Oscar Rivera has been a fan of Houston Dynamo FC since the Club’s inaugural regular season match at Robertson Stadium in 2006 – a match that saw the hometown team defeat the Colorado Rapids 5-2, with Brian Ching scoring four goals and all four assisted by Dwayne De Rosario.
“I was 16 years old,” Rivera, a lifelong Houstonian who grew up just north of downtown, said. “The back-to-back championships at that time really ignited my love for the team.”
Rivera said he decided to become a Dynamo365 Member after attending a match with a friend who had their name printed on his season-long seats, as he loved that personal touch. It also coincided with the formation of Hustle Town – a coalition of multiple Dynamo supporters’ groups – which enticed Rivera to become a member.
“My favorite part of the gameday experience is looking around and seeing a full stadium,” Rivera said. “The atmosphere and intensity when the crowd plays a significant role in the momentum of the game is absolutely electric and brings me unparalleled joy.”
Rivera said his favorite memory as a fan was DaMarcus Beasley’s final match, and despite many fans in attendance looking to see Zlatan Ibrahimovich play, he was there to pay his respects to the long-time United States international.
“Beasley was my favorite player on the U.S. Men's National Team growing up, and it was a very special moment for me to be able to say farewell to him,” Rivera said.
When it comes to a favorite current Dynamo player, Rivera was quick to mention midfielder Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, however, defender Franco Escobar is not too far behind.
“There is something special about Coco’s game that I truly admire,” Rivera said. “Escobar is also moving up on my list due to his exceptional performances and the grit and fight he shows on the field when wearing orange.”
Rivera’s favorite benefit as a Dynamo 365 Member is the opportunity to attend the annual Meet the Team event. He said it is a remarkable experience to interact with the players he cheers on each week, while the players’ gratitude during the event makes the experience even more special.
“Other people should attend Dynamo games because we have a thriving soccer community here in Houston,” Rivera, who has referred more than 20 new season ticket members this season, said. “All great clubs start small and grow due to local support, and the Dynamo are no different. We have the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in MLS and even the world, but that can only happen with the continued support of our local fans.”
Oscar Rivera will be honored as SeatGeek’s Member of the Match at Saturday’s matchup versus the San Jose Earthquakes as Houston Dynamo FC celebrate Juneteenth at Shell Energy Stadium.
