The Houston Dynamos players year round went to parks, schools and events promoting the sport of soccer.

In 1985 the Dynamos brought Pele to Houston creating great interest in the sport and spreading goodwill.

The ASL had served as the de facto U.S. second division for decades, but it had been pushed to the point of collapse by perpetual financial insolvency and a power structure that allowed its many dormant owners to still influence the direction of the league.

The USL intended to avoid this fate by creating a lean, financially responsible organization with a strong league office.

The Houston Dynamos joined the Oklahoma City Stampede and Dallas Americans in the Southwest Division.