FRISCO - FC Dallas will carry a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions into this weekend's MLS meeting with Toronto FC. Leaders of the Eastern Conference, Toronto boasts an impressive 10-2-5 record and a four-match unbeaten run of its own as it pays a visit to Fortress Frisco.
Here are five things to know ahead of Saturday night's match:
On-Field
​Cup Magic
Both Dallas and Toronto have enjoyed recent success in domestic cup competitions. After winning last year's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Dallas secured its 16th appearance in the tournament's quarterfinals on Tuesday with a 3-1 victory against Colorado. On the same night, Toronto won its second-straight and sixth-ever Canadian Championship thanks to a late Sebastian Giovinco goal against Montreal.
Sore Losers
Losing isn't something Dallas or Toronto have had to deal with much in 2017. Each team leads their respective conferences in fewest losses: Toronto with two and Dallas with three. This is in large part due to stellar goalkeeping from each side, with strong play from Jesse Gonzalez and Alex Bono meaning the two teams are tied for the second-fewest goals allowed in MLS.
Mystical Midfielders
Fans of dynamic midfield play won't be disappointed by Saturday's matchup between Sebastian Giovinco and Mauro Diaz. The Italian has been sensational for Toronto, scoring seven times in 12 league games. Diaz has become a regular part of the Dallas lineup again, and his form hasn't diminished one bit. The Argentine has a pair of assists and a goal in the last two games, and the battle between he and the 2015 MLS MVP will be a fascinating one.
The True North
Saturday's match begins a stretch in which FC Dallas will face Canadian opposition in three of its next four league games. Dallas will also face Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps in the month of July, with those two matches coming after MLS takes a Gold Cup break from July 7th to July 18th.
Flair For The Dramatic
The last two meetings between Dallas and Toronto have served up their share of memorable moments. The 2015 match at Toyota Stadium, a 3-2 Dallas win, featured a three-hour lightning delay that caused the game, which started on a Saturday, to finish on Sunday. Last year's game at BMO Field saw midfielder Ryan Hollingshead play the role of goalkeeper late in the match, even denying a shot from Giovinco.
In-Stadium
Police and Fire Appreciation Night
Help us honor those who serve in police and fire on Saturday night at Toyota Stadium. Police and fire will be introduced on the field prior to the national anthem and will be recognized for their brave contributions. We'll be using the hashtags #FCDPolice and #FCDFire for the match.
T-Shirts For Sale
In coordination with Police and Fire Appreciation Night, t-shirts will be on sale honoring the life of Little Elm PD Officer Jerry Walker, who fell in the line of duty earlier this year. The shirts will feature Walker's badge number, 633, on the sleeve and 20 percent of funds raised from sale of the shirts will go towards his family.
Sunglasses Giveaway
Match sponsor WinStar World Casino and Resort will be providing free FC Dallas sunglasses to fans attending the match.
Autographs
Stick around after the match and get an autograph from Cristian Colman! Stop by the Winners Club, presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort after #FCDvTOR and meet the Dallas striker.
Toyota Post-Game Show
Also in the Winners Club, presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort after the match, you can catch the Toyota Post-Game Show with special guest Walker Zimmerman! Watch the show in-person or check out the stream live on Facebook.
