FC Dallas traveled northeast into Montreal this past Saturday in search of 3 points on the road. \u00a0Missing starting keeper Jesse Gonzalez, defender Matt Hedges, and midfielder Kellyn Acosta, the Hoops<\/em> looked to stay in the top three of the Western Conference.<\/p>\n It was a shock to hear that No. 10 play-maker Mauro Diaz did not make the trip north, picking up a groin injury the days prior to the flight north. \u00a0This left Oscar Pareja with the decision to play a 4-4-2, with homegrown Victor Ulloa and Colombian stalwart Carlos Gruezo running the midfield.<\/p>\n The decision was also made to start Cristian Colman up top with Maxi Urruti. \u00a0Colman, who looked poised to score tons of goals as the new #9 for FC Dallas, had yet to make his scoring debut in MLS.<\/p>\n Probably the second biggest surprise for this matchup involved Maynor Figueroa. \u00a0The Honduran International flew into Montreal just some 24 hours after a loss in the Gold Cup in Arizona. \u00a0He would lead the back line with Atiba Harris, Ryan Hollingshead, and Hernan Grana.<\/p>\n FC Dallas came out looking fresh and revitalized after a long hiatus between the U.S. Open Cup and league play. \u00a0There were chances back and forth early, but nothing really threatening. \u00a0The 21st minute saw Colman score his first goal – that was not called a goal. \u00a0 Dallas’ Ryan Hollingshead quickly attacked down the left flank and into the box. \u00a0Colman found the ball at his feet, and after 2 attempts, poked the ball across the line. \u00a0Montreal’s Daniel Lovitz found himself just inside the goal line and headed it clear, but the ball had passed the line. \u00a0The nearside linesman seemed to be in position to make the call, but a goal was not given.<\/p>\n No more than 2 minutes after Colman’s attempt, Montreal came down the field and scored in the 23rd minute. \u00a0Carlos Gruezo found himself on the wrong side of Michael Salazar, who headed a cross off the inside of the left post and into the net. \u00a0FC Dallas failed to find any real rhythm after finding themselves down halfway through the first half.<\/p>\n Montreal would hold a 1-0 lead going into halftime, but it wouldn’t last long.<\/p>\n Dallas looked alive early and often. \u00a0Retaining possession after a corner, Maxi Urruti was eventually found on the wide left side and quickly drilled a low ball across the box. \u00a0Evan Bush was unable to come out and Cristian Colman found himself at the back post, finishing his first goal in MLS play.<\/p>\n Colman wasn’t done though, and 10 minutes later he tallied his and Dallas’ second goal of the night. \u00a0A beautiful through ball from Gruezo found Colman winning a footrace against the Impact backline. \u00a0He took a quick touch off the chest, rounded Bush, and finished in style for his second and game-winning goal.<\/p>\n FC Dallas then switched to a more defensive stance, which nearly cost them several times. \u00a0Montreal attacked in waves, as Dallas’ defense seemed to become a little too lax. \u00a0But several good saves from Seitz and sliding challenges from the back line resulted in 3 points for the north Texas side – seeing them go top of the table in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n Dallas head home with a 1 point lead and 2 game advantage atop the Western Conference. \u00a0They look forward to a home this Saturday the 29th against Vancouver Whitecaps, who are coming off a loss at home against a slightly depleted Portland side.<\/p>\n Dallas’ Maynor Figueroa picked up a yellow in the match against Montreal, and will be suspended against Vancouver due to yellow card accumulation. \u00a0Walker Zimmerman is coming off a lingering injury and could be poised to start Saturday if Oscar Pareja deems him ready.<\/p>\n It doesn’t take a meteorologist to predict July and August weather in north Texas: \u00a0it’s gonna be hot. \u00a0Temperatures have been hovering around 100, and will more than likely be doing the same when Vancouver comes into town. \u00a0The Pacific Northwest side will need to adjust to the heat, and quickly. \u00a0FC Dallas thrives at home, especially in the heat, and was recently described as the toughest location to play in MLS.<\/p>\n The Gold Cup wraps up Wednesday and FC Dallas will be getting back the 3 players mentioned earlier in this article: \u00a0Gonzalez, Hedges, and Acosta. \u00a0Permitting they stay healthy and injury-free, we could see all 3 coming right back and starting against Vancouver. \u00a0We’ll also need to keep an eye on the Mauro Diaz situation. \u00a0With these additions lingering in the wake, FC Dallas could switch back to their normal attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. \u00a0But with Colman finally getting on the score sheet, it may not be a bad idea to go with a 2-front forward system again. \u00a0Oscar “Papi” Pareja has a lot to consider in the coming days before his side looks to extend their lead atop the West.<\/p>\nGoals, Goals, and no Goals<\/h3>\n
Colman Comes to Life<\/h4>\n
Sweating Bullets<\/h4>\n
A Look Ahead<\/h2>\n
Suspensions, Sunshine, and Stars<\/h3>\n