It is finally time to open up the home portion of FC Dallas’ 2017 MLS campaign as the New England Revolution visit Frisco on Saturday night. Dallas (1-0-1) is playing their third match in eight days after a 0-0 draw against Sporting KC a week ago and a 2-1 CCL Semifinal win over Pachuca on Wednesday in Leg One. New England (0-1-0) is well-rested after their Week 2 meeting with Orlando City was postponed last week due to weather, meaning the Revs have not played since their season-opening loss to Colorado two weeks ago.
History Siding with the Red Coats
Saturday will be a re-match of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, which Dallas won 4-2 en route to their first trophy in 17 years. It was the sixth straight win for FCD over the Revolution across all competitions and another bad memory for the New Englanders in Frisco. The Revs have not won against Dallas since Sept. 10, 2011 and at Toyota Stadium since April 28, 2008. Dallas has won five straight home openers dating back to 2012, outscoring opponents 9-3 and registering three clean sheets along the way.
Key Match-Ups
Walker Zimmerman vs. Kei Kamara: After making a big splash during 2016 to acquire striker Kei Kamara, the Revs have looked to the former MLS MVP finalist to be their go-to target forward. At 6-foot-3, Kamara loves to use his big frame to score, and Dallas’ top aerial threat will be tasked with shutting down the Revs’ DP.
Kellyn Acosta vs. Kelyn Rowe: Saturday will feature a battle of the Single-L’d Kelyn against the Double-L’d Kellyn. Acosta is more confident than ever with four goals in his four starts so far in 2017, while Rowe was his team’s defensive juggernaut in their season opener, registering a team-high five tackles and two interceptions.
Last Time Out
Cody Cropper; Chris Tierney, Benjamin Angoua, Antonio Milnar Dalamea, Andrew Farrell; Scott Caldwell, Diego Fagundez, Kelyn Rowe, Juan Agudelo; Kei Kamara, Lee Nguyen.
Key to Three Points
Dallas and New England are in polar opposite modes right now. The home side will be playing their fifth game in just over three weeks, while the visitors have waited two weeks to get their second match of 2017 underway. FCD will need to capitalize early on their current form and momentum against a Revs side that could start slow and rusty after an extended break. As the match wears on, the fresh legs of New England could begin to overtake the taxed legs of Dallas, so striking early and often is a must.
