Tag: FC Dallas

MLS Daily: FC Dallas show their intent after overdue victory at LA Galaxy.

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It was their first win at the StubHub Centre since 2009. 

FC Dallas could once again be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Yes it’s very early days, but the 2016 Supporters Shield and US Open Cup winners will only have gained more confidence after their impressive 2-1 away win at LA Galaxy last Saturday.

It’s been a long eight years since they last tasted success in the Californian city, but the current crop of Dallas players finally managed to provide that elusive Hollywood performance to take all three points with them back to Texas.

Maximiliano Urruti and Kellyn Acosta were the Dallas heroes with two quality goals on the day. The latter’s strike was assisted by new signing Roland Lamah, and the winger told FC Dallas’ On the Record: “LA are a strong time, but it was important for us to take something there.”

“Thankfully, we took all three points.”

The Belgian midfielder has travelled all over Europe during his playing career, but he has now embarked on a new challenge in the MLS, something he is really excited about.

“I feel great here, it feels like family. Maybe some cowboy boots and hat are next on the agenda!” the 29-year-old joked.

“Dallas is nice. I knew the moment I stepped into the dressing room that I was in a good place.”

Oscar Pareja, Head Coach of FC Dallas, has done the vital job of keeping together the majority of his double-winning squad from last term, with the addition of some excellent individuals.

Forward Cristian Colman joins from Paraguayan side Nacional, whilst MLS veteran Javier Morales also signed across the dotted line. Both are excellent acquisitions which ultimately makes the side look even more stronger on paper.

With the added squad depth, and a good backing from the supporters, Dallas will no doubt be on the hunt for that first ever MLS Cup victory.

They also now have the capability to go on a strong cup run, as well as challenge for the domestic title, something they may have lacked last season.

Currently, they are still in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they play Mexican side Pachuca in the semi-finals, and it’s a competition again where they could go all the way.

Winning trophies is like lust, once you get into motion, you just don’t want to stop. 

Dallas have a winning formula, and should they stay injury free, you can bet they will continue to add to their trophy cabinet this year.

 

 

MLS Daily: Defeat for defending champions Seattle Sounders in Houston.

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First-half goals from Erik Torres and Romell Quioto give the Dynamo all three points on opening weekend. 

2016 was a season to forget for the Houston Dynamo, and one to remember for the Seattle Sounders.

Whilst Houston finished bottom of the Western Conference, Sounders went on to win the MLS Cup for the first time in their history.

The off-season has seen a lot of change- especially in the Dynamo camp. Wilmer Cabrera has taken over as Head Coach following Wade Barrett’s brief stint towards the second half of last year, as well as over a dozen new players.

Five of those, including goalscorer Quioto, made their debuts for the home side last night, and the team looked fresh and up for the task ahead. There was an energy around the Compass Arena that had been missing for some time.

Right from the first minute, Dynamo were on the front foot, with Sounders keeper Stefan Frei keeping the scoreline goalless with two good saves early on.

But Torres’ free-kick and Quioto’s superb curling effort from 20 yards gave the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead at half time.

The defending champions on the other hand just weren’t at the races during the opening half. Although on a positive note, it was good to see Clint Dempsey make his first competitive start since August, after he suffered a heart related issue last summer.

The former Fulham and Tottenham midfielder scored Seattle’s goal, in what was a much better second half performance, with a composed finish at the back post.

Head Coach Brian Schmetzer told Sounders after the game: “It was a good goal from Clint. I probably ran him out longer than I wanted too but we had discussed it and he felt ok to play.

“I told the players to be more patient with possession in the second half. We tried to play killer passes too quickly in the opening 45. When we got more patient we looked more of a threat.

“This was a good learning tool for us. The lesson here is that we cannot afford to let teams press us. We have a target on our backs.”

This was a cagey opening performance from the champions ahead of what will be one of the closest MLS seasons in history, and Sounders forward Jordan Morris said: “We are the champs. Teams are going to come at us and away from home they were going to be fired up.

“We need to learn from our mistakes ahead of next week. We’re all frustrated. We are better then that but hopefully we can turn it around next weekend.”

Elsewhere, FC Dallas won at LA Galaxy for the first time since 2009 as goals from Maximiliano Urruti and Kellyn Acosta helped the visitors to a 2-1 victory.

Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire drew 1-1 at the MAPFRE Stadium, DC United and Sporting Kansas City ended goalless and a Dominique Badji header saw off New England Revolution as Colorado Rapids made it a winning start to 2017.

Sebastian Giovinco missed a penalty as Toronto played out a 0-0 draw at Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes beat 10-man Montreal Impact thanks to an Anibal Godoy goal.