Fc Dallas vs Houston Dynamo Fc Picks and Predictions May 17th 2025

Paxton Pomykal Glad to Be Back as FC Dallas Battles Dynamo

The stage is set for another chapter in the Texas Derby as FC Dallas hosts the Houston Dynamo on Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. With both teams seeking traction in the Western Conference, the return of one of Dallas’ emotional leaders has added fresh energy to the squad.

Pomykal Returns After 434 Days

One of the most uplifting stories for Dallas fans last weekend came in the form of Paxton Pomykal’s long-awaited return. After more than a year away due to knee cartilage surgery, Pomykal stepped back on the field in the final minutes of a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake.

“It was pretty surreal. You dream about the time you’re going to step back out on the field after being out that long,” Pomykal said. “400-plus days is a crazy amount of time. And then within five seconds, you’re on the field and you have to dial it back in.”

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Pomykal’s comeback wasn’t the only positive sign for Dallas. Petar Musa also returned from injury, logging 18 minutes in his first appearance in four weeks. Despite playing with a man advantage for over 20 minutes after Anderson Julio’s red card for RSL, Dallas couldn’t convert that opportunity into a winning goal.

The draw means Dallas has only one win in its last six matches (1-2-3), keeping them on 16 points entering this rematch with Houston. Notably, they beat the Dynamo 2-1 in their season opener.

Houston Still Winless on the Road

The Houston Dynamo (3-6-4, 13 points) head into Saturday fresh off a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United — but still winless away from home this season.

In that midweek win, defenders Pablo Ortiz and Felipe Andrade both scored their first MLS goals in their first starts, showcasing Houston’s depth and resilience as coach Ben Olsen rotated his squad heavily.

“Defensively, we were very sound, and it was nice to score another one later in the second half,” Olsen said. “Overall, it was just a really good performance from the group.”

The Dynamo are beginning to reap the benefits of their midseason signings, including Slovakian international Ondrej Lingr, who now has two goals in five appearances. Additionally, U.S. international Duane Holmes is inching closer to making his debut after recovering from a broken leg.

If you’re following MLS betting action this weekend, this cross-state rivalry could offer value in MLS picks and predictions. To get expert betting breakdowns and up-to-date odds, don’t miss out on the best MLS Soccer Picks.

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Familiar Faces and Fierce Rivalry

This matchup carries extra weight given the fierce in-state rivalry and the fact that Dallas won their season opener against Houston. Expect intensity, physical play, and the kind of emotional edge that can only come from years of competitive history.

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“We know what happened the last time we played them,” said an unnamed Dallas player this week. “It’s our job to protect our house and build on what we’ve done.”

Saturday’s game could also serve as a turning point for either team, especially for Dallas as Pomykal works his way back into full fitness. His return, coupled with Musa’s presence up top, may finally give Dallas the creative spark it’s been missing.