Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 6
Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas
BBVA Stadium – Houston
August 21 – 8:00 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada

The Texas Derby heats up again Friday at BBVA Stadium with the Houston Dynamo looking to wrestle El Capitan back from FC Dallas.

More than just bragging rights, the Dynamo are looking to get Tab Ramos his first win as an MLS coach after three draws in their first five games.

After earning just a point from a pair of disappointing performances at Toyota Stadium against Nashville SC, FC Dallas are perhaps hoping a change of scenery, and a bitter rival on the other side of the field, will fuel their competitive juices.

Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo are still finding their identity under Ramos, as evidence of their mixed results at the MLS is Back Tournament. They came flying out of the gate to put LAFC on the ropes before conceding twice after halftime to settle for a 3-3 draw. A one-goal loss to eventual champion Portland was followed by an eliminating 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy in a match they conceded the equalizing penalty kick in the 90th minute.

With the Dynamo still taking shape under Ramos, it's no surprise they've been busy during the Summer Transfer Window, swapping midfielders with the New England Revolution by bringing in Wilfried Zahibo and a 2020 international slot in exchange for Tommy McNamara and $175K in General Allocation Money. They also announced the signing of Ariel Lassiter on loan from Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense.

Will Houston also acquire 22-year-old Honduran forward Darixon Vuelto, who is out of contract with Real Espana, with that international slot? He told Honduran outlet Diez the Dynamo are one of three teams interested in him.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Michael Salazar (F) - right knee injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Mauro Manotas (M) - thigh injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None

FC Dallas

After five long months, FC Dallas were finally able to play a competitive match. In fact they played two against Nashville SC, but only secured one point from the two games, a 0-0 home draw Sunday night. Luchi Gonzalez has tinkered with his lineup and with his formation, but they were outshot—at home — 21-12 with just one shot on frame against the expansion side.

Was that match the final in an FC Dallas kit for Reggie Cannon? MLSsoccer.com's Tom Bogert reports the US men's national team fullback has an offer from Barnsley in the English Championship with FC Dallas supporters group El Matador president Luis Dollar tweeting Cannon "all but" confirmed his exit Sunday night.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Santiago Mosquera (M) - shoulder injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Brandon Servania (M) - adductor injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None