Houston Dynamo hope Alberth Elis' return can spark renewal in Texas Derby

Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera hopes the return of Alberth Elis will give his fading team a much-needed spark when they host FC Dallas on Thursday (8 p.m. CT | TICKETS).

There’s more than just Texas pride riding on the Heineken Rivalry Week clash. Dallas are seeking to maintain their leadership of the Western Conference, while the Dynamo need to halt a dramatic slide that has left them in acute danger of missing the postseason.

Elis has nine goals and eight assists on the season – second-best on the roster in both categories – and the team slipped to losses against Columbus Crew SC and Real Salt Lake during his two-game disciplinary suspension.

In his absence, the Dynamo’s other key…