The Texas Derby isn’t just another fixture on the schedule for FC Dallas. It is personal. It’s loud. It’s chippy. And more often than not, it delivers chaos in a way only a Derby can do.
For FC Dallas, this rivalry has produced some of the club’s most defining moments from playoff triumphs, statement wins, and the kind of nights that make Toyota Stadium feel like it’s about to combust.
Let’s dive into the good stuff that delivered in this series for FC Dallas, when they didn’t just beat Houston…they made them hurt. Here are some of my favorite moments in the Texas Derby.
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2006 - First win
Score: FC Dallas 1, Houston Dynamo 0
Date: September 2, 2006
What happened: A late Arturo Alvarez goal helped seal the victory over a 10-man Dynamo squad.
Why it matters: After back-to-back losses earlier in the season, this was the first win over the Orange.
2013 - Kenny Cooper late game-winner
Score: FC Dallas 3, Houston Dynamo 2
Date: March 17, 2015
What happened: This felt like the tide turned in Dallas’ favor in this series, sure Dallas had some wins in this series up until this point, but none felt bigger. Kenny Cooper’s late game-winner was a momentum shift.
Why it matters: It’s possibly the defining goal of Kenny Cooper’s career.
2015 - Dominance at Houston
Score: FC Dallas 4, Houston Dynamo 1
Date: May 1, 2015
What happened: Dallas was building something special in 2015. You had Fabian Castillo, Jesus Ferreira, Mauro Diaz and company putting in the work. Oh, and Dallas put the same score up on Houston at home later in this season.
Why it matters: Dominating your top rival is one thing. But doing it in their building takes it to another level.
2016 - USOC win help set the tone
Score: FC Dallas 1, Houston Dynamo 0
Date: July 20, 2016
What happened: After a tightly contested battle in Houston, Fabian Castillo was the late hero in this rare USOC meeting between the two Texas sides.
Why it matters: FC Dallas likely wouldn’t have won the USOC in 2016 without this game. Simple as that.
2025 - Musa kicks off new season with win
Score: FC Dallas 2, Houston Dynamo 1
Date: February 22, 2025
What happened: After scoring twice against the Dynamo in his debut season with FC Dallas, Petar Musa scored a game winner to help give Dallas the win on the road in the season opener.
Why it matters: This game likely set the tone early on for FC Dallas under new manager Eric Quill that they could pick up points away from home.
