FRISCO - Just a little over a week ago, FC Dallas (10-9-8, 42pts) secured their first victory in the regular season since July at the expense of Colorado (8-18-5, 29pts.) in a 2-0 win at Toyota Stadium. Since then, Dallas is looking more themselves, especially on defense having picked up their second clean sheet in a week against Orlando. FC Dallas will travel to Colorado this time around, looking for another three points in their bid to playoff qualification.
International Window
Every match plays out differently, and on Saturday, with international break underway, both teams will be forced to present different lineups than last week’s encounter. Both Colorado and FC Dallas will be without U.S. National Team-ers Kellyn Acosta and Tim Howard, who were among the 26 called in by Bruce Arena. Dallas will also be without Maynor Figueroa, who has been part of a defensive back line with three clean sheets in their last four games. He will be with Honduras for crucial qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico, respectfully.
Key Match-Ups
Stefan Aigner vs. Javier Morales - Having signed on a free transfer in July, the former 1860 Munich forward had not scored in his first five games, but over the weekend, Colorado picked their 8th win of the season with Aigner scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Montreal. As of late, Morales has played a pivotal role in the heart of midfield, adding his experience and a layer of versatility onto the transition between defending and attacking alongside Gruezo and Diaz.
Dominique Badji vs. Jesse Gonzalez - The Senegal-native has been an important player for Colorado's front line, scoring nine goals and assisting six times thus far. In September, Badji scored three goals in three straight matches. It was a frantic closing ten minutes with Orlando on the brink of grabbing a late winner, but Gonzalez prevented the hosts from doing so with four late saves.
Last Time Out
(4-2-3-1): Tim Howard: Mika da Fonte, Kortne Ford, Axel Sjoberg; Mekeili Williams; Jared Watts, Micheal Azira; Marlon Hairston, Stefan Aigner, Joshua Gatt; Dominique Badji.
Keys to Three Points
Dallas’ pressure and attacking prowess from the get-go has been effective creating goal scoring chances early on. While Dallas was not able to score against Orlando this past weekend, they will need to strike early against a Colorado side that has conceded five goals in the last three games. Dallas' defensive improvement as of late will certainly give the squad the confidence they need in this crucial away fixture.
