Frisco, TX. (June 9, 2018) – Another hot afternoon in Texas as a surging FC Dallas side hosted a struggling Montreal Impact FC. A win midweek pushed the FC Dallas win streak to four straight in all competitions. Two first half goals Saturday would see that win streak go to five as Dallas moved back to the top of the Western Conference.
FC Dallas Win Streak Continues, Handles Montreal 2-0
Resting several key starters midweek against San Antonio FC, Dallas came out strong and rested Saturday evening. Montreal have really struggled on the road this year, and Dallas took advantage early.
Montreal Mishaps
Dallas would take the lead just five minutes into the match, as a Mauro Diaz free kick hit two different Montreal players before going into the net. Video Assistant Review (VAR) would be used as most of the Dallas players were off-sides on the play, but the goal stood as none of those FC Dallas players made contact with the ball.
5' – After video review, it was determined an own goal by MTL.
FCD-1, MTL-0#FCDvMTL | #ChallengeAll pic.twitter.com/r1FH7Nhksp
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) June 10, 2018
Less than 15 minutes after the own goal, Dallas would double the lead.
Roland Lamah would keep a ball in play near the Montreal goal line and play a ball back into the goal box. Maxi Urruti quickly stuck a foot out in front of the Montreal defender as the ball came in, and was tripped up. Head referee Nima Saghafi quickly pointed to the spot, and Mauro Diaz converted.
Struggle to Close Out
Despite having a two-goal lead, Dallas would be out-shot 8-6 in the first half by Montreal.
The away side showed character and grit without their play maker Ignacio Piatti on Saturday. They would force a number of saves from Jesse Gonzalez and struck woodwork several times.
As time went on, it seemed Montreal would be able to pull one back. Montreal’s counter attack was really their only option Saturday. One could tell they were missing a key ingredient, as most chances were missing that final touch. But Dallas were the better side overall, and would come away with all three points.
Last Word
Just as the FIFA World Cup kicks off this week, so too continues the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With the Round of 16 kicking off this week, Oscar Pareja will look to keep that FC Dallas win streak alive.
The heated rivalry of FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City will be reignited Saturday the 16th. Dallas will travel to Children’s Mercy Park looking to knock out the defending U.S. Open Cup champions, and push beyond the troubles of 2016’s cup run. This will certainly be an all-hands-on-deck situation for Oscar Pareja and company, after an embarrassing fallout in the CONCACAF Champions League in February.
