FRISCO – FC Dallas will join 19 other MLS teams in the Fourth Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. They will face San Antonio FC, who is currently in ninth place in the USL's Western Conference. They defeated fellow USL-squad Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the Third Round in penalty kicks.
FC Dallas homegrown Brandon Servania is the only FC Dallas player to face San Antonio FC in a regular season matchup this season. He made his professional debut against them on May 19 with Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
Opposing Strengths
San Antonio FC is very solid defensively, they have only allowed six goals in their last seven USL games. Their defense is led by goalie Diego Restrepo and features a three-man defense of Greg Cochrane, Ryan Felix and Darnell King.
Key Match-Ups
Cristian Colman vs. Ryan Felix – Colman may return to the lineup after scoring a goal against the Galaxy. He has scored two goals in the four matches he has played this season and can wreak havoc against San Antonio’s defense. Colman has been very effective putting the ball on frame this season, having 10 of his 15 shots be on target, compared to just 15 of his shots in 2017.
Victor Ulloa vs. Pecka – Ulloa started two games in a row before coming off the bench against LAFC. He played really well in the two matches he started and should be able to control the midfield vs. this San Antonio squad.
Projected XI
(3-4-3) Diego Restrepo; Greg Cochrane, Ryan Felix, Darnell King; Mikey Lopez, Pecka, José Escalante Ryan Roushandel; Alex Bruce, Owayne Omar Gordon, César Elizondo
Keys to Three Points
The lineup for the U.S. Open Cup will not look the same as the past couple of weeks. New guys will have to step up, and communication in the back and center midfield will be vital to win the game.
