The 2024 Texas Derby will begin tomorrow when FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo visit the city.
We are inviting a fellow blogger to assist in previewing the opponent for the upcoming game, just as we have done on this site for years, far back in the SB Nation days. Today, Dustyn Richardson of Bayou City Soccer joins us to talk about tomorrow’s exciting Derby match. Make sure you
Please take note that their website will host our answers to their queries.
BDS: What transpired versus the Verde past weekend? We all detest losing to Austin. How can Ben Olsen make amends when facing off against FC Dallas or another rival?
BCS: Against Austin, this game was undoubtedly one of those “one of those” moments. After controlling the game, the Dynamo conceded a goal in the 86th minute on a goal kick. Houston nearly achieved two xG, but was unable to complete. “You shoot the ball where the goalie isn’t,” Olsen told me when I asked him about how to improve the finishing after the game, so I’m sure they’re working on fixing that this week. Sebastian Ferreira might be able to help start, which would help, as the Dynamo have been playing with Sebastian Kowalczyk or Amine Bassi as a false nine while Ferreira has been injured.
BDS: The Dynamo have started 2024 with a few victories, but the attack has been sluggish to get going. Was the absence of firepower up top, a hangover from the Concacaf Champions Cup, or Hector Herrera’s injury the main cause of that?
BCS: Every option listed. Herrera is a key component of their offensive approach, as demonstrated by his inclusion in the MLS Best XI midfield last season. It has been really missed without having him in charge. He made his season debut last week, and this weekend he should be ready to play off the bench for another thirty minutes or so. The Cup of Champions
We frequently hear about hangovers, and they are real—especially in light of the Dynamo’s injuries. Due to Nelson Quinones’ yearlong absence, Ferreira has missed a significant number of games. It’s been tough for them to settle into a routine because of this and the quantity of matches, which has forced them to change up the team frequently.
BDS: In relation to the rivalry, what impressions do Houston supporters have of this series in 2024? Is the rivalry still as fierce as it was a decade ago? Or have things calmed down after so many draws between these two clubs in recent years?
BCS: I believe that the rivalry between Dallas and Houston will endure forever. Nobody down here liked watching the Rangers defeat the Astros in order to win a World Series the previous season! Even with Austin around these days, I believe the fans will always feel this is the greatest rivalry, even though the games between these two have been a little boring lately. The importance of the derby has been discussed by Olsen and the players, so even though the results have somewhat subsided, the rivalry is still fierce as play begins on match day.
