FRISCO - FC Dallas will host Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night - the first of two matchups in the next ten days against the Rocky Mountain foes. Dallas (9-9-11) looks to recover from a 4-1 deficit at Minnesota on Saturday night with the season's end fast approaching. Colorado (7-17-5) have lost five of their last seven, including a 2-1 defeat in Vancouver on Saturday.
Preventing Deja Vu
At this point of the season, in last year’s home encounter with Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas lost their first home game of the 2016 season. An early second-half goal by Rapids forward, Dominique Badji prevented FC Dallas from clinching an early playoff spot then. While Colorado Rapids will be trying to do the same thing this year, with a lot less on the line for the visitors, Dallas will be looking for its first win in the last ten games, and regain a spot above the playoff line.
Key Match-Ups
Maxi Urruti vs. Tim Howard -The Argentine forward had an outside-of-the-box volley disallowed against Minnesota, and will be motivated to add to his 12 goals this season. The USMNT Keeper had six saves over the weekend against Vancouver - totaling his save tally to 69 - and will look to keep FC Dallas at bay on Wednesday just like he did last month in a six-save shutout at Toyota Stadium.
Michael Barrios vs. Mekeili Williams - If the Colorado Rapids want to prolong FC Dallas' quest for a win, they will need to step up on Michael Barrios. Left back, Williams will try to do just that. The Colombian winger added his 14th assist on Saturday against Minnesota and will look to provide his teammates once again down that right flank.
Last Time Out
(4-2-3-1): Tim Howard: Axel Sjoberg, Kortne Ford, Eric Miller; Jared Watts, Micheal Azira; Marlon Hairston, Mohammed Saeid, Joshua Gatt; Dominique Badji.
Keys to Three Points
FC Dallas started with the right foot against Minnesota, scoring the first goal of the game through Tesho Akindele – the first time Dallas struck first since July 1st. Dallas will need to do the same this time around, and with the urgency higher than ever before, needing a win to kick off their double-match week.
