FRISCO - The team in red has been celebrating a lot at BBVA Compass Stadium in recent Texas Derbys and they hope to keep it that way.
After failing to win any of the first eight games in Houston, FCD has won three out of the last five including the last two by emphatic 4-1 scorelines and they’re hoping to have plenty more celebrations down south on Saturday night.
“We’ve struggled on the road in the last few years, so getting wins on the road is huge for us and when we can get one on the road at a rival it’s even sweeter,” said captain Matt Hedges. “The scorelines have been good for us [in Houston] and it’s been the best feeling.”
Ryan Hollingshead played a big role in last year’s 4-1 win at Houston scoring the opening goal, the second MLS goal of his career.
“It’s big and knowing it’s the Texas Derby, we take those games very seriously,” said Hollingshead. “It’s big and we’ve had a lot of success and we want to continue that.”
With hundreds of FC Dallas fans expected to make the trip south on I-35, Hollingshead said he knows exactly where to go if Dallas can get a crucial goal.
“They’re always in the same section so after we score we try to go over and celebrate with them,” said Hollingshead. “It’s huge and we love the support.”
“It’s a great feeling,” said Hedges on scoring in Houston. “It’s always great to have the supporters come out and see them up in the stadium and being just as loud as the Houston fans.”
However, having made some major moves in the offseason to bring in attacking players like Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger, the Dynamo will be a stiff test. Houston put three goals past New England in last weekend’s season opener only to concede in the last minute of the match to share a 3-3 draw.
“They made some great moves this offseason and you can tell they’re really taking this season seriously and it’s not a time to rebuild for them,” said Hollingshead. “They’re fighting for a playoff spot for sure and that’s the only reason you make moves like that, so we know that’s their mindset and they’re fighting for something and guys are coming in with a lot to prove so it’s not going to be an easy one.”