The 2013 season has come to a close for the Dynamo, but with the release of the 2014 MLS schedule today, it’s not too early to look ahead to next year. Here’s five of the biggest games at BBVA Compass Stadium in 2014:
March 8 vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
There’s a little over four months until the 2014 campaign kicks off, and the Dynamo will start it off at home against a young, talented New England Revolution squad. The Revs finished third in the Eastern Conference in 2013 behind a deep attacking front led by Diego Fagundez (13 goals) and Kelyn Rowe (7 goals, 8 assists) and a defense held down by MLS Defender of the Year candidate Jose Goncalves.
Bonus game: These two teams will square off again in the Dynamo’s home finale on Oct. 16.
April 5 vs. FC Dallas, Time TBD
The Texas Derby returns to Houston in just the fourth game of the season. It’s the only meeting between the Dynamo and FCD during the MLS regular season, but that doesn’t mean the teams are buddy-buddy. A straight red to Jair Benitez got tempers flaring in 2012, and a controversial finish left a bad taste in Houston’s mouth earlier in 2013. This will likely be the last time these two teams only meet once in the season, as the introduction of New York City FC and Orlando City SC in 2015 will likely bring the two Texas teams back into the same conference. It's time to bring El Capitán back to BBVA Compass Stadium.
May 17 vs. LA Galaxy, 7:30 p.m.
Old foes missed each other in the playoffs for the first time since 2010, but they’ll get together at BBVA Compass Stadium this May for their only regular season matchup in 2014. The Dynamo took a 1-0 win in LA this past year and a 2-1 victory in the third game in BBVA Compass Stadium history in 2012. The Galaxy’s trio of Designated Players—Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez—will be looking to turn the tables.
June 6 vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.
Revenge, anyone? After the Dynamo ended Kansas City’s season in 2011 and 2012, Sporting returned the favor on Saturday in the Eastern Conference Championship. The rivals’ first meeting of 2014 will come almost midway through the year, but neither team will soon forget the history that has built up over the past few seasons. This is the also the Dynamo’s final game before taking a three-week break for the World Cup group stage.
July 4 vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
Independence Day at BBVA Compass Stadium against the defending Supporters’ Shield champions? Cue the fireworks clichés! In all seriousness, though, the combo of Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill return to Houston after New York went 3-0-1 here in 2013. The Dynamo, however, came through with a 2-1 victory in extra time at Red Bull Arena in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to advance in the playoffs.
That’s just five of the 17 regular season home games at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo will also face the Western Conference runner-up Portland Timbers (April 27, 2 p.m.) and champions Real Salt Lake (May 11, 6 p.m.). You won’t want to miss the end of the season, as the Dynamo will host five home games in the final two months as they look to secure an eighth playoff appearance in nine years.
To make sure you see all the great matchups for 2014, sign up on our season ticket waiting list or call (713) 276-GOAL.
