioritizing discipline and the team's image.