Coming into the game both teams had played 22 games, FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids were both in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The team from Dallas was three points above the Rapids. The last time these two teams met it was Dallas that took the three points home after a goal from star man Fabian Castillo. The Reds were looking to add to their seven-game winning streak and the Rapids were hoping to win after losing two on the trot, or at the very least score; something which they have been unable to do in their last two games. And here were the lineups:
FC Dallas: Raul Fernandez; Michel, Hedges, Loyd, Zimmerman; Watson, Ulloa, Escobar, Diaz; Akindele, Castillo
Colorado Rapids: Irwin; Klute, Wynne, Burch, Moor; Alvarez, LaBrocca, Mari, Sanchez; Powers and Brown
It only took 9 minutes for FCD to get the first goal of the game. Two minutes later, FCD doubled their lead thanks to a perfectly executed penalty by Michel. With the first 25 minutes gone by it seemed the other 65 minutes would be much of the same. The Rapids held the ball for most of the half but it was Dallas who actually did something with it while in possession. At half time of play the score: FC Dallas 2-0 Colorado Rapids. While the Rapids maintained over 60% possession, they were wasteful with it and with their 11 shots. Dallas only had five shots and they made sure to convert two of them. Goals courtesy of a Matt Hedges rebound and a Michel penalty.
As the second 45 minutes started, Colorado were noticeably the more attacking team. In quick succession they had three shots but were all blocked by good defending. The defense worked because soon thereafter in the 56th minute Dallas made it 3-0 courtesy of Castillo and the Rapids chances of getting the three points or at least one decreased significantly. Although Colorado managed to retain possession in the second half as they did in the first it was tough for them to mount any decent attacks. In the 86th minute. the Rapids managed to pull a goal back making the game a two goal deficit with yet another penalty, this time Torres scored it.
The game ends 3-1 in favor of the hosts, FC Dallas. Another poor defensive and attacking display from the visiting team as they continue to slide down the table and distance themselves from a coveted playoff spot while the home team can keep dreaming of winning the whole thing this year if they continue to play as they have today.
At the post game press conference, FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja, said, “Over the year I want to make sure my players know how they lose, tie, or win.” He also wasn’t impressed with his side as he said, “It’s one of the games where we gave the ball away way too much and I didn’t like that”. Pareja seemed to be disappointed that they could not control the midfield. Furthermore, Pareja did state that the team is good with the “counter attack’ and that he is “okay with that” and that they are “evolving”.
The next game for FC Dallas is on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Union, a team that are currently in 5th place in the eastern conference. This will not be an MLS game but instead for the Open Cup. After last nights game Pareja made a few remarks about defender Michel who was involved in all three goals, “we have a tremendous weapon there with Michel,” Three goals and he was a part of all three.” This means that Michel will be an weapon that Pareja will surely use to help guide his team to another win, this time against the Union.
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