Texas Rivalry Renewed as Dynamo Host Austin FC
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo welcome in-state rival Austin FC to Shell Energy Stadium tonight, with both teams battling in a tight Western Conference. The Dynamo conceded late to draw D.C. United 1-1 on Wednesday night. Austin also played Wednesday, beating the Seattle Sounders 3-1 at home.
When: Saturday, July 25 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Apple TV
Finishing
Finishing can mean to things here for the Dynamo, in front of goal and games in general. The Dynamo had multiple chances, including a one-on-one for Mateusz Bogusz on Wednesday, that they couldn’t convert that let D.C. hang around in the game. They would go on to concede late, off a long throw in, unable to finish off United and pick up the three points. Houston will want to be sharp in goal tonight and if they can get a lead, expand on that and see out the result to pick up a much needed victory over their rival.
Arnaud in Charge
Austin dismissed head coach Nico Estevez earlier this season and assistant Davy Arnaud has taken over as the interim boss. Jim Curtin is set to lead Austin FC next season but for now, it is Arnaud’s team. The Nederland, Texas native was interim head coach for the Dynamo at one point in his career and now he returns to take on a man who coached him, in Ben Olsen. In his Friday press conferece, Olsen called Arnaud one of his favorite human beings in the soccer world. There is a lot of respect between the two men leading the teams tonight, but expect those pleasanties to vanish for 90 minutes.
Bouncing Back
Austin looked lost earlier this season and the firing of Estevez left them in a tough place. They still have points to make up but they picked up a big three on Wednesday with a win over Seattle. There are still plenty of games left in the MLS regular season and Austin sit just five points behind ninth place coming into tonight’s match. They’ll be looking to continue climbing the table, and doing the double in 2026 over the Dynamo would be a big feather in the Verde’s cap.
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Jimmy Maurer (head), Antonio Carlos (lower body); Questionable: Aliyu Ibrahim (lower body)
Austin FC – Out: John Bell (pubis), Mikkel Desler (Achilles)
Predicted Lineup
