Winning in Houston would be a huge boost for FC Dallas

FC Dallas has the chance to reach the milestone of its 2024 season this weekend by visiting its rival, the Houston Dynamo. They are looking for their first road win of the year and can also start a new winning streak after beating Copa Tejas rival Austin FC last Saturday at home.

So far in 2024, FC Dallas has a dismal 0-4-1 away record, where it has allowed nine goals compared to the seven it has allowed at Toyota Stadium.

“We are still recovering from last week. We had a lot of travel, intense matches and the Derby against Austin on Saturday,” FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez said Wednesday. “And now this is how we build from today and tomorrow to approach the game against Houston with the best mentality, tactically and physically, to put in a good performance.”

FC Dallas has posted back-to-back home wins against rivals Austin and Houston in recent weeks. The win over Austin helped push Dallas into a tie with the Verde in the Copa Tejas standings for 2024, where points per game will help determine the state title winner.

Dallas won’t be able to win the Copa Tejas crown this weekend in Houston, but they can win the Texas Derby for a third straight season. FC Dallas will hope to capitalize on their last trip to Houston in 2023, which saw the match end in a draw. Estevez knows his players will be ready for Saturday’s return game in the Bayou City.

“Everyone should have a good mentality; it’s a Derby,” Estevez explained. “We can continue to climb the rankings. He is a direct adversary; if we get points, they don’t. We have to continue to improve and get better. I think it’s in the minds of the players and how we can progress throughout the season.

“I think if we perform well we can do something positive. It will be great for us and for the fans to get the victory there.