In a thrilling encounter at Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas emerged victorious over Houston, winning 4-3 in the much-anticipated Texas Derby. The standout performer of the match was Logan Farrington, who scored two crucial goals in the first half, setting the tone for the game. His first goal arrived just 5 minutes into the match, as he connected perfectly with a cross from Shaquell Moore, firing it past the Houston goalkeeper.
Alongside Farrington, Petar Musa contributed significantly to the victory by scoring a goal and being named the match’s best player. Musa’s effort came late in the game, with a well-timed strike at the 40-minute mark of the second half. Additionally, Duane Holmes inadvertently added to FC Dallas’s tally with an own goal in the 53rd minute.
For Houston, Guilherme opened the scoring, followed by quick successive goals from Erik Sviatchenko and Lawrence Ennali, giving them a brief lead. However, FC Dallas’s relentless attacking play proved too much for the visitors.
Head coach Eric Quill deployed a 4-4-2 formation for FC Dallas featuring Michael Collodi in goal, supported by a solid defensive line comprising Shaquell Moore, Osaze Urhoghide, Nolan Norris, and Bernard Kamungo. The midfield was anchored by Herman Johansson, Ramiro, Kaick, and Christian Cappis, with Farrington and Joaquin Valiente leading the attack.
On the other side, Houston, managed by Benjamin Olsen, set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Jonathan Bond guarded the net, with Duane Holmes, Erik Sviatchenko, Antônio Carlos, and Felipe Andrade forming the defense. The midfield trio included Jack McGlynn, Héctor Herrera, and Lawrence Ennali, while the attack was spearheaded by Guilherme, Ezequiel Ponce, and Mateusz Bogusz.
The match was officiated by referee Rosendo Mendoza, who faced some difficult decisions during the high-energy contest.
Looking ahead, FC Dallas will travel to face DC United, while Houston will welcome the Seattle Sounders to their home ground.
Substitutions for FC Dallas
45’ 2T – Christian Cappis was substituted for Petar Musa
73’ 2T – Kaick made way for Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris was replaced by Patrickson Delgado
88’ 2T – Logan Farrington exited the field for Sebastien Ibeagha
Yellow Cards for FC Dallas:
18’ 1T – Osaze Urhoghide (Unsporting behavior), 12’ 2T – Kaick (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Houston
66’ 2T – Ezequiel Ponce was substituted for Ondrej Lingr and Duane Holmes for Aliyu Ibrahim
72’ 2T – Lawrence Ennali was replaced by Agustin Resch
86’ 2T – Héctor Herrera exited for Agustín Bouzat
Yellow Cards for Houston:
37’ 1T – Ezequiel Ponce (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 1T – Erik Sviatchenko (Unsporting behavior), 1’ 2T – Duane Holmes (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
Red Card for Houston:
22’ 2T – Erik Sviatchenko (Red for second yellow card)