May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) kicks the ball in the Houston Dynamo zone during the second half at Toyota Stadium. The match ends in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

There may not have been a goal on Sunday between the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas, but there is no doubt these two teams are going to have a say in who wins the MLS Cup.

This was an opportunity tailor-made for FC Dallas. Following a two game losing streak, their first two losses of the season, to the Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes; hosting the team with the worst road record in MLS looked like just what the doctor ordered.

But it took less than a minute for the Dynamo to show they meant business. They moved the ball into the FC Dallas zone and got a set piece in the first minute. A failed clearance by Max Urruti put the ball on net, where Jesse Gonzalez corralled it.

FC Dallas had a golden opportunity early on as Michael Barrios came down the ride end with pace and put up a brilliant ball for midfielder Ronald Lamah who got his head on it and had a wide open net in front of him but it bounced back to the direction from whence it came and was cleared by the Dynamo.

Tyler Deric made an outstretched save on a set piece in the 26th minute, followed by one from Gonzalez on the other end. At the end of the half Dallas had a couple of opportunities, including a goal that was waved off.

Instead of parking the bus, the Dynamo attacked. Lining up in a 4-3-3 they pressed high despite allowing 14 goals in their five away games this year. After missing the playoffs a season ago Houston looks poised to challenge for a top spot in the western conference; with Alex is second in MLS in assists.

Meanwhile FC Dallas was one of the favorites to hoist the cup at the start of the season but losing defenseman Walker Zimmerman for 4-6 weeks will hurt. He came off the field on the 24th minute after a collision with a strained MCL, replaced by Atiba Harris.

June 23 and August 23 are the next two meetings for the two Texas rivals. Wimer Cabrera has turned things around in Houston in his first season while Oscar Pareja continues to keep Dallas in high gear.