Video: Tribute soccer match Saturday features big names from Dallas’ past

by Erin Rice

Former FC Dallas player Bobby Rhine discusses the game, to feature players from the Dallas Tornado, Sidekicks, and Burn, preceding FCD vs. Houston

While most in the area probably wouldn't realize it, professional soccer in Dallas extends back to the late 1960s with the Dallas Tornado. At various points through its tenure, the Tornado called the Cotton Bowl, Ownby Stadium, and even Texas Stadium home. When the club dissolved in 1981, professional soccer moved indoors with the Dallas Sidekicks. One of the longest operating pro teams in the United States, indoor or outdoor, the Sidekicks won four national championships in 21 years. Playing all but one home game in Reunion Arena, it, too, eventually disbanded in 2004.

The Dallas Burn, now FC Dallas, began in 1996 as one of the MLS' founding franchises and, like the Tornado, called the Cotton Bowl home before building and moving to Pizza Hut Park.

This Saturday players representing all of those teams will meet on the pitch for the Dallas Soccer Tribute Match. Set to kick off at 5:15 p.m., it precedes the FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo match at 7:30 p.m.

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