Santiago Mosquera double helps FC Dallas cruise past struggling Dynamo

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:28 am

Santiago Mosquera scored a brace early in the second half -- both goals coming three minutes apart -- to help FC Dallas roll to a 4-2 victory against the reeling Houston Dynamo on Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The win in this season's third installment of the Texas Derby allowed FC Dallas (49 points) to expand its lead in MLS's Western Conference to three points over second-place LAFC with seven regular-season matches remaining.

FCD's victory also snapped a string of five straight draws between the two teams in MLS competition and is the Huntsmen's first win in the rivalry since August 2016.

Houston (28 points) has not won since July 7, covering a total of 10 league matches, and has lost seven of its past eight contests.

Michael Barrios' goal in the 10th minute began FCD's offensive onslaught and came on a picture-perfect pass from Maximiliano Urruti from just outside the box on the right side. The assist allowed Barrios plenty of time to steady the ball on the dead run and lift it over diving Houston goalkeeper Joe Wills and into the net.

Santiago Mosquera
Santiago Mosquera
Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

It's the seventh straight match for Barrios with either a goal or an assist.

Mosquera added to the lead in the 48th minute. Willis came way off his line to corral a pass toward the edge of the box and couldn't find the handle, allowing Mosquera to roll a shot into the net that crossed the line just before two Houston defenders could get to it.

Mosquera made it 3-0 three minutes later, taking a pass from Victor Ulloa at the top of the circle before ripping a left-footed shot through traffic and into the net to Willis' left.

Houston finally showed some life as Mauro Manotas lined a shot into the net in the 53rd minute to erase the chance of a clean sheet for FCD goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez.

But Reto Ziegler pushed the FC Dallas lead to 4-1 on a penalty kick in the 58th minute after Urruti was taken down in the box by Houston's Oscar Boniek Garcia. Houston responded in kind on Alberth Elis' penalty kick goal in the 72nd minute.

Both Houston and FC Dallas don't return to the pitch until Sept. 15. The Dynamo will work to find the answers they need for a late turnaround at home against Portland, while FC Dallas will host Columbus.