FRISCO - The focus solely shifts to MLS play for FC Dallas over the next few months after their CONCACAF Champions League exit on Tuesday night, and they’re right back to work as expansion-side Minnesota United FC comes to Frisco for the very first time Saturday night. Dallas (2-0-1) is undefeated in their shortened MLS campaign through the first six weeks and hasn’t played a league match since a 2-1 win in their home over New England on March 18. Minnesota (1-3-1) is fresh off their first win of the season, 4-2, last week after a 0-3-1 start, with 18 goals allowed in their first four matches.
Expansion Feasting
All-time against expansion franchises, FC Dallas has posted a 6-4-2 record. At home, that record improves to a 3-0-1 mark while outscoring the newbies 8-3. In Adrian Healy’s two matches against Dallas with expansion-side Orlando he is winless, including a 4-0 defeat in Frisco on July 4, 2016 that would be his final game at the helm of the Lions.
Key Match-Ups
Cristian Colman vs. Francisco Calvo: Dallas’ DP forward has picked up two goals in four CCL games since joining the club, but is still in search of his first MLS tally. Colman has had his looks, but hasn’t been able to find twine and against a Minnesota defense that allows an average of four goals per game, he’ll be looking to open his MLS account.
Aaron Guillen vs. Kevin Molino: With Maynor Figueroa suspended for this weekend’s match following a disciplinary committee ruling two weeks ago, Aaron Guillen figures to get the start on Saturday at left back. The Homegrown had a single-game, team-best five tackles in his start there against SKC – a 100% success rate – along with 3 interceptions, 3 recoveries and 5 clearances. Molino is fresh off a goal and two assist performance against Real Salt Lake last weekend.
Last Time Out
(4-2-3-1): Bobby Shuttleworth; Justin Davis, Francisco Calvo, Brent Kallman, Jerome Thiesson; Ibson, Collen Warner; Bashkim Kadrii, Johan Venegas, Kevin Molino; Christian Ramirez.
Key to Three Points
Coming off a heart-breaking, last-minute elimination from CCL play against Pachuca on Tuesday, Dallas will have to be vigilant to not fall into a trap against a lowly Minnesota side. Although the Loons have allowed an MLS-high 20 goals, they’ve scored 10 goals on the other end – 4th best in the league. If FCD can maintain their form to start the season and put their Tuesday elimination in the rearview, at least emotionally, they can jump back into MLS play with a three-point performance at home.