FC Dallas and Austin FC Add Another Chapter to the Texas Rivalry

There were no goals at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, but there was still plenty on the line when FC Dallas and Austin FC met for the final time in the 2026 MLS regular season. The two Texas rivals played to a 0-0 draw, a result that was enough for FC Dallas to claim the Copa Tejas for the third time in club history.

It was not the most action-packed game between these two teams, but the intensity was there. Both sides knew what was at stake, and neither wanted to give the other an easy opportunity.

FC Dallas created some of the better chances early in the game. Kaick came close in the opening half, but Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver reacted quickly to keep the match scoreless.

Austin grew into the game as the night went on. The Verde & Black created a few opportunities of their own, but Dallas goalkeeper Daniel stood his ground and came up with the saves when his team needed him.

The final minutes became particularly tense. Austin pushed forward looking for a late winner, while Dallas worked to protect the result that would secure the Copa Tejas. Stuver made a couple of important saves in stoppage time, but neither team could find the breakthrough.

When the final whistle came, the scoreboard still read 0-0.

For Dallas, that was enough.

More Than Just Another Game

The rivalry between FC Dallas and Austin FC is still relatively young, but it has quickly become one of the biggest matchups in Texas soccer.

Austin FC joined MLS in 2021, giving FC Dallas a new in-state rival and creating another chapter in the state’s growing soccer culture. The two clubs, along with Houston Dynamo FC, compete for the Copa Tejas, which is awarded to the Texas club that finishes with the most points in its regular-season matches against the other Texas teams.

Since Austin entered the league, these games have produced plenty of memorable moments.

There have been high-scoring battles, dramatic finishes and games where bragging rights meant just as much as the points in the standings. Austin recorded a memorable 3-0 win over Dallas in 2023, while Dallas has also enjoyed its share of big results in the rivalry.

The rivalry reached another level in the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs when Austin defeated Dallas 2-1 in front of a packed Q2 Stadium.

That history has continued into 2026.

Dallas won the first meeting of the season, defeating Austin 2-1 at Q2 Stadium on August 16. With Saturday’s draw, Dallas finished the season series unbeaten and secured the Copa Tejas.

A Trophy Without a Goal

A scoreless draw might not sound like the most memorable way to decide a trophy, but for Dallas, the result had plenty of meaning.

The Copa Tejas is now heading back to Frisco for the third time. Dallas previously won the competition in 2021 and 2024.

For Austin, the result still provided something positive. The Verde & Black extended their unbeaten run to seven matches and picked up a valuable point on the road.

The game may not have produced the fireworks that have become familiar in this rivalry, but it added another chapter to a rivalry that is still finding its identity.

FC Dallas and Austin FC have only been sharing the MLS stage for a few years. Already, there is history between them.

And with both clubs continuing to compete for trophies, playoff spots and bragging rights across Texas, there will be plenty more chapters to come.