Image: FC Dallas via Twitter
07/14/2022
FC Dallas returned home to face the current MLS champions New York City FC last night and fell 1-0. Despite having the advantage of playing at home and in an environment that NYCFC isn't used to (extreme heat), Dallas was unable to take any points. The lone goal came from Brazilian striker Heber in the first half. Newly named All-Stars Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola were unable to push the Toros back into the game.
The Starting Eleven-
Image: FC Dallas via Twitter
Nico Estevez opted for a formation change. Dallas has usually employed a 3-3-4, last night saw Estevez switch from a three man midfield and one striker system to a two man midfield and two strikers on the field. The change may have stemmed from a need to rest Paxton Pomykal due to this being a midweek game sandwiched between two rivalry matches (last week was the Houston Dynamo and this Saturday the Toros will face Austin FC). Brandon Servania earned a red card last Saturday and Thomas Roberts still hasn't made his 2022 debut, leaving Dallas suddenly thin at the 8 spot.
Marco Farfan, who had played every game prior to last night, and Facundo Quignon were both absent due to yellow card accumulation. Farfan also seemed to suffer a concussion that took him out of the Houston match.
For suspension news- (https://www.fcdallas.com/news/set-the-stage-fc-dallas-vs-new-york-city-fc-7-13-22)
For Farfan injury info- (https://3rddegree.net/takeaways-as-fcd-takes-el-capitan-but-not-the-win)
Dallas was unable to put out their strongest eleven. Arriola, Pomykal, and Matt Hedges, who are all usually locked in starters, came off the bench. Pomykal and Arriola came in around the 67th minute, hoping to turn the result around, unfortunately neither were able to recuse the match. Hedges came in at the 84th minute, more than likely he was brought in to lock Dallas' defense up and help keep the score low.
This Dallas roster is not deep enough or good enough, that thought will need its own article at this point.
The Goal-
Dallas allowed NYCFC too much time and too much space. Every defensive player made a mistake in this build-up. Jose Martinez got nothing on that tackle and was too slow to get up after. Nkosi Tafari didn't close down Santiago Rodriguez, who it felt like had minutes or hours of time to decide his play. Nanu was on the wrong side of Heber, leaving him almost unopposed on goal.
Next Match-
Dallas will face Austin FC this coming Saturday, July the 16th at 8:00PM.
By Toros95