Win and In: Dynamo Face FC Dallas in High-Stakes Texas Derby

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo are back at home tonight for a big Texas Derby match against FC Dallas. Both teams played on Wednesday, with the Dynamo drawing 3-3 in San Diego and Dallas picking up three points with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders 1-0.

When: Saturday, October 17 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff

Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas

TV/Stream: Apple TV

Win and In

Texas Derby matches against Dallas are always meaningful but tonight’s game carries even more weight. If the Dynamo win they will officially qualify for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. They will certainly want more from this season but getting back into the playoffs after the disappointing 2025 campaign will be a nice accomplishment. Clinching a playoff berth against your rival, at home, would also be a real good feeling for both the players and fans. Dallas clinched their place in the playoffs with their win on Wednesday but you can be sure that they will want to keep Houston for celebrating at their expense.

Ring of Honor

During half time of tonight’s match, the Dynamo will induct Brian Ching as the first member of the club’s Ring of Honor. Earlier this week, Ching became the first soccer player named to the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. Ching helped lead the Dynamo to the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups. The Hawaii native scored 56 goals for the club in 69 appearances across all competitions. A Texas Derby match and a half time ceremony for a club legend, it’s going to be a big night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Another Chapter

The Dynamo will meet FC Dallas for the second time this season with the cannon, El Capitan, on the line. Dallas won the first match, back in March, in the wild 4-3 match where Houston scored three times in a four-minute span. Now, 7 months later, the teams will meet again. Dallas, led by Houston native Eric Quill, are up to third place in the Western Conference and stamped their ticket to the playoffs earlier this week. Striker Petar Musa is second in the MLS Golden Boot standings, behind Lionel Messi, with 19 goals on the season. Dallas don’t have to worry about their playoff status any more but they’ll be battling tonight to stay in a top four position and get themselves home field advantage in the playoffs.

Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Felipe Andrade (lower body), Jimmy Maurer (back)

FC Dallas – Out: Logan Farrington (lower body)

Predicted Lineup