FC DALLAS vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO
MLS Regular Season
August 21- 7:00PM
BBVA Stadium – Houston, TX
TXA21 | FCDTV Network | FCDallas.com/Radio | 1270AM
#HOUvFCD
HEAD-TO-HEAD
- FCD record: 1-1-2 (5 pts., 10th in West)
- HOU record: 0-2-3 (3 pts., 11th in West)
- FCD vs. HOU all-time: 11-11-13 (56 GF, 51 GA)
- FCD vs. HOU away: 4-8-6 (27 GF, 30 GA)
CURRENT FORM
- Both teams are entering the first Texas Derby of 2020 with something to prove. In its first return to action since March, FC Dallas earned one point over two games at home to Nashville SC. Dallas was shutout over the 180 minutes and will be looking to bounce back on the road at BBVA Stadium. Houston is still searching for its first win of the season after drawing two games and losing one during the MLS is Back tournament group stage. While it's still a young season, both teams are near the bottom end of the Western Conference so there's plenty on the line for Friday's game.
FRANCO JARA
- Dallas' new forward Franco Jarastarted both games against Nashville but in two different positions. In the first outing, he was fielded in his natural position leading the line as a center forward but was moved into a second striker/attacking midfield role for the rematch four days later. It will be interesting to see where Luchi Gonzalez decides to play Jara in his first-ever Texas Derby this Friday.
JIMMY MAKES HIS CASE
- Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made a strong case to be FCD's longterm #1 with his Man of the Match performance against Nashville on Sunday. The 31-year-old made seven saves en route to his first clean sheet of the season, staking his claim to the starting role going forward. Maurer's timing couldn't have been better since FC Dallas just announced the loan signing of 21-year-old Brazil international Phelipe Megiolaro who will challenge to be Luchi's first-choice between the sticks.
HEDGES vs. MANOTAS
- Friday's derby will see FCD legend Matt Hedges go up against Houston forward Mauro Manotas. Assuming Hedges plays, he'll pass Jason Kreis as Dallas' all-time leader in MLS regular season appearances with 248. But the 30-year-old will have his work cut out for him with Houston's Manotas. The Colombian forward has been a thorn in Dallas' side in recent years, scoring four goals and adding an assist against FCD over the last two seasons. The battle between Hedges and Manotas could be a key factor in deciding the outcome on Friday.
