FC Dallas’ woes continue, as two first half goals saw the Philadelphia Union hold on for their first every victory against the Texas side. The FC Dallas midfield was the turning point in this game, as Mauro Diaz was unable to create any real chances. With Carlos Gruezo suspended for yellow card accumulation, Diaz struggled to find time and space to create.
FC Dallas Midfield Underwhelms in Weekend Defeat to Philadelphia Union
It didn’t take long for the Union to get on the board. Just 17 minutes into the game, C.J. Sapong found himself as the final piece to a goal-of-the-year nominee. A quick and beautiful one-two combination through the Dallas defense led to a simple sliding tap-in by Sapong.
Philadelphia quickly found themselves up 2-0 just five minutes later. A long throw-in was poorly cleared by the Dallas defense, setting up Ilsinho at the top of the 18 yard box. He caught it sweetly off the bounce and it flew past Chris Seitz uncontested.
Dallas had their chances in this one, but it was evident that they were missing something. Carlos Cermeño saw his first MLS start for FC Dallas, but never really clicked with Diaz. Dallas were missing Gruezo due to suspension and Kellyn Acosta never saw the field. Acosta was in the 18 but never featured in this match, after a busy few weeks in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the USMNT.
VAR Pays Dividends
Dallas did get on the board late in the second half, but it was called back after a VAR review – the first time this system was used in MLS regular season history. Second half Dallas substitute Cristian Colman was through on goal and was stopped by Union keeper John McCarthy. Colman had a follow-up attempt but incidentally kicked McCarthy in the process and left him in pain. A rebound came to Maxi Urruti who slotted it home, but head official Ricardo Salazar quickly received a buzz in his ear to review the play. It didn’t take long to see that Colman’s follow-through had prevented MCarthy from going after the rebound, and the goal was disallowed.
Round-up
The Union ended up finding the net one more time, as Dallas keeper Chris Seitz bobbled a shot on goal, and Sapong found another easy tap in. Dallas did find a way into the net via Michael Barrios in stoppage time, but it was too little too late, as the game ended 3-1.
FC Dallas comes back home to face Colorado on August 12th. Dallas looks to take the full three points against a league-bottom Colorado side who have struggled this season. This will also be the first time in several weeks that Dallas will have all available players back in training. Head coach Oscar Pareja will need to regroup and focus this team on the remaining two months of the regular season.
Philadelphia stays home as they welcome Montreal this coming Saturday. They will look to keep improving on a season that seems to be more of a roller coaster ride than anything else. This is a side that is showing solid outings recently, and could make a strong push to the end for a playoff position.
