Houston Dynamo Fc vs Fc Dallas Picks and Predictions February 22nd 2025

Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas Sport New Looks for Texas Derby

There will be plenty of new faces in different places when the Houston Dynamo host rival FC Dallas in the first Texas Derby match, which also serves as the season opener for both sides.

Houston’s Offseason Shakeup

Much of the offseason talk surrounding the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas has been about who is no longer with the teams rather than who is.

Houston opted not to re-sign goalkeeper Steve Clark, allowed Hector Herrera to return to Liga MX, and mutually parted ways with Sebastian Ferreira. Coco Carrasquilla also departed, transferring to Liga MX’s Pumas for a club-record fee.

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To fill the void, Houston acquired midfielders Jack McGlynn in a trade with Philadelphia and Junior Urso, who has 117 MLS matches on his resume from stints with Charlotte and Orlando. The Dynamo also signed veteran midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro from Orlando City.

The Dynamo finished fifth in the Western Conference last season, with 54 points setting a single-season club record. However, their playoff run was short-lived, as they lost in the first round to Seattle, dropping both matches by shootout.

“It’s the first game of the season and that always brings a certain level of tension and excitement,” Houston third-year coach Ben Olsen said. “And it’s a rival match against a new team with a new coach that is trying to develop a new identity. It’ll be a tough task for the group but, again, one we’re certainly looking forward to.”

FC Dallas’ Roster Overhaul

Dallas made significant changes in the offseason, parting ways with key players. The club traded star forwards Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira to Seattle and allowed Alan Velasco to transfer to Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors. Defender Nkosi Tafari was also dealt to Los Angeles FC.

To bolster the squad, Dallas acquired 2023 MLS MVP Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati to pair with Petar Musa, last year’s marquee signing who tallied 17 goals across all competitions. Additional signings include center back Lalas Abubakar, midfielder Ramiro Benetti from Brazil, forward Anderson Julio, and right back Shaq Moore.

Dallas will be led by newcomer Eric Quill, who takes over the team after a successful stint at New Mexico United in the USL Championship.

“I’m just truly excited to lead this storied club, that I played for, to a championship,” Quill told FCDallas.com. “That’s what I’m here to do. And I’m not afraid to say that word. It’s one that I want players to understand—when I walk through the door, this is why we’re playing—for a championship.”

FC Dallas finished 11th out of 14 teams in the West last season, missing the postseason for just the second time in its past seven campaigns.

Texas Derby History

Dallas holds an 18-15 lead in the all-time series against Houston, with 21 draws. The Toros won at home last April, while the teams played to a draw in Houston in May.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams enter the season with high expectations and new identities. With revamped rosters and fresh leadership, the Texas Derby will serve as an early test for their playoff aspirations.