Orlando City Acquire Griffin Dorsey from Houston Dynamo FC

Defender joins Orlando after 5 seasons with Dynamo

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Orlando City have acquired 26-year-old defender Griffin Dorsey from the Houston Dynamo FC in exchange for up to $1.2 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) and a sell-on percentage. Dorsey, a former MLS Young Player of the Year, spent the past 5 seasons with the Dynamo, contributing 15 goals and 18 assists in 161 appearances across all competitions.

Why it matters

The move fills a key position for Orlando City after they transferred USMNT right back Alex Freeman to La Liga. Dorsey is an experienced, proven MLS competitor who will look to immediately elevate Orlando's backline.

The details

In the trade, Houston will receive $1 million in GAM split across the next two seasons, as well as a sell-on percentage. They could also acquire an additional $200k in GAM if certain performance metrics are met. Dorsey, who started his career with Toronto FC, has made 60 MLS starts for the Dynamo over the last two seasons, recording 5 goals and 9 assists.

  • The trade was announced on February 18, 2026.
  • Orlando City's 2026 season kicks off on February 21 at home against Red Bull New York.
  • Houston Dynamo FC host Chicago Fire FC on February 21.

The players

Griffin Dorsey

A 26-year-old defender who spent the past 5 seasons with the Houston Dynamo FC, contributing 15 goals and 18 assists in 161 appearances across all competitions.

Alex Freeman

A USMNT right back who was transferred from Orlando City to Villarreal CF in La Liga.

Ricardo Moreira

The general manager and sporting director of Orlando City.

Pat Onstad

The president of soccer operations for the Houston Dynamo FC.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring Griffin to Orlando. He's an experienced, proven competitor in this league and fills a key position for us.”

— Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City general manager and sporting director (mlssoccer.com)

“We are incredibly grateful for Griffin's contributions to the Dynamo and for everything he has given this club, our city and our supporters over the past five years.”

— Pat Onstad, Houston Dynamo FC president of soccer operations (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade represents an important roster move for both Orlando City and the Houston Dynamo FC as they look to strengthen their respective backlines ahead of the 2026 MLS season.