They drafted key players Danny O'Rourke, Kevin Goldthwaite, future MLS Scoring Champion Chris Wondolowski, Robbie Fulton, Orlando Ramirez, Aaron Lanes, James Twellman and Brett Rodriguez.

Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark, Chris Aloisi, Kelly Gray, Mark Chung, Julian Nash, Alejandro Moreno, and Danny Califf were obtained through trades.

Veteran right back Craig Waibel was also lost to an injury in early June who was playing some of the best soccer of his career to a torn MCL and ACL.

A trade was made with the Chicago Fire to bring in San Jose native Kelly Gray to challenge Chris Aloisi for the starting job.

Mark Chung was acquired when a rash of injures of happened when Ian Russell, Brad Davis, Brian Mullan spent time on the injury list in June and July.

Chung announced his retirement from the Earthquake after coming to the mid-season via trade with the Colorado Rapids and contributing heavily to the ultimate success with the team.

Ian Russell, Mark Chung, Jon Conway, Troy Dayak didn't move with the team to Houston.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.