AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 16, 2025) – FC Dallas fought to a 1-1 draw with Austin FC on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium, continuing the in-state rivalry with another tightly contested affair. Shaq Moore provided the breakthrough for Dallas in the first half, but Austin leveled the score after the break to split the points in front of a sold-out crowd.
Shaq Moore Delivers Again
Defender Shaq Moore has developed into a surprising attacking outlet for FC Dallas, and his offensive contributions continued Saturday night. In the 37th minute, Moore timed a run into the penalty area perfectly and finished with composure for his third goal of the season. The tally marks a career high for the right back, surpassing the two goals he scored earlier in his professional career.
The goal was created by Petar Musa, who slipped Moore through with a sharp assist. Musa now leads Dallas with six assists this season and has 19 total goal contributions, matching his output from last year. His ability to both finish and create has been critical for Dallas’ attack, which has struggled to find consistency during stretches of the season.
Cappis Earns First Start
Midfielder Christian Cappis, a Katy, Texas native, made his first start for FC Dallas since joining the club on July 24. After spending seven years overseas in Denmark and Norway, Cappis’ inclusion provided Dallas with a different look in midfield. While still adjusting to MLS tempo, his composure on the ball and willingness to cover ground gave the team an extra layer of stability.
The 26-year-old’s return to Texas has been one of the storylines of Dallas’ summer transfer window, and Saturday’s match represented his first extended chance to integrate into the system.
Familiar Faces on the Other Side
Saturday also marked the first time FC Dallas faced off against former head coach Nico Estévez, who guided the club from 2022–2024 before taking over in Austin earlier this season. Estévez’s fingerprints on Austin’s tactical approach were evident, with the Verde controlling spells of possession and pressing high in the midfield.
Another familiar face was Jáder Obrian, the former FC Dallas winger, who entered the match in the 77th minute for Austin. Obrian, who played three seasons in Frisco, drew applause from both sets of fans as he made his return to the rivalry in a different shade of green.
Dallas vs. Austin: Series Snapshot
The draw maintains FC Dallas’ strong record in the Texas Derby. With Saturday’s result, Dallas now holds a 7-3-3 all-time advantage over Austin. At Q2 Stadium specifically, the clubs remain dead even at 2-2-2, underscoring just how competitive the rivalry has become.
While Dallas has struggled to climb the table this year, performances against their in-state rival continue to carry weight both for the locker room and the fan base.
Late Push Falls Short
After conceding the equalizer early in the second half, Dallas pressed for a winner, with Musa and Bueckers both testing Austin’s back line in transition. However, Austin’s defensive organization held firm, and neither side could break the deadlock in the closing minutes.
Head coach Peter Luccin praised his squad’s fight postgame but acknowledged the need to convert more opportunities in the final third. “The rivalry always brings energy, but we know we left chances out there tonight,” Luccin said. “We’ll regroup and prepare for LAFC.”
Looking Ahead
The draw moves FC Dallas to 7-11-8 on the season, keeping them within striking distance of the playoff line in the Western Conference. Austin FC, meanwhile, sits at 9-8-8 and continues its push toward postseason qualification under Estévez.
Next up, Dallas returns home to Toyota Stadium to face LAFC on Saturday, Aug. 23, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with local radio coverage on the official FC Dallas app.
