FC Dallas will try to end a seven-match winless streak when they host rival Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday evening in Frisco, Texas, in the latest rendition of the Texas Derby.
Dallas (1-5-2, 5 points) is desperate for a victory after its lackluster beginning, a run that has seen the club drop to 13th place in the West. The Toros’ latest setback was a 2-1 defeat at the Colorado Rapids on April 20.
Coach Nico Estevez believes the club has the right mentality after that loss to correct the mistakes that have been plaguing it to start the season.
“We went in aggressively offensively in the first half. It’s clear we didn’t have the right mentality about trying to score goals,” Estevez said. “That hurt us a lot, and I think we understand that. I think that the team has a different mindset on that side.”
Dallas is hoping for the return of forward Jesus Ferreira, who has missed the past four matches with a hamstring injury.
“Everybody has the skill to beat Houston,” Ferreira said. “I think if we can do a good performance, good intensity and we’re all together and collective, then we’ll be able to do it.”
The Dynamo (4-3-1, 13 points) are in sixth place in the West and looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss at home to Austin FC on April 20. Houston has won four of its last six matches dating back to March 16.
“We did so much well, guys gave everything and tactically we implemented the game plan and for the most part it worked,” Houston coach Ben Olsen said of the loss to Austin. “But you can do all these things right and get 17 shots and have the ball and getting good positions and still lose. It’s still been a very good stretch of games for us.”
Houston, like its rivals to the north, has dealt with injuries to key players this season but did get back midfielder Hector Herrera in the setback to Austin. Herrera missed the Dynamo’s first seven games with a knee injury but played 28 minutes and had a shot on goal.
The teams have squared off 52 times across all competitions in their history, with FC Dallas forging a 18-15 edge. There have been 19 draws in the series, including both matches last season and in three consecutive games between the rivals. FC Dallas hasn’t lost to the Dynamo since the 2021 series.
–Field Level Media
