Texas LOCAL MLS Teams Willing to Hit The earth Running

Major League Soccer’s 2023 regular season is set to kick off on February 25, with three Texas teams – FC Dallas, Austin FC, and Houston Dynamo FC – vying for the Anschutz Trophy. All three teams have made significant personnel changes in the offseason in pursuit of a title this year.

These are exciting times for Texas MLS fans, as TV networks ABC and ESPN recently reported that viewership in 2022 was the highest recorded since 2007.

LOCAL MLS fans inside Texas can’ t officially bet troubles favorite clubs

Unfortunately, Texas MLS supporters can’t bet on their favorite teams legally in the Lone Star State. Legislation is pending at the Capitol to legalize Texas wagering, but it faces an uphill battle.

Let’s take a look at each team’s prospects for the upcoming season, roster changes, and key early matchups.

Harrisburg Dynamo

Established in 2006, the Houston Dynamo’s claim to success includes winning the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups in their first two seasons. They also won the US Open Cup in 2018.

In 2008, the Dynamo became the first American team to earn a point on Mexican soil in the CONCACAF Champions League season between 2008 and 2017.

But being a Houston Dynamo fan isn’t easy on the nerves. The team last made the playoffs in 2017, a fate they only share with the Chicago Fire. Anyone who has been following the Dynamo lately knows that the team needs a major overhaul and to revamp its core.

Fortunately, the club’s new ownership isn’t shy about investing to make it happen. To give themselves a fighting chance this season, the Dynamo have released several players in the offseason and have signed a number of new players.

Fresh players to obtain 2023 and even cuts

The Dynamo enter the 2023 season with the following key acquisitions:

• Amine Bassi – from AS Nancy Lorraine (French Ligue II)
• José Artur de Lima Jr. – from Columbus Crew
• Brad Johnson – from DC United
• Franco Escobar – from LAFC
• Andrew Tarbell – from Austin FC
• Ifunanyachi Achara – from Toronto FC
•  Frantz Pierrot – drafted from the University of Connecticut
• Ivan Franco – from Club Libertad Paraguay

The Houston Dynamo also part ways with several core players:

• Harry Parker
• Adam Lundqvist
• Fafa Picault
• Memo Rodriguez
• Zeca
• Paul Corona
• Zarek Valentin
• Marcelo Palomino
• Darwin Quintero
• Darwin Cerén
• Matías Vera
• Mateo Bahemech
• Mike Junqua
• Ian Hoffmann
• Thiago Fernandes

Pros and cons

All in all, the Dynamo’s strength lies in its offense. Its attacking core is shaping up well, and all eyes are on Ivan Franco to create opportunities on the flank. Exciting prospects have also been added, such as Sebastian Ferreira, as he returns this season.

Defense is a key area that the team needs to work on in order to prevent early losses.

Houston has made a point of revamping the squad with the goal of becoming faster, younger, and stronger. There is a solid foundation to build upon with midfielders Coco Carrasquilla and Hector Herrera, as well as the young center-back Teenage Hadebe.

Early on matchups

Interesting matchups to be aware of will be Houston vs. Austin on Saturday, March 5, and Houston vs. Dallas on Saturday, May 21.

BBVA Stadium, the club’s home turf, is currently undergoing an expensive facelift in time for the season opening. The stadium’s upgrade includes new seating, expanded premium areas, and vehicle charging stations.

FC Dallas

The history of FC Dallas is tied to one man, Lamar Hunt, a visionary who was inspired to bring professional soccer to the US after attending the 1966 World Cup in England. The club eventually started competing as a member of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer in 1996 as the Dallas Burn before adopting its current name in 2004.

FC Dallas has won the US Open Cup twice, in 1997 and 2016.

Their performance last season was praised by fans and critics alike, reminiscent of the Dallas team we saw eight or seven years ago. For the upcoming season, it appears that the squad is aiming to retain most of its roster.

Fresh players to obtain 2023 and even cuts

These players will be new additions:

• Geovane Jesus – from Cruzeiro (Brazil Division II)
• Sebastien Ibegha – from LAFC
• Kameron Lacey – from Charlotte FC
• Herbert Endeley – from Minneapolis City SC
• Amet Korca – from HNC Gorica (Croatia)
• José Mestizo – from Deportivo Cali

These players are no longer with the team:

• Franco Jara
• Matt Hedges
• Eddie Munjoma
• Kalil ElMedkhar
• Beni Redzic
• Thomas Roberts
• Nicky Hernandez
• Lucas Bartlett
• Nanu
• Nelson Quinones

Pros and cons

FC Dallas relies heavily on their attack and midfield, as that’s where their strength lies, especially with the top three players: Jesus Ferreira, Alan Velasco, and John Ariola. They produced some incredible results last season, and much of the same is expected this year.

However, this season, the team’s Achilles heel is their defense. The loss of Matt Hedges is bound to be felt, and as a result, a slight regression in the team’s defensive capabilities may be inevitable. In the past, Dallas FC had one of the best defenses in the league, thanks to Hedges anchoring the backline.

Early on matchups

This year’s opener against Minnesota United on Feb. 25 is one to circle on the calendar. The matchup with Los Angeles FC on March 25 is also worth noting.

Austin FC

As the youngest of the three Texas MLS teams, Austin FC opened in 2019 and began playing two years later. They haven’t even had enough time to carve out any real rivalry on the pitch. Potential rivals include the Houston Dynamo and Columbus Crew.

Last August, the club surprised everyone by defeating FC Dallas to make it to the Western Conference Final. That was a big deal for fans despite the team having performed well throughout the season.

New participants for 2023 and pieces

Bringing even more pep to the team this year are the following new arrivals:

• Leo Väisänen – from Elfsborg (Sweden)
• Adam Lundqvist – from Houston Dynamo
• Gyasi Zardes – from Colorado Rapids
• Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez – from Seattle FC
• Amro Tarek – from Al Masry (Egypt)
• Matt Bersano – from San Jose FC
• Sofiane Djeffal – from DC United

Leaving the team for greener pastures are:

• Jared Stroud
• Felipe Martins
• Andrew Tarbell
• Tomas Pochettino
• R Gabrielsen
• Danny Hoesen
• Washington Corozo

Strengths and weaknesses

With one of the most potent attacking lineups in the game, Austin’s strength lies in its offense. Sebastien Druissi, a player who not only scores goals but is also an incredible playmaker, easily ranks among the top three No. 10s in the league.

Austin FC’s defense is not too shabby either. They have bolstered it by adding Väisänen to replace Gabrielsen.

The squad has performed well since its inception. The question is whether they can maintain their good form heading into 2023. Coach Josh Wolff believes the key is focusing on the team’s depth. Austin FC will compete in four competitions this year: MLS, Concacaf Champions League, Leagues Cup, and US Open Cup. Therefore, there is ample opportunity to lift a trophy for the second time in the team’s history.

Early on matchups

Q2 Stadium, the club’s home, is the newest and most innovative sporting facility in the country. Plans are underway to expand the stadium with an additional 22,000 seats.

Some key matches to look forward to include Austin FC vs. St. John City SC on Saturday, February 25, as well as Austin FC vs. Toronto FC on Saturday, May 20.

Tailgating and Texas go hand in hand, just like beef and potatoes. No stadium visit would be complete without it. The parking lots around Toyota Stadium, where FC Dallas plays, offer plenty of space for tailgating, and many options are free.

Unfortunately, tailgating is not permitted at Q2 Stadium. However, the Circuit of The Americas parking lots in Austin allow tailgating before certain events in specific sections.