FRISCO, TX – FC Dallas secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Houston Dynamo FC in a high-octane Texas Derby match held at Toyota Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2026. The game, a key contest in Major League Soccer (MLS), saw a flurry of goals and a dramatic finish, solidifying the rivalry between the two Texas clubs. This latest result adds another chapter to the long-standing competition for state supremacy in MLS.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams demonstrating attacking prowess. FC Dallas ultimately prevailed, taking the lead in the series, though the overall record remains closely contested. The Texas Derby, a fixture in the MLS calendar since 2006, is known for its passionate fan base and intense competition and this encounter certainly lived up to that reputation. The win gives FC Dallas bragging rights, at least until the next installment of the rivalry on October 17, 2026, when Houston will host at Shell Energy Stadium.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The game unfolded as a captivating spectacle for fans, with both sides trading goals throughout the 90 minutes. While specific details of the scoring sequence aren’t immediately available, the final scoreline of 4-3 indicates a relentless attacking display from both teams. Lawrence Ennali scored Houston’s third goal in the 33rd minute, briefly giving the Dynamo the lead, as reported by Reddit users following the game here. However, FC Dallas responded to secure the win.
Highlights of the match are available through OneFootball here, offering fans a chance to relive the key moments of this exciting contest.
The History of the Texas Derby
The Texas Derby rivalry began on May 6, 2006, and has since become a cornerstone of MLS competition. According to Wikipedia, as of March 21, 2026, FC Dallas leads the all-time series 21-16, with 20 draws here. The two teams compete for “El Capitán,” a replica 18th-century mountain howitzer cannon, awarded to the winner of the season series. FC Dallas has historically dominated the series, boasting the longest win streak at seven games between 2013 and 2015.
The rivalry has seen several memorable moments, including Houston Dynamo clinching the 2006 and 2007 series victories. FC Dallas secured the 2008 series on away goals, a tiebreaker that is no longer in use. More recently, both the 2016 and 2017 series ended in ties, with Houston retaining El Capitán in 2017 due to goal differential. Dallas won the 2019 series on goal differential and the 2023 series on the final tiebreaker (holders retain) as both matches ended in a draw. The series winner is determined by points earned in MLS regular season matches.
Stadiums and Fan Support
The rivalry is played out in two prominent MLS stadiums: Shell Energy Stadium, home to the Houston Dynamo FC, and Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas here. Both venues are known for their passionate fan bases, creating an electric atmosphere during Texas Derby matches. Toyota Stadium, where Friday’s game was played, has been FC Dallas’s home since 2006, while Houston Dynamo FC has played at Shell Energy Stadium since 2012.
What’s Next for the Texas Derby?
The next meeting between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo FC is scheduled for October 17, 2026, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Fans can expect another fiercely contested match as both teams vie for supremacy in the state of Texas. The outcome of this next match will be crucial in determining who lifts El Capitán at the end of the 2026 MLS season.
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