Dynamo look for first win in 2024 over in-state rivals: What to watch for
(image via Zach Muniz)
The Houston Dynamo return to Shell Energy Stadium for another Texas Derby, hosting rivals FC Dallas. The Dynamo lost to Austin Wednesday, making them 0-3 against the other two MLS teams from Texas in 2024. Dallas did not play midweek, with their last match coming last Saturday, a 2-1 win against Austin.
When: Saturday, May 18 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Creating Chances
The Dynamo are currently tied for the lowest xG in MLS this season. xG measures expected goals, basically how many goals are expected from the shots you take. This lack of xG shows that Houston is struggling to create chances and real scoring opportunities. “It’s decision making, it’s quality in the moment,” head coach Ben Olsen said at his Friday press conference when asked about the team having the lowest xG. “It’s not the lack of getting in dangerous areas on the field.” Olsen then added that the team is “checking boxes, you don’t need a 2.0 xG to win games.” They might not need a high xG but they need to start finding goals somewhere, and that starts with getting into dangerous areas for high-quality chances.
Like It Never Happened
The Dynamo and FC Dallas played earlier this season, in Frisco, with the home side winning 2-0. That game was marred for Houston by Griffin Dorsey’s red card just five minutes into the match. Asked if anything could be taken from that match ahead of tonight’s contest, Olsen simply said no. The Dynamo had to play nearly 100 minutes down a man, including stoppage time, causing them to abandon any tactics and game plan they had planned coming into that match. Now, they meet again tonight, like that contest earlier this month never even happened in the eyes of the Dynamo boss.
Jesus and The Moose
FC Dallas heads to Shell Energy Stadium struggling in 2024, so far. They have just three wins this season, but two of them have come in their last three games. Star striker Jesus Ferreira is back from injury and paired with record-signing Petar Musa, gives Dallas a dangerous duo up front. Musa has four goals in his first season in MLS and Ferreira has two. Musa scored in the last meeting with the Dynamo and Ferreira bagged a goal in last weekend’s win over Austin. Dallas didn’t have to play midweek, meaning they enter Shell Energy Stadium with more rest than the Dynamo, and their strike partnership in good form.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee), Sebastian Ferreira, lower body); Questionable: Daniel Steres (hip), Franco Escobar (lower body)
FC Dallas – Out: Paul Arriola (calf), Liam Fraser (thigh), Asier Illaramendi (glute), Geovane Jesus (knee), Amet Korca (groin), Paxton Pomykal (knee), Alan Velasco (knee)
Predicted Lineup
