Texas Derby: A Battle for MLS Supremacy

In the United States, many football derbies are not just about bragging rights; they’re about tangible trophies, adding a unique dimension to American soccer rivalries. And in Texas, there are not one but two of these heated clashes, involving Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and Austin FC.

The primary and traditional Texas adversaries are Dallas and Houston. Dallas, formerly known as the Dallas Burn, was among the founding members of MLS in 1996. Despite their long-standing presence, they’ve never clinched the MLS Cup. Their closest brush with glory came 14 years ago when they reached the final but fell short against the Colorado Rapids. While they did secure the Supporters’ Shield in 2016 for topping the MLS regular season, they stumbled in the playoffs, losing to the Seattle Sounders in the quarter-finals.

Houston Dynamo, on the other hand, emerged in 2005 when the owners of the San Jose Earthquakes relocated the franchise to Houston. Retaining the players and staff, the club essentially moved states, rebranding itself as the Dynamo. In their inaugural MLS season in 2006, they made an immediate impact by clinching the MLS Cup in a thrilling final against the New England Revolution. They followed up this success by defending their title the next year, cementing their status as formidable contenders.

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The inception of Houston Dynamo introduced Texas to a dual MLS presence, igniting a fierce rivalry with FC Dallas. This newfound competition gave birth to the Texas derby, a fierce contest symbolized by a historic war cannon replica called El Capitan. Unlike conventional trophies, El Capitan is awarded based on each team’s performance in the season’s head-to-head matchups. If points are tied, the winner is determined by goal difference. If parity persists, playoff, domestic cup, or CONCACAF Champions League encounters come into play, ensuring the cannon’s rightful owner is crowned.

Last season saw the Texas derby end in a stalemate, with both Dallas and Houston drawing in their encounters, leaving El Capitan in Dallas’ possession. Of the 18 seasons the Texas derby has graced MLS, Dallas has seized the cannon ten times, while Houston boasts eight triumphs.

Copa Tejas: A New Rivalry Emerges

In 2021, Austin FC joined the MLS fray, adding a new layer of competition to the Texan soccer landscape. With cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston vying for supremacy, the stage was set for another intense rivalry. As the Dallas-Houston derby already had its established trophy and rules, a new accolade, the Copa Tejas or Texas Cup, was instituted to determine the best-performing Texas club of the season. This initiative originated from San Antonio FC fans, who sought to replicate the fervor of competing for local silverware, inspired by the Texas derby model.

The Copa Tejas encompasses multiple tiers of competition, reflecting the diversity of Texan soccer. Separate cups are contested in the MLS and USL Championship, with Austin FC now eligible to vie for the MLS version. The top five Texan clubs participating in these competitions are FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and Austin FC in MLS, and San Antonio and El Paso in the USL Championship.

The Copa Tejas unfolds through a mini-league format, with each match crucial in determining the eventual victor. Austin FC has made a strong early impression, notching victories against both Dallas and Houston, accumulating six points in their bid for the coveted cup. The upcoming Texas derby between Dallas and Houston will serve as a pivotal showdown, promising to intensify the battle for Texan soccer supremacy.

Derby Week Extravaganza: A Global Showcase of Football Rivalries

As the Texas derby captivates MLS audiences, football fans worldwide are treated to an array of captivating derbies across various leagues and continents. From the storied rivalries of Europe to the passionate showdowns of South America, Derby Week offers a comprehensive glimpse into the rich tapestry of footballing feuds.

In Greece, the Athenian derby between AEK Athens and Panathinaikos takes center stage, embodying the fierce competition among Greece’s most successful clubs. Meanwhile, in Serbia, the eternal derby between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan Belgrade epitomizes decades of footballing history and rivalry, steeped in political and cultural significance.

In England, the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool reignites the age-old battle for supremacy in Liverpool, while the North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal adds another chapter to one of the Premier League’s most intense rivalries.

Across the globe, from Brazil to Mexico, from Italy to Hungary, and beyond, football derbies showcase the passion, pride, and tradition inherent in the beautiful game. Whether it’s Flamengo vs. Botafogo in Brazil or Napoli vs. AS Roma in Italy, each clash carries its own significance, uniting communities and dividing allegiances in equal measure.

As Derby Week unfolds, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the drama, excitement, and emotion that only a true rivalry can evoke. From local showdowns to international spectacles, the spirit of competition burns bright, uniting fans in a celebration of the world’s most beloved sport.