Houston, FC Dallas battle to one-all draw in game two of Texas Derby

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 23, 2017) The Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas battled to a one-all draw in front of 22, 039 fans on Friday, June 23, 2017. The two teams will meet again on August 23 at Toyota Stadium in Dallas to conclude the three-game series for possession of El Capitán, a replica 18th century mountain howitzer cannon. In their previous game on May 28, the Dynamo and Dallas battled to a scoreless draw in Dallas. 

Erick Torres drew blood first in the 19th minute with a nice shot from the right side, as he drove on the goal. The score was his 11th goal in 15 appearances and keeps him in second place in the MLS scoring behind Chicago forward Nemanja Nikolic (13). Dalas evened the score in the 59th minute when Maxi Urruti scored from inside the box at the far post. The goal was inevitable as Houston, while trying to contain their Texas rival, were playing too deep against a determine Dallas ofense. In the 11-year hisory of the Texas Derby, beginning in 2006, the Dynamo holds a 6-5 advantage.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

“I think it was a very tough game, a very good game," stated Houston head coach Wilmer Cabrera.  "A tough night in terms of weather. It was hot and humid for everyone. Two good teams on the field, we went for the three points. I think they are a good team that always play to win, in any stadium, in any city. I think I’m really happy for the performance and the mentality of my team. I’m proud of them because we went for the win throughout the 90 minutes. They gave it all. The sad part for me was with the referee. I am in disagreement with him, and with the calls. Anywhere in the world, for me, that foul from (FC Dallas DF) Maynor Figueroa, it’s a yellow card all over. And the tackle from (FC Dallas MF) Michael Barrios, it’s a red card. He (the referee) didn’t even leave the midfield. So, for me, that’s the disappointing thing, because he wasn’t up for the game. But, listen, for me it was a bad day for him. All the 22 players on the field, everyone on the field, and even the subs, came in with a good mentality, came in with good ideas. After they tied, we went after the goal and we created and had some options. Today wasn’t the day for us to put the ball in the net, sadly, but the mentality was good and we finished the game pushing, trying to look for the goal.”

Houston will return to the pitch inside BBVA Compass Stadium on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 as they take on Sporting KC in the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt U.S.Open Cup. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CDT. 

You can view a slideshow from the game, by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, by clicking here.