A Step in the Right Direction for FC Dallas

After two draws at home, FC Dallas travelled to New England for a bout in a East versus West matchup

In their first road game of 2018, FC Dallas walked away with 3 points after a goal by Jacori Hayes. Matt Turner, goalkeeper for New England, had 4 saves on the night. Jacori Hayes, who has garnered attention nationally for his assertiveness on the field, had another stellar overall game. With Kellyn Acosta out tentatively with an injury, Hayes has done well in the midfield to hold out his spot.

Dallas Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer had a Man-of-the-Match night of his own with six saves to help FCD stay in the game. Maurer kept a clean sheet after 90 minutes, getting his second of year. The starting spot for Maurer is his to lose, as the usual starter Jesse Gonzalez battles back from injury. Maurer and FC Dallas lead the league with just three goals allowed off five games. Saturday’s game further showed that FC Dallas’ changes in the defense since 2017 are nothing to scoff at.

The Dallas offense, however, is a different story. So far in 2018, FCD has 78 total shots on goal with 27 on frame and only 7 goals total. Conversions have been lacking of late, and designated number nine Cristian Colman was likely feeling it the most. Colman had three good opportunities to tally some goals during his 90 minutes. The striker made multiple errors during the run of play on those prime opportunities and none ended up coming to fruition. Colman had come off the bench a week prior and salvaged a point with a goal versus the Colorado Rapids, likely bolstering him to the starting eleven. Midfielder Mauro Diaz did not see the field last Saturday likely due the possible liability of playing on turf, but is expected to start versus the Union.

Philadelphia are winless in the last four games and have tallied just three goals in their five games played. Coupled along the road win, FC Dallas should have no problem routing the Union at home. While Cristian Colman should get one more look to start with Mauro Diaz, Oscar Pareja may default to his 4-2-3-1. It may not be the prettiest soccer, but it should add more confidence to a team that while unbeaten, lack the offense to make a decent playoff run.

Kickoff is at 7:00pm at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. Broadcast will be shows live on TXA21, on ESPN+ and through the MLS App.

 

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