HOUSTON — Every time the chant rang out from the supporters sections at Robertson Stadium, you’d know the veteran goalkeeper had just made another save:
“You’ll never beat Pat Onstad.”
That refrain was heard a number of times during Onstad’s career in Houston, especially when the club was winning back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and '07. His stellar play was a big reason for the Dynamo’s success as the Canadian international was a security blanket for one of the league’s best defenses.
Now the Dynamo legend – who retired at the end of 2010 and joined DC as a coach – returns to Houston on Friday as a player/coach for D.C. United (8:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer). And while he may be the opponent, Onstad will feel right at home.
“It was five pretty good years of my life,” Onstad told MLSsoccer.com of his time in Houston. “On the field we had some great memories. Off the field we [his wife and three children] made some really good friends.”
Onstad started 136 games for the Dynamo and his stellar play vaulted him into club lore. A ‘keeper who got better with age, Onstad quickly became a fan favorite upon arrival in Houston with his fiery demeanor and repeated clutch play.
Often playing in front of the club’s supporters groups, the veteran ‘keeper developed a great relationship with the fans. The groups serenaded him and taunted opponents about their inability to beat one of MLS’ best stoppers.
“In Houston the fans were great, and they were very supportive of the club and me,” he said. “The players in Houston understand the relationship between the fans and the club. [The Dynamo] did well to keep the stream of involvement between the two open and made the fans a part of the organization. I think the players and the fans really like that part of it.”
Now Onstad returns to Houston on the bench of an opposing team for the first time after injuries ravaged the goalkeeper position at D.C. United, forcing the would-be coach back into action.
Stepping in on the fly without an offseason to prepare was tough for the 43-year-old, who started the first three games of the regular season for DC. But with first-choice stopper Bill Hamid back from injury, Onstad has transitioned back to the bench.
Onstad is now serving as coach, mentor and backup goalkeeper for a D.C. United team that currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference. And though he will likely watch from the sideline Friday night, the 14-year veteran will be aware of his old friends and former supporters positioned across the field.
“It’ll be a little different,” he said. “But I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and seeing some of the players we spent five-plus years with and getting an opportunity to see the fans and stadium.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.
