Defender
Wade Barrett
5' 8"
Learn about Wade Barrett, American soccer defender with 2 USMNT caps and multi-time MLS Cup champion. From San Jose and Houston Dynamo leadership to European experience in Denmark and Norway, explore his career, honors, and impact on U.S. soccer.
Caps: 2
Wade Barrett anchored the Houston Dynamo defense during its early championship run, helping the club win MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007 after relocating from San Jose, giving him three league titles overall. A left back and team captain, he earned his second USMNT cap in 2007 after debuting in 2002.
Before returning to MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005, Barrett spent two seasons in Denmark with Aarhus (31 appearances) and had an eight-game loan spell with Fredrikstad in Norway.
He retired following the 2009 season and remained with Houston as an assistant coach through 2016. In February 2026, he was named the club’s vice president of community engagement.
USMNT Experience
2007
Came on as second half sub in friendly against Guatemala.
2004
Called into camp for WC qualifier against Costa Rica, but suffered hamstring injury in training.
2003
Called into national team training camp.
2002
Earned his first career cap in 2-0 win over El Salvador at RFK Stadium.
2001
Called into National Team training camp before friendly with Korea.
Professional Experience
2009
Limited to 12 games due to injury, retiring before the start of the 2010 season.
2008
Played in 26 games.
2007
Started all 34 regular season and playoff games as he again captained Houston to MLS Cup victory over New England.
2006
Captained Houston Dynamo to MLS Cup. Started 35 games in total, registered three assists.
2005
Returned to Quakes. Played and started 32 games, scoring once, assisting twice.
2004
Signed a six-month contract with the Norwegian Premier Club Fredrikstad Football Club on loan from Aarhus.
2003
Signed a two and half year contract with Danish team AGF Aarhus and played 19 games in the 2003/04 season.
2002
Named to MLS Best XI and nominated for Defender of the Year award
2002
Emerged as one of the top left backs in the MLS starting all 28 games for the Earthquakes.
2001
Returned to form to score a goal and six assists in 24 games as he helped the Earthquakes to their first MLS Cup.
2000
Played just three games due to groin injury and hernia surgery.
1999
Led the Earthquakes in minutes played starting 31 of 32 games.
1998
Started 22 of 26 games as a rookie and scored his first professional goal against New England on May 3.
Youth and College
Scored four goals in three games with Under-20 team during CONCACAF tournament in Honduras in 1994. Had 38 goals and 26 assists in four years (1994-97) at William & Mary. NSCAA All-American first teamer and Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year in 1997. Made CAA All-Conference first team all four years. Parade All-American and State Player of the Year at First Colonial High School in Virginia in 1993.
