FRISCO – FC Dallas is no stranger to a quick turnaround between games.
The defending U.S. Open Cup Champions did just that plenty of times last season on their way to the trophy. After FC Dallas first Open Cup game of 2017, the club is off to Vancouver just two days later to face the Whitecaps on Saturday at 9 p.m. (TXA 21).
Captain Matt Hedges knows what it takes to be successful with limited time off.
“It’s about getting good rest,” Hedges said. “Only 72 hours between games is tough. You try to get your recovery in and not do too much.”
Vancouver is the second leg of FC Dallas’ road trip that pits them against two of the Cascadia clubs. The Portland Timbers downed Dallas 2-0 to start the road trip last Saturday thanks to a Fanendo Adi brace.
The Whitecaps are coming off a 3-1 win over Eastern Conference newcomers Atlanta United. Hedges played a full 90 minutes in Dallas’ 2-1 win over the Tulsa Roughnecks of USL. A quick turn around and a long flight could be an issue.
But it is not. At least according to Hedges.
“We’re used to it,” Hedges said. “You have to get used to it in this league. It happens every year. It’s not too bad. But the travel kind of sucks.”
Another FC Dallas man that went 90 minutes on Wednesday night is homegrown midfielder Victor Ulloa. Dallas will return to a near full strength line up on Saturday as a handful of players return from international duty.
Ulloa played 90 minutes against Portland in the loss. He and the entire squad are hoping for a rebound on Saturday and know what needs to happen.
“I think it’s good we’re going a day in advance,” Ulloa said. “We got everybody back and the group is healthy except for Walker [Zimmerman]. I think we need to keep the shutout. We know we can score at any given minute.”
