Dynamo and FC Dallas set for first tussle of 2024: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo took the short plane ride north for the first Texas Derby of 2024 where they’ll take on FC Dallas tonight. Houston lost 1-0 at home last weekend against the other club in Texas, Austin FC. Dallas is coming off a 2-1 loss on the road against the Colorado Rapids last Saturday.
When: Saturday, April 27 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Toyota Stadium; Frisco, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
More games, more depth
The Dynamo are about to enter another busy stretch of their schedule as the club enters the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the coming weeks while continuing league play. The team has dealt with injuries this year and had to rotate players quite a bit. More depth was added at this week’s transfer deadline with the Dynamo trading for McKinze Gaines and signing Jefferson Valverde. Gaines gives the Dynamo another winger that can take on players in the attack and add another dimension to the offense. Valverde is a defensive midfielder who will be able to spell Artur and give the Brazilian some much needed rest. They aren’t the flashiest of moves but bringing in players in areas of need is always a good thing.
Midfield battle
Houston’s midfield has been its calling card since last season. The trio of Hector Herrera, Coco Carrasquilla, and Artur helped lead the Dynamo’s turn around last season and is the key to Ben Olsen’s possession system. Hector Herrera’s return went well last week and we should see him for another 30 minutes or so tonight. On the other side, the Dallas midfield is anchored by Spanish veteran Asier Illaramendi. The former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad man is an interception machine and is a great passer of the ball. He will be key for the Dynamo to break down in order to get into dangerous areas to score.
One and none
FC Dallas won their first game of the 2024 season, beating San Jose with a stoppage time goal, but they haven’t won since. The North Texas club is winless in their last seven matches and would like nothing more than to snap that streak in the derby. Dallas has dealt with injuries all seaosn but their talisman Jesus Ferreira has trained this week and should feature in this match. They will look for Ferreira and record signing Petar Musa to get an offense going that has scored just seven goals in eight matches.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: Erik Sviatchenko (hamstring), Hector Herrera (knee), Franco Escobar (lower body), Sebastian Ferreira (lower body)
FC Dallas – Out: Geovane Jesus (knee), Sebastian Lletget (hamstring), Paxton Pomykal (knee), Alan Velasco (knee); Questionable: Jesus Ferreira (hamstring)
Predicted Lineup
