FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo: A Texas Derby Showdown

CEO Tam DT
The highly anticipated match between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo is set to take place at Shell Energy Stadium at 7:30 pm CT. This clash is more than just a regular game, as it marks...

The highly anticipated match between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo is set to take place at Shell Energy Stadium at 7:30 pm CT. This clash is more than just a regular game, as it marks the Texas Derby and the battle for El Capitan. Both teams will be determined to secure bragging rights and claim victory in this fierce rivalry.

image-26 Image Source: the original article.

Broadcast Info

For those unable to attend the match in person, it will be televised on the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV. The English commentary will be provided by Max Bretos and Brian Dunseth, while Ramses Sandoval and Martín Zúñiga will handle the Spanish broadcast. English radio coverage will be available on 1190 AM and the FC Dallas App, with Owen Newkirk and Steve Davis providing the live commentary. Spanish radio listeners can tune in to 107.9 KDXX, where Carlos Alvarado and Rafa Calderon will guide them through the game.

FCD Lineup Prediction

FC Dallas is expected to field a fresh and well-rested lineup, following some mid-week rotations. The team is likely to adopt their usual "new normal" 4-2-3-1 formation, although the tactics may vary depending on the game conditions. Bernard Kamungo, recently recovered from an injury, is expected to make an appearance as a bench player. Paul Arriola will likely be rotated back into the lineup, while Alan Velasco, Facundo Quignon, and Asier Illarramendi should continue to play vital roles in the midfield. In defense, Jose Martinez and Nkosi Tafari are expected to form a strong center-back partnership.

Bench Prediction: Jimmy Maurer, Sam Junqua, Dante Sealy, Paxton Pomykal, Bernard Kamungo, Jesus Jimenez, Eugene Ansah, Sebas Ibeagha, Liam Fraser.

MLS Injury/Player Availability Report

Here's the injury and player availability report for both teams:

FC Dallas:

  • OUT: Tarik Scott (season-ending injury)
  • OUT: Geovane Jesus (right knee season-ending)
  • OUT: Sebastian Lletget (hamstring)
  • SUSPENSION AFTER NEXT YELLOW: Jáder Obrian, Parul Arriola

Houston Dynamo:

  • OUT: Ifunanyachi Achara (knee)
  • OUT: Tate Schmitt (knee)
  • QUESTIONABLE: Amine Bassi (lower body)
  • Suspended: Griffin Dorsey (Yellow Card Accumulation), Luis Caicedo (Yellow Card Accumulation)
  • SUSPENSION AFTER NEXT YELLOW: Hector Herrera, Micael, Erik Sviatchenko.

MLS Kit Assignments

In terms of kit assignments, Houston Dynamo will be donning their all-black attire, while FC Dallas will take to the field wearing their full-white Burn Baby Burn kit.

MLS kit assignments for FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo, Sept 30, 2023. Image Source: the original article (Courtesy MLS)

Other Game Info

Let's take a look at some interesting statistics and facts ahead of the match:

  • FCD record: 10-10-10 (40 points - 9th in West)
  • HOU record: 12-11-7 (43 points - 4th in West)
  • FCD vs. HOU all-time: 14-13-18 (71 goals scored, 64 goals conceded)
  • FCD vs. HOU away: 4-10-9 (33 goals scored, 39 goals conceded)

Houston has maintained an unbeaten streak against FC Dallas in their last nine meetings (3-0-6). On the other hand, FC Dallas has lost only one game in their last twelve across all competitions (4-1-7). They have also scored in thirteen consecutive games, which is their longest scoring streak since February to June of 2018 (17 games).

FC Dallas boasts one of the best defensive records in MLS, having conceded the fourth fewest goals this season (34). Their goals against average (GAA) of 1.15 places them at number five in the league. Additionally, FC Dallas has shown resilience in close matches, with a 6-8-0 record in games decided by just one goal.

Late-game heroics are not unfamiliar to FC Dallas, especially for Jesus Ferreira, who has scored four goals in the 80th minute or later this season. Three of those goals have been match-winners. In fact, Ferreira finds himself in the company of Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Johnson, each having scored seven game-winning goals in a single season.

With all these exciting storylines, the FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo matchup promises to be an unforgettable clash. Fans are eagerly anticipating an intense encounter filled with thrilling moments and high-stakes action.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the original article and should be considered as a prediction and game preview. Details may be subject to change.

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