FRISCO - It’s back to MLS action for FC Dallas as they head to Montreal on Saturday night for their lone meeting of 2017 with the Impact. Dallas (8-3-7, 31 pts) will play their first league match since a pair of multi-goal wins over Toronto and DC in the opening days of July at home. Montreal (6-6-6, 24 pts) enjoyed a similar Gold Cup break, but kicked off their second half on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia at home.
Home Heavy
In five all-time meetings between Dallas and Montreal, the home side is undefeated. FCD is a perfect 3-0-0 at home against the French Canadians, while the Impact are 1-0-1 at home against the Texas side. During Dallas’ last trip to Montreal in 2015, Matt Hedges scored his lone goal of the season in a 2-1 loss.
Key Match-Ups
Chris Seitz vs. Evan Bush - With Jesse Gonzalez making his U.S. National Team camp debut, Chris Seitz will get a chance to showcase his talents in net for Dallas once again on Saturday. The veteran has five saves and four goals against in three starts this year, while Bush has allowed the fourth-most goals of any keeper this season with 30.
Mauro Diaz vs. Hernan Bernadello - Much of Montreal’s struggles in 2017 have come in the midfield and they’re get set to host one of the most creative No. 10s in MLS this weekend. The red-hot Diaz has a goal or an assist in every match he’s started since returning from his Achilles’ injury two months ago.
Last Time Out
(4-2-3-1): Evan Bush; Daniel Lovitz, Kyle Fisher, Laurent Ciman, Chris Duvall; Louis Beland-Goyette, Hernan Bernardello; Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla, Michael Salazar; Matteo Mancosu.
Keys to Three Points
FC Dallas will look to pick up where they left off nearly three weeks ago as they return to action north of the border. Having not taken a full three points on the road since May 6, they’ve gotten two straight draws away from Frisco, but will go for the full result to kick off the second half.
