(Frisco, TX) – FC Dallas played host to the New York Red Bulls, in a mid-table match-up of East and West. Dallas was looking for a win at any cost, while the Red Bulls were clinging to a Eastern Conference playoff spot.
MLS Week 26: New York Red Bulls Share Points With FC Dallas
The two sides shared points in a 2-2 draw Saturday night in Frisco. Both teams were looking to make a strong push as the MLS regular season is quickly wrapping up. Points are at a premium now and everyone is trying to solidify their post-season participation.
A Rush of Blood to the Head
Dallas came out in a flash, pressing high up the field defensively and looking strong on the attack. Fans were optimistic seeing rookie Jacori Hayes getting only his second MLS appearance in the midfield. International call-ups took away five FC Dallas players, so adjustments had to be made.
Unfortunately Hayes’ night would be short-lived. The rookie from Wake Forest looked good early on, holding his own against strong midfield opposition. But within an eight minute period, Hayes would see two yellow cards and put his team down a man. A poor challenge in the 29th minute probably could have seen red, but was lucky to see yellow. Hayes found himself awkwardly half-sliding into a challenge in the 37th minute, and the end result looked worse than it was. The referee did not hesitate, and quickly pulled the yellow and then showed the red.
Fast and Furious
As Hayes made his way off the field, you could see and feel the momentum quickly swing in the Red Bulls favor. It was only six minutes later, just before half time, that New York would strike first.
Dallas had to adjust and seemed to sit back, trying to adjust to being a man down. The away side pounced and quickly came right through the middle of the field. A beautiful splitting ball was played up to Bradley Wright-Phillips. As he approached the ball with Walker Zimmerman on his back, BWP smoothly flicked the ball back towards the top of the 18. Sacha Kljestan timed his run perfectly, meeting the ball in stride. He took a few quick steps, side-stepped Ryan Hollingshead, and calmly placed his shot right upper 90. Just like that, it seemed all over for Dallas.
Second Half – Second Wind
Dallas brought on Javier Morales at the start of the second half to try and keep the midfield together. Roland Lamah was sacrificed as an outside mid, and Michael Barrios pushed up top as a speedy outlet. It quickly paid dividends.
Despite being a man down, Dallas looked extremely dangerous on the counter. Nine minute sinto the second half, Dallas equalized. Michael Barrios was first to a long outlet ball and turned inside. Red Bulls were slow to chase back, and as Barrios held up the ball on the wing, Dallas defender Hernan Grana came flying up the field. Barrios played a square ball into his path, just outside the box. Grana took one nice touch and slotted it home between Robles’ legs to even the score.
But just as it looked like Dallas were right back in it, NYRB had other plans. Kljestan set up a free kick about 40 yards out and played it just outside the six-yard box. Aaron Long was first to it and headed it over Jesse Gonzalez to the back post.
Late Heroics
The game was far from over at this point. Dallas still had the best chances overall in the 2nd half, and were able to capitalize. Again, it was Michael Barrios to the rescue, as he attacked the Red Bull’s defense, and was tripped up inside the box. Mauro Diaz lined it up, and placed it over Robles to tie it up at 2-2 with 15 minutes to play.
Dallas continued on their short-handed attacking, and nearly found an equalizer. A flurry of four headers by Dallas in the 93rd minute surely were to put the home side up. After several amazing saves as well as a shot hitting the crossbar, the match ended with both sides earning a point.
Future Outlook
FC Dallas’ schedule only gets harder from here. They will be the first visitors to Mercedes-Benz Stadium as they take on Atlanta United in their brand new facility. Dallas will then turn back homewards to face Seattle in Frisco the following week.
New York Red Bulls will head back north, as they face a Chicago Fire side that took care of business in Montreal this weekend. They will then head home to face Philadelphia, and then a quick three-day turnaround as they will travel to Sporting Kansas City for a midweek matchup.
September will be a very busy month in Major League Soccer. Dallas will play six games this month, while the Red Bulls will play seven. Both coaches will need maximum effort from all their players if they expect to be playing deep into the postseason.
