The Texas Derby is always one of Major League Soccer's most anticipated fixtures. The upcoming Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas match on May 17, 2025, promises to deliver another chapter in this storied rivalry. With playoff spots and bragging rights on the line, both teams are determined to stake their claim as Texas soccer’s top dog.

Match Details: When and Where

Houston Dynamo will travel to face FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium as part of MLS Rivalry Week. The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Fans can catch all the action streaming live via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, making it easy for supporters to witness every dramatic moment from home or on the go.

Recent Form and Stakes

FC Dallas enters the derby currently sitting tenth in the Western Conference standings, having struggled to find consistent form over the last six matches. According to the official Houston Dynamo FC preview, Dallas has only managed one victory in that stretch and will be eager to capture much-needed points at home.

The Dynamo, by contrast, are hoping to build on momentum after a convincing 2-0 midweek win over Minnesota United FC. With defenders Felipe Andrade and Pablo Ortiz recently notching their first MLS goals, Houston’s defense has shown real promise, earning their fifth clean sheet of the campaign. Both sides know that a win could have significant implications for their playoff ambitions.

Expected Lineups and Key Players

Squad rotations and minor injuries have led to some changes in both teams’ setups. For Dallas, manager Eric Quill is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Recent lineup insights from the experts at Big D Soccer suggest Michael Collodi could get the nod in goal again due to Maarten Paes’s illness. Key contributors Pedrinho, Anderson Julio, and Petar Musa will be crucial in Dallas’s attack.

On Houston’s side, defenders Franco Escobar and Femi Awodesu are set to return after serving suspensions. Ezequiel Ponce leads the line in attack, with Bassi and Lingr supporting. The midfield’s discipline and defensive solidity, anchored by Artur and Urso, will be important to containing Dallas’s creators.

For more detailed breakdowns and predicted starting elevens, check the analysis from Sports Mole. Their preview also highlights that both teams have shown inconsistency, setting the stage for what could be a tightly contested fixture.

Rivalry History and What’s at Stake

The Texas Derby is about more than just three points. It represents city pride, historical bragging rights, and the battle for "El Capitan," the famous cannon trophy awarded to the winner of the series. Dallas currently holds a slight edge with a 16-13-20 (WLD) record over Houston in regular season play. However, the Dynamo have fond memories of upsetting their rivals, and both clubs are ready to renew this fierce competition.

This match marks the 56th all-time meeting between these clubs across all competitions. With both teams aiming for a playoff boost, expect a physical, emotional, and hard-fought contest that could be decided by the finest margins.

How to Watch and Final Thoughts

Kickoff for the Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas showdown is set for Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. CT at Toyota Stadium. Don’t miss the action, and if you're hungry for expert perspectives, dive into Big D Soccer’s lineup notes or read the official Houston Dynamo match preview for the latest updates.

In summary: The stage is set for an electrifying Texas Derby as Houston Dynamo take on FC Dallas. With playoff fates and state pride on the line, expect drama, intensity, and top-tier soccer as these Texas rivals battle for supremacy. Will Dallas’s home advantage tip the balance, or can the Dynamo keep surging forward? Only time will tell—make sure you tune in!