Matchday 1 Preview: FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo

By: Kasey Jarvis

Saturday night will kickoff the 2025 MLS season and will see a good old fashion Derby matchup between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo FC. 

FC Dallas has seemingly had their way with Houston in the past and has found a way to come out with at least 1 point in their matchups in 29 of the 35 lifetime matchups. Houston has not beaten FC Dallas outright since September 18th, 2021. Since then FC Dallas have a record of 2-4-0. Despite that fact, the last 2 seasons have been quite different for both clubs as Houston has finished in the top 5 each of the last 2 seasons meanwhile Dallas has gone in 7th then out of the playoffs all together last season. 

This season seemingly was being written as a rebuild for FC Dallas as they dealt key players such as Alan Valesco, Jesus Ferreira, and Paul Arriola. During their end of season press conference last year they really dove into the fact that they wanted to put a focus on developing their talent which was made abundant by the club promoting 7 players from their developmental club North Texas SC who won the MLS Next Pro Championship last season. However, it still came as a shock to see the three big players leave during the off-season. But just as the season was about to start they pulled off a humongous move and acquired 2023 MLS MVP Lucho Acosta and a contender Eric Quill in stating that this club is looking to win championships now. 

With upgrades to the back in hopes of reviving a lackluster defense from last season, a new young core put in place with a world class number 10 at the helm in the middle of the pitch this is going to be a very important season for Dallas in hopes of striding towards a constant title contending club.

 It’ll all get started this Saturday night at 7:30 PM. So get ready for a long and fun season as FC Dallas pushes to get back into the playoffs and give the fans a memorable season 

Photo Via FCD on X