FRISCO — Both FC Dallas and Minnesota United FC are heading into this matchup fresh off MLS losses last weekend. FCD travels north to Minnesota following a 3-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls in a game that saw Reto Ziegler get sent off with just a few minutes remaining in the match. Minnesota fell to the Colorado Rapids last Saturday and were also given a red card in its match.
"It's Like You're My Mirror"
Both teams find themselves in a similar situation heading into this game. FCD is currently in its worst stretch of the season to date after falling out of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup with a loss to Sporting KC, and MLS play wasn't kind to Dallas either, losing to a 10-man New York Red Bulls side Saturday, 3-0. Yet, Minnesota is in the same boat. The Houston Dynamo crushed Minnesota's Open Cup dreams 1-0, and Colorado stole all three points after scoring in stoppage time at the end of the game.
Scoring Woes
Minnesota has scored just three goals in its last four games across all competitions. Christian Ramirez leads the scoring line with four goals on the season, and there are only two other players with at least three goals on the season. Scoring hasn't been Minnesota's strength as it currently stands in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.
Key Matchups
Matt Hedges vs. Christian Ramirez — With Ziegler sidelined Friday due to suspension following his red card against New York, there will be added responsibility for Hedges to lead the backline in an effort to slow down Ramirez, Minnesota's leading goal-scorer. Ramirez scored once in Minnesota's loss against Colorado and will look to get on the scoresheet again at home against Dallas.
Kellyn Acostavs. Darwin Quintero — Acosta came off in the 32nd minute against New York in order for FC Dallas to line up in an attacking formation. Acosta will look to get back on the pitch Friday and Mark Quintero, who has a bigger task with Miguel Ibarra suspended.
Projected Starting XI
Minnesota United FC (4-2-3-1): Shuttleworth; Miller, Kallman, Boxall, Mears; Ibson, Schüller; Alexi Gómez, Quintero, Martin; Ramirez
Keys To Three Points
FC Dallas will face a weaker opponent compared to the past two games. Sporting KC is at the top of the west and the New York Red Bulls are near the top of the east as well. Minnesota is a different breed of opponent without a scoring prowess to that of Sporting or New York. This will be a bounce-back game for FCD and need to make a statement on the road. It will be the final game before returning home to face Atlanta United, so getting on the scoresheet and maintaining a clean sheet will do wonders to get the team's confidence back up. Expect a different formation compared to the three-in-the-back formation you saw against New York, which FCD struggled to get going in.
