FC Dallas hero: Petar Musa wins a WILD Texas Derby | OneFootball

By José Nuñez

Petar Musa is keeping the goals, and the dramatics, coming for FC Dallas.

The Croatian international striker came off the bench to decide Saturday's thrilling Texas Derby, scoring an 86th-minute winner to beat 10-man Houston Dynamo FC, 4-3, at Toyota Stadium. 

Musa's heroics came a week after he scored a hat trick to salvage a late 3-3 come-from-behind draw at home against San Diego FC. 

“Musa comes into the game and does what Musa does, gives us a huge lift and goals,” said Dallas head coach Eric Quill.

Legendary Derby

Saturday's memorable result will go down in Texas Derby lore and the record books. The 4-3 final scoreline equalled the highest-scoring match between both sides, which came in the first-ever derby back in May 2006. 

Dallas jumped ahead early on a Logan Farrington brace, but Houston weren't fazed. In fact, the Dynamo flipped the script entirely with three goals in four minutes from Guilherme, Erik Sviatchenko and Lawrence Ennali. 

Dallas responded by bringing on Musa after the halftime break. The 28-year-old caused a Duane Holmes own goal in the 54th minute and, after Sviatchenko was shown his second yellow card, struck for the late game-winner. 

"He’s special. He and Logan together are a lethal tandem," said Quill. "The other guys behind them are warriors, man."

Rising World Cup stock

Musa heads into the March international window with Croatia in incredible form. With 6g/0a in five appearances this season, including four goals in his last two games, he's making his push to represent his country at this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

“I’m very excited. It’s something special playing for your national team and also representing FC Dallas. I’m very proud and happy,” said Musa.

 “Today, it was only one purpose: to win the derby against Houston. Now, it’s focus on the national team.”

WATCH: Petar Musa plays hero in WILD Texas Derby