The Houston Dynamo fell 5-1 to their intra-state rivals FC Dallas tonight at Toyota Stadium. The Dynamo started hot, creating multiple scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes, nearly finding the net inside the first minute after midfielders Tommy McNamara and Tomás Martínez combined inside the penalty area. Despite dominating possession and keeping the ball inside Dallas’ defensive third for most of the first quarter-hour, the Dynamo were unable to find the back of the net.
FC Dallas took the lead in the 24th minute when captain Reto Ziegler converted a penalty kick. FC Dallas was awarded the spot kick after Dynamo defender Jose Bizama was whistled for a foul on forward Dominique Badji at the edge of the six-yard box.