The Dynamo entered the season as both the defending MLS Cup runners-up and Texas Derby winners.

The 2011 runners-up came up short against defending champions LA Galaxy in the final by a 3–1 scoreline.

Each club in Major League Soccer is allocated 8 international roster spots, which can be traded.

Houston has previously dealt one spot to New York on 17 March 2009[18] and dealt another spot to New York on 14 January 2005 while the Houston franchise was still based in San Jose.

On 21 July 2011, Houston traded an international roster spot for the remainder of the 2011 season only to Portland Timbers.