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MLS Game Preview: FC Dallas Set to Host Colorado Rapids on Hispanic Heritage Night

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 19, 2025) – FC Dallas will welcome Western Conference rivals Colorado Rapids to Toyota Stadium on Saturday, September 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. The match, which serves as the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Toyota, is shaping up to be a crucial contest as both teams battle for positioning in the tightly packed conference table.

Series History and Trends

The rivalry between Dallas and Colorado has been one of the more competitive fixtures in Major League Soccer. Dallas holds a 26-9-8 all-time regular-season home record against the Rapids, with a decisive 77-46 edge in goals scored at Toyota Stadium. Overall, Dallas leads the series 35-30-20 (130-112 in goals).

The two clubs last met on March 1 in Commerce City, when Dallas rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw. That match was notable for milestones: Pedrinho scored his first MLS goal, Luciano Acosta netted his first for Dallas, and Petar Musa continued his strong form with a crucial strike.

Since 2017, Dallas is 4-1-4 at home against Colorado, though the Rapids snapped a seven-year unbeaten streak at Toyota Stadium with a 3-2 road win on Aug. 31, 2024. The rivalry has historically produced fireworks, including the highest-scoring match in the series—a 6-3 Dallas victory on May 16, 2001.

Key Players to Watch

For FC Dallas, Petar Musa has been a consistent force in this fixture. The Croatian forward has three goals and one assist in just three appearances against Colorado, and he leads the Dallas attack once again heading into Saturday. Alongside him, playmaker Luciano Acosta has added creativity in the midfield, and Bernard Kamungo, recently named to MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Matchday, continues to excel in his wingback role.

On the other side, Rafael Navarro has been a nightmare for Dallas defenders, scoring five goals in four matches against FCD. His ability to stretch backlines and convert in key moments will make him the focal point of the Rapids’ attack.

Tactical Breakdown

Statistically, the series shows how critical the first goal is in determining outcomes. Dallas holds a 5-2-1 record when scoring first and is also 5-2-1 when leading at halftime. Conversely, the club struggles when chasing games, holding just a 2-4-3 record when trailing at the half.

For Colorado, the numbers are even more decisive. The Rapids are 0-10-3 when trailing at halftime, underscoring the importance of starting strong. When they score first, they hold a commanding 9-3-7 record in the series.

Defensively, both teams have seen standout goalkeeper performances in past meetings. For Dallas, Dario Sala recorded four career shutouts against Colorado, while Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough also has four clean sheets against Dallas, tying the series mark.

Heritage Night Atmosphere

Saturday’s game will not just be about the action on the field. With Hispanic Heritage Night on tap, fans at Toyota Stadium can expect a festive atmosphere that celebrates culture, community, and the strong Latino influence in the North Texas soccer landscape. From pregame performances to special activations, the evening will blend soccer and heritage in a unique way.

Coaches’ Connection

Current FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill also has personal ties to this matchup. As a player with the Dallas Burn, he faced the Rapids twice, and now he aims to extend the club’s strong home record against Colorado as a manager.

What’s at Stake

With Dallas pushing to climb the Western Conference standings and Colorado aiming to turn around recent struggles, Saturday’s contest could have major postseason implications. Both teams have shown resilience in this rivalry, and history suggests another high-energy match is likely.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Toyota Stadium, with streaming coverage available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

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