Houston Dynamo Face FC Dallas in First Texas Derby of 2026
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dynamo visit Frisco tonight for the first Texas Derby of 2026. Houston is coming off a dramatic 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers last Saturday. FC Dallas also played a wild match last weekend, drawing 3-3 against San Diego FC.
When: Saturday, March 21 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Toyota Stadium; Frisco, Texas
TV/Stream: Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes 102.9 FM (Spanish)
Derby Days
Tonight’s match marks the first Texas Derby of the 2026 season. The Dynamo won El Capitan last season after winning in Frisco 2-0 to avenge the season-opening 2-1 loss to FC Dallas. Last year’s win at Toyota Stadium as Houston’s first there since 2011. Now they’ll look to make it two in a row in enemy territory. That match in 2025 will be remembered for Griffin Dorsey’s screamer and Jonathan Bond’s acrobatics to save a shot from past midfield. The Derby usually produces these kinds of fireworks and we shouldn’t expect this latest addition to be any different.
Defensive Depth
There were a lot of question marks coming into 2026 about the Houston Dynamo defense and more specifically, their depth. That depth has been tested early with Antonio Carlos’ red card suspension last week and Lucas Halter going off injured. Antonio Carlos will be back this game but the Dynamo have added some depth with two new signings on Friday. Agustin Resch, who has been on loan for the first three matches with the senior team from Dynamo 2, has officially signed as a first-team player. Houston have also added former Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines. The 26-year-old can play as a left-sided centerback, left back in a back four, or left wingback in a back five. As the season goes on an injuries and suspensions happen, these signings will begin to come in handy, if they don’t already in tonight’s match.
Dallas’ Diamond
Croatian forward Petar Musa is tied for the lead in goals in Major League soccer this season with 5. The FC Dallas talisman scored a hat trick last time out against San Diego FC to earn a 3-3 draw. Musa stands 6 foot 3 and is a big physical player who can also provide quickness and finesse when needed. If he’s bagging goals, like he’s done early on in 2026, the Dynamo will be in trouble. Houston’s defense will need to be ready to keep an eye on him and win the physical battle all night.
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Artur (lower body), Antonio Carlos (suspension), Agustin Bouzat (suspension); Questionable: Aliyu Ibrahim (lower body)
FC Dallas – Out: Alex Bonetig (thigh), Omir Fernandez (foot), Zac McGraw (back), Juan Mosquera (ankle), Jose Caicedo (not due to injury); Questionable: Antony (lower body), Cole Bassett (foot/ankle)
Predicted Lineup
