The opening match of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season promises to be electrifying as FC Dallas takes on their Texas rivals, the Houston Dynamo. Eric Quill, leading Dallas as head coach for the first time, is eager to make his debut against the Dynamo, whom they share a fierce rivalry with. Quill, who officially took charge last November, is determined to help his team improve on last season's disappointing 11th-place finish.
"I don't think the jitters are here yet," said Quill. "I think come Saturday, when we arrive at the stadium, that's typically when things will hit. But once the whistle blows, it's locked in and doing what I love to do the most. It's a rivalry; let's kick it off with a bang, man!" His enthusiasm is palpable, as he’s set to lead his team onto the field this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Houston Dynamo heads to this meeting with momentum from their previous season, albeit with unfinished business. They reached the playoffs but suffered heartbreak by losing their opener against the Seattle Sounders on penalties. Finishing fifth in the Western Conference, Ben Olsen, their head coach, expressed his intent to hit the ground running this season.
"The first game of the season always brings a certain level of tension and excitement," said Olsen. "The fact it's against a rival team with a new coach trying to develop a new identity will provide a tough test for us, but it’s one we’re very much looking forward to. Nobody's perfect for the first few months of the season, so the trick is to grab points before we find our rhythm. We're all works in progress right now." His focus on starting strong is echoed by his players, who are equally eager to set the tone for the season.
On the field, key players are poised to steal the spotlight. For Houston, the spotlight is on newly signed Nico Lodeiro. He adds considerable experience to the squad, with 225 regular season appearances and 31 playoff appearances under his belt. During his time with Seattle Sounders and Orlando City, he scored 50 goals and delivered 102 assists, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the league. Lodeiro is revered for being one of only five players to achieve six seasons with at least ten assists, solidifying his status as one to watch.
Dallas, on the other hand, will rely on Luciano Acosta, who was acquired from FC Cincinnati during the offseason. Acosta, who registered 93 goal contributions over the last three seasons (41 goals, 52 assists), brings both talent and experience; he leads all players over any three-season span with these contributions, surpassing even MLS legends like Sebastian Giovinco.
Dallas and Houston share one of the fiercest rivalries in MLS, making this match all the more important. It's the second time they've opened the season against each other; the last being back in 2010, when the match ended with a 1-1 draw. Historically, the rivalry matches promise not only competitive spirit but also exciting football, which fans are eager to witness again.
The Dynamo clinched their successful season last year with 54 points, breaking their previous club record of 53 set back in 2012. Houston also equalized their club record from 2007 by achieving 15 wins last season. The upcoming game will be pivotal for both teams to affirm their commitment to building on last year’s performance and securing points early on.
For FC Dallas, this will mark their third occasion when starting the season on the road. Their history shows mixed results – they opened the 2007 season with a 2-2 draw at Real Salt Lake and claimed a 2-1 victory at the LA Galaxy to kick off the 2017 campaign. With the recent roster changes and the integration of new players, the pressure is on them to find their footing quickly.
Ahead of this anticipated encounter, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. Fans from both sides will gather, bringing with them their hopes and expectations for the coming season. The stakes are high, and as Quill emphasized, there’s no place he’d rather start his MLS coaching career than against their historic rivals.
Friday's showdown not only showcases the spirit of soccer but also the underlying storylines of growth, rivalry, and the future of these clubs. It offers both players and fans the chance to witness the beginning of what promises to be another thrilling MLS season.