
Three Points: Houston Dynamo FC host FC Dallas for leg two of the Texas Derby
Published on August 20, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release
HOUSTON - Houston Dynamo FC begin a four-game homestand on Saturday beginning with the second leg of the Texas Derby against FC Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and this is the first of two meetings at BBVA Stadium this season.
The Dynamo look to bounce back after falling 2-1 to Real Salt Lake on the road on Wednesday. The Dynamo conceded the game-winning goal minutes before the final whistle and enter Saturday's game in need of points after falling to 12th place in the Western Conference. A victory would bring Houston level with FC Dallas in the league table with 21 points.
Dynamo forward Fafa Picault scored for the Dynamo on Wednesday and enters Saturday's game with back-to-back goals in his last two outings. The forward has scored three goals in August to reach five for the season, the second highest mark for the Dynamo this year. Picault's first goal of the month was against Austin FC and the attacker is the first Dynamo player to score against both FC Dallas and Austin FC in the same season. Picault scored the opening goal against FC Dallas in the first meeting of the season on May 8.
FC Dallas enter Saturday's game in need of points after losing back-to-back games at home. Dallas closed a three-game homestand with a 1-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday. Ricardo Pepi has been a key contributor for FC Dallas this season and leads the team in goals with eight. Pepi has struggled to find the back of the net after scoring a hat trick in the 4-0 victory over the LA Galaxy at home on July 24. Pepi could earn his first start against the Dynamo on Saturday after entering as a substitute in his first three appearances against Houston.
Houston will host Minnesota United at BBVA Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 28 for the second meeting of the regular season.
WHO:
Houston Dynamo FC vs. FC Dallas
WHEN:
Saturday, Aug. 21 - 7:30 p.m. CT
TV:
QuestTexas ch. 55 (English)
Glenn Davis, Eddie Robinson and Cindy Burbano
RADIO:
Spanish: TUDN Radio Houston 1010 AM
Daniel Mejia and Lester Gretsch
Here are three key points ahead of Saturday's game:
1. DYNAMO OPEN HOMESTAND IN NEED OF POINTS: The Dynamo open their four-game homestand against FC Dallas, the first of three Western Conference rivals in direct contention with Houston for a spot in the postseason. A victory for FC Dallas would bring them level with Portland for the seventh and final playoff spot. Minnesota United visit BBVA Stadium on Aug. 28 and currently sit in sixth place. The Timbers visit on Sept. 3 in the final meeting with a direct rival for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Houston closes the homestand with Austin FC's first visit to BBVA Stadium on Sept. 11. The Dynamo look to capitalize on their stretch in EaDo, a key factor for Houston's run to the postseason in 2017.
2. HOUSTON FACES DALLAS FOR SIXTH MEETING SINCE 2020: The Dynamo and FC Dallas faced each other four times in 2020 with the series ending with one victory and one draw for the Dynamo at BBVA Stadium. Since 2019, the Dynamo are 3-0-1 against their in-state rival at home and look to extend that run to snap a four-game losing streak in league play on Saturday. Houston's recent success against FC Dallas snapped a winless streak that begin in Aug. 2016 and finished on May 4, 2019. The Dynamo finished with a 0-1-3 record at home against their in-state rival. With a victory on Saturday the Dynamo could improve their record at home to 10-4-7 at home and level the all-time series to 13-13-15.
3. DALLAS BEGIN THREE GAME ROAD TRIP IN HOUSTON: FC Dallas open a three-game road trip on Saturday that includes a trip to Austin and Utah after their first visit of the year to BBVA Stadium. Dallas enters with a 1-7-1 record away from home and have conceded 17 goals away from Frisco, tied for the third most in the Western Conference. Dallas has also struggled offensively, they enter Saturday's game with five goals scored on the road, the fewest in the conference. Dallas will look for their first victory in Houston since a 3-1 triumph on Aug. 27.
Major League Soccer Stories from August 20, 2021
- MLS Disciplinary Committee Decisions Announced - MLS
- Rapids Host Real Salt Lake in Second Rocky Mountain Cup Tilt - Colorado Rapids
- Austin FC Academy Set to Kick off 2021-22 MLS Next Season on September 5 - Austin FC
- Earthquakes Face LA Galaxy Tonight - San Jose Earthquakes
- Major League Soccer Adds Andre Blake to Roster for the 2021 MLS All-Star Game Presented by Target - MLS
- Philadelphia Union Goalkeeper Andre Blake Named to 2021 MLS All-Star Game - Philadelphia Union
- Minnesota United FC vs. Sporting Kansas City Preview - Minnesota United FC
- Match Preview: Atlanta United vs. D.C. United - Atlanta United FC
- Revolution Host FC Cincinnati on Saturday Night - New England Revolution
- MLS NEXT Set to Kick off Second Season on August 21 - MLS
- Whitecaps FC Acquire Canadian Fullback Marcus Godinho - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- FC Cincinnati Sign Defender Chris Duvall - FC Cincinnati
- Three Points: Houston Dynamo FC host FC Dallas for leg two of the Texas Derby - Houston Dynamo FC
- LA Galaxy Loan Forward Augustine Williams to San Diego Loyal SC - LA Galaxy
- Red Bulls Host Rival New York City FC for the First New York Derby of 2021 Season - New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City Returns Home to Host Chicago Fire FC - Orlando City SC
- Nashville SC Pushing Forward in Tight Eastern Conference RaceÃâà- Nashville SC
- Kickoff Time Changed for Revolution's October 20 Away Match at D.C. United - New England Revolution
- FC Dallas Announces Launch of DTID: the Official FC Dallas Podcast - FC Dallas
- Atlanta United Announces Broadcast Changes for Match vs. D.C. United - Atlanta United FC
- Inter Miami CF to Host Toronto FC on SaturdayÃâà- Inter Miami CF
- Real Salt Lake Travels to Colorado Rapids for Second Leg of Rocky Mountain Cup - Real Salt Lake
- Major League Soccer Announces Time Change for Chicago Fire FC's September 15 Away Match against D.C. United - Chicago Fire FC
- D.C. United Announce Earlier Kickoff Times for Wednesday Night Matches at Audi Field - D.C. United
- Kickoff for MNUFC at D.C. United Match Changed to 6:30 p.m. CT - Minnesota United FC
- Sporting KC to Visit Minnesota on Saturday - Sporting Kansas City
- CF Montréal Acquires Midfielder Matko Miljevic - Club de Foot Montreal
- Whitecaps FC to Welcome Olympic Heroes, Frontline Heroes and Dr. Bonnie Henry to Saturday's Match - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Houston Dynamo FC Stories
- Ondøej Lingr and Ezequiel Ponce Named to MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday
- Houston Dynamo FC Acquire MLS Veteran Forward Sergio Santos
- Houston Dynamo FC Inch Closer to Playoff Line After Thrilling 3-2 Victory at St. Louis
- Houston Dynamo FC Loan Forward Toyosi Olusanya to Doncaster Rovers F.C. in England
- Houston Dynamo FC Continue Playoff Push on the Road at St. Louis CITY SC

