Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 16
Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas
BBVA Stadium – Houston
October 7 – 8:00 PM ET

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

LOCAL TV: FOX Sports Southwest, QuestTEXAS Ch. 55

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

The Dynamo (3W-5L-7D) are looking to get back above the playoff line in the Western Conference and end a poor run of form that included a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City Saturday that extended a winless streak to six matches. FC Dallas (5W-3L-6D) have lost just once in their last six games and are coming off a 2-2 home draw with Columbus Crew SC.

This is the third Texas Derby encounter this season. The teams played to a 0-0 draw at BBVA Stadium August 21 and FC Dallas claimed a 2-1 victory at Toyota Stadium Sept. 12 with Franco Jara scoring the winner just past the hour mark.

Houston Dynamo

After three consecutive victories, Houston's winless streak stretched to six matches following a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City Saturday. The Dynamo's lone goal came six minutes from time from defender Sam Junqua. The Dynamo average a goal per game during this six-game stretch.

Attacking help has arrived though with the Dynamo announcing on Monday they have landed Argentine attacker Mateo Bajamich, a 21-year-old winger, from Instituto for a reported $1.2 million transfer free.

"After a lengthy process, we are pleased to welcome Mateo Bajamich to the Houston Dynamo," Dynamo senior vice president and general manager Matt Jordan said in a statement. "Mateo is a talented young player who can create chances and score goals in the final third, while showing a willingness to put in the work defensively. We are confident Mateo will be in an environment with our club and our staff to develop and grow while helping the team be successful."

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Michael Salazar (F) - right knee injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Memo Rodriguez (M) - right thigh injury
Suspended: Maynor Figueroa (D), Matias Vera (M)
Suspended after next caution: Boniek Garcia (M), Memo Rodriguez (M)
International duty: None

FC Dallas

FC Dallas played to a second consecutive home draw Saturday, battling Supporters' Shield-leading Columbus to a 2-2 stalemate. The teams traded punches throughout and after Reto Ziegler gave the hosts a 2-1 lead from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute, Pedro Santos leveled for Columbus nine minutes later.

"The end result is disappointing because we had the lead twice," Luchi Gonzalez said after the match. "And when you have the lead, it's your job to close the game and to win it. I have to be positive that I felt we showed some of our best soccer this game. We had some of the best highs in terms of with the ball, playing interior channels, combos, confidence to play, everyone being an option. And we showed some of our best moments in pressure, collective pressure and commitment from everybody on the field."

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Paxton Pomykal (M) - hip injury
- OUT: Santiago Mosquera (M) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None