FRISCO – As his former team comes to town once again on Saturday night, FC Dallas’ leading scorer will be looking for his first goal against his friendly foes.
“They opened the MLS doors for me and I am very happy and thankful for that. We ended on good terms and I was able to get a title under that team, but now it’s time to defend FC Dallas’ colors,” forward Maxi Urruti said. “I have many friends that are still there, but I hope we have a good game and that the best team wins.”
After being picked up by Dallas in the 2015 MLS Re-Entry Draft just days after winning MLS Cup with the Oregonians, Urruti assisted on the game-winner in his return to the Rose City last April, but didn’t hit the scoresheet in three halves of play over the final two meetings in 2016 – both wins as well. With three tallies already in 2017, he’ll be looking to secure another three points against the Timbers.
Portland comes to town having scored a league-best 18 goals through eight matches, while FCD has allowed the fewest goals per game in MLS this year with just three given up in six matches.
“It’ll be a difficult match, they’re very good at attacking and they’re playing very well, but we are too,” he said. “We’re not allowing many goals and two of them were penalty shots. It’s important to be strong there, but also in the offense…We are all practicing the same drills and doing things really well and the results are showing on the field.”
Urruti and FC Dallas kick-off against the current West leaders at 7 p.m. on Saturday, looking to maintain a streak of eleven straight regular season wins dating back to September 2016 and a perfect record at home to start the year.