Houston Dynamo’s revenge mission could crumble against FC Dallas | OneFootball

Houston Dynamo starts its 20th year in MLS this Saturday (22), and the stage could not be more symbolic, the Texas Derby against its bitter rival FC Dallas. With a long history of rivalry, a historic trophy at stake, and two teams rebuilding themselves.

Houston Dynamo looking for consistency and vindication

Houston Dynamo enters this season hoping to solidify a competitive enterprise and break up the recent sequence of dominance by its opponent. With its heritage and strong identity, the team still has not established itself as a viable contender in MLS.

The 2025 signings demonstrate that the team is looking to create a more even side, a team that can handle success in the intensity of the league and, most importantly, the big games. Perhaps the most talked-about name is veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, who, ironically, transferred from Dallas to Houston during the offseason. The expectation is that his experience will calm a defense that has been irresponsible in big situations in the past.

The coaching staff knows that a win in the first game of the season could be the perfect kick-off to a historic campaign. And kicking off the year with a win over its arch-nemesis would send a message, Dynamo is coming back to Texas prominence.

FC Dallas has a new team, a coach hungry for a win

If Houston is in search of stability, Dallas has experienced a revolution. They appointed Coach Eric Quill to initiate a new process and already had added pressure in rebuilding a squad nearly from ground zero and, immediately, against a rivalry fixture that will dictate his welcome at the club.

FC Dallas's transfer period was hectic. At least 17 players entered, and 15 left, including prominent players like Jesús Ferreira, Paul Arriola, and Alan Velasco. In response to their loss, the front office signed impact names, including 2023 MLS MVP Lucho Acosta and forward Anderson Julio, known for his speed and goal-scoring nature.

The question is whether a lineup with so many alterations can develop its rhythm in the early stages. That remains to be seen on the pitch, but expectation is for more attacking, more aggressive Dallas with a winning personality.

The Texas Derby

To the casual MLS observer, it may seem like just another ordinary season's tilt. But any true Texas Derby faithful knows better: This is a game of a serious nature.

Houston-Dallas is one of the most ruthless rivalries in MLS, and an odd prize awaits the winner of the season: El Capitán, a replica of an 18th-century cannon. FC Dallas has dominated the Derby since 2022 and has retained it in its backyard. If the restoration of pride and rectifying the imbalance for Houston is on the agenda, Saturday's win is where they need to begin.

Aside from El Capitán, the game is also part of Copa Tejas, a fan contest between Texas's three MLS teams: Houston, Dallas, and Austin FC. Dallas won it last year, and now the competition starts anew. That is, Saturday's 90 minutes are a lot more than just a win.