Not every player celebrates after scoring against their former team. Jack McGlynn didn’t hesitate.
The Houston Dynamo midfielder converted a first-half penalty in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union and responded with a passionate celebration in front of the home crowd.
After finding the back of the net, the 22-year-old pointed to the name on his jersey and then kissed the Houston badge multiple times, delivering a clear and intentional message toward his old club.
McGlynn was traded from Philadelphia to Houston in the offseason in a landmark deal—the first cash-only player trade in Major League Soccer history.
The Dynamo spent $2.1 million to acquire the U.S. men’s national team midfielder. Speaking with GOAL recently, McGlynn admitted he felt caught off guard by the transfer and didn’t appreciate how it was handled.
“There was no real communication, no respect,” McGlynn said. “It just didn’t feel right. The way they moved me felt really disrespectful. I’m happy to be in Houston and playing well, but I wish things had ended more respectfully.”
McGlynn is a product of the Union’s academy system and rose through the ranks before signing a Homegrown deal in 2021. He developed into an important part of the squad during his time in Philadelphia.
Now based in Houston, the New York-born midfielder has three goals and five assists in 19 MLS appearances this season. He also signed a new contract that will keep him at the club through 2028, with an option for an extra year.
“Jack has been outstanding since arriving,” said Dynamo president of soccer operations Pat Onstad. “He’s brought a new level to our midfield with his creativity, set-piece quality, and vision in the final third. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the best young attacking midfielders in the league.”
McGlynn recently returned from international duty after featuring in every match of the U.S. men’s national team’s run to the Gold Cup final.
