FC Dallas finally breaks Houston curse after eight long years | OneFootball

FC Dallas opened its 2025 MLS campaign in exciting fashion, coming back from behind in dramatic fashion against Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium. In a suspenseful, thrilling, and debut-filled rivalry match, Dallas once again proved it plays its best when under pressure.

The 2-1 road victory extended Dallas' streak of games without a loss to seven against the Dynamo and was the team's first win in Houston since 2016. If there was any question about FC Dallas' competitiveness this year, this comeback was a strong statement.

Houston Dynamo starts strong and takes the lead

The game began at a quick pace, Houston intent on marking itself at home. In six minutes, Houston new signing Jack McGlynn headed in a long shot, testing the Dallas defense from the onset.

By the 18th minute, the pressure finally bore fruit. Griffin Dorsey delivered a stunning cross, Ezequiel Ponce deflected it, and Amine Bassi was at the far post to score. A stunningly crafted goal that showed Houston was in control.

Dallas struggled throughout the first half, attempting to break through Dynamo's defense. Houston No. 1 Andrew Tarbell stepped out of goal in the 11th minute to close down a threatening attempt by Anderson Julio.

Houston dominated at halftime, and Dallas wasn't exactly the real threat then. The second half, though, was another story.

Petar Musa, Houston Dynamo's most despised forward

If any player Houston Dynamo supporters are fed up with witnessing, it is Petar Musa. The Croat forward again tormented the Dynamo, securing his third strike against them and signing his name deeper into Texas Derby history.

The equalizer in the 55th minute was a demonstration of Musa's killer instinct. He picked up the ball at the box top, moved into position, and placed a pinpoint shot into the bottom right of the net. In an instant, Dallas was back in the game.

Musa wasn't done. At the 76th minute, he was central to the decisive goal, having provided Anderson Julio with the match-winner. It started after a defensive blunder by Houston from a tackle outside the box. Julio, signed this term from Real Salt Lake, cashed in on it with a composed finish.

Comeback achieved. Dallas had made the switch from lifeless to lethal, showing that it took just a minute to turn the game on its head.

Debuts, expectations, and reality

The game marked the debut of several of the respective teams' key players. For Dallas, Pedrinho made his MLS debut after impressing with North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro.

On Houston's side, Nico Lodeiro at last came onto the field, his championship résumé in hand, to a midfield that remains a work in progress. Jack McGlynn, a marquee addition who arrived on a blockbuster trade, played his 100th game for MLS, and Erik Dueñas and Femi Awodesu saw their first action with the club.

Both clubs are rebuilding, but Dallas already appears to be a club that knows how to come back and win. Houston, however, is still trying to find itself.

FC Dallas departs stronger, Houston Dynamo frustrated once again

Not only did FC Dallas triumph, but it also brought an end to eight years of drought in Houston. Not only over three points, but this comeback win gives the team momentum and confidence, just as last year when they also started off the season with a comeback victory.

For Houston Dynamo, the frustration is assured. They started well, created threatening chances-including McGlynn's shot that shook the post in the 73rd minute-but once more failed to translate control into victory.

In the end, Dallas once more proved that when it comes to the Texas Derby, it makes the rules.