Editorial – FC Dallas enjoyed their second bye week early on in the 2018 MLS season. It was business as usual, but the FC Dallas midfield was seeing some movement on and off the pitch.
Bye Week Recap – FC Dallas Midfield
FC Dallas welcomed back Kellyn Acosta to training this week. After missing over a month due to a hernia injury and surgery, Kellyn jumped right back into the mix. We also saw the addition of Jesse Gonzalez after he missed some time with a lingering knee issue.
Revolving Door
Just as Kellyn Acosta makes his way back into training, another notable name steps out. Youth phenom Paxton Pomykal underwent successful surgery this week to remove damaged tissue in his meniscus. Just as Kellyn returned from a long hiatus, Pax will be looking at a 4-6 week recovery period.
This new injury is especially controversial, as Pax declined his call-up to the U-20 United States Men’s National team two weeks ago. He instead stayed behind and joined his fellow club teammates to participate in the prestigious Dallas Cup, competing in the U-19 Super Group. The team did not advance, and Pax was subbed out early in the team’s third match. Most people are first team Head Coach Oscar Pareja for letting him stay, and that Pax may not have gotten injured if he had traveled to Spain with the U-20 side. It’s hard to tell who is right or wrong, but this might have been a lingering injury, and whether he was in Spain or Dallas, Pax would have needed that surgery sooner than later.
Defensive Midfield Decisions
With Kellyn Acosta back in the lineup, Pareja has some choices to make. In Kellyn’s absence, Jacori Hayes really stole the show in the midfield. His ability to clog lanes defensively and break out on the attack offensively really showed how productive the 22-year-old can be.
Dallas will host Tim Howard and the Colorado Rapids Saturday night in Frisco. Only playing 3 games so far this season, Dallas look to solve their recent finishing woes early and make a run for top spot in the West. It will be interesting to see how Pareja lines up his side with their first road trip of the season on the horizon.
