FRISCO — FC Dallas will try to recover from back-to-back losses as they return home to play Minnesota United FC. The two teams played each other a little less than two months ago, with FC Dallas coming out on top 1-0. Dallas will be without Reto Ziegler for the match, after he was handed a red card against Seattle. He missed the first match against Minnesota for the same reason.
Closing Out Games
In Minnesota’s last three games, there have been six goals scored after the 80th minute and the Loons have been on both sides of late goals. Against the Galaxy last week, they were able to score in the 84th minute to steal a point on the road. The game prior, they gave up two goals in stoppage time in a loss to Seattle.
Road Struggles
To say Minnesota struggles on the road would be a massive understatement. They are the worst team in the league on the road, with a 1-9-1 record. They average 2.8 goals against per game on the road, compared to just 1.3 goals against at home. The draw against the Galaxy last weekend was the first time they recorded points away from home since March 10, losing eight straight games between the two.
Key Matchups
Matt Hedges vs. Darwin Quintero — Quintero is one of the hottest players in the league right now. He has recorded points in six straight games, recording four goals and seven assists in that span. Without Ziegler, Hedges will have to step up and take on an even bigger role than usual.
Dominique Badji vs. Brent Kallman — Badji dipped his toes in the water in his first appearance for the club, but should look more comfortable after some game experience and one more week of practice his new teammates. He was still able to find the back of the net once in his debut, finishing a Michael Barrios cross from inside the six. Kallman will have one less familiar name next to him on the backline as Francisco Calvo, the usual left back for Minnesota, is unavailable after receiving two yellow cards against the Galaxy.
Projected Starting XI
Minnesota United FC (3-5-2): Shuttleworth; Mears, Kallman, Boxall; Miller, Schuller, Warner, Ibson, Ibarra; Rodriguez, Quintero
Keys to Three Points
The first goal of the match has been key for every FCD game. They have not lost when scoring first, with a 12-0-3 record. On the flipside, they have not yet won when allowing a goal first, with an 0-5-3 record.
