Even some of the most ardent Dynamo supporters could be confused at the notion of Saturday’s matchup being classified as a “derby”. Saint Paul and Houston, two cities separated by over one thousand miles. What possibly could constitute a rivalry between two clubs on opposite points in the country?
It all began in 2018 as Minnesota United visited Houston for a Round of 16 U.S. Open Cup match – one that saw Mauro Manotas lift the Dynamo to another victory in the tournament. Loons fans tuning in from afar didn’t have much to watch – but then, a technical difficulty gave way to history.
Loons fans ran with it, and from there a beautiful (and interesting) derby was born. When the Loons came back to visit the Dynamo in May of 2019, the H-Town side couldn’t resist joining in on the most famous birthday in town.
The Loons returned the favor in 2021 at Allianz Field, and the rivalry is set to celebrate its fifth year tomorrow evening as the Loons visit the Dynamo at PNC Stadium at 8:00 p.m. CDT. It will be the 13th edition of the Derby, with the Dynamo having a 5-6-5 record in all competitions (and birthdays) against Minnesota.
Tickets for that match are available online at houstondynamofc.com/tickets.
