FC Dallas and Orlando City SC will clash for the first time in Frisco in MLS play on Monday night for the FCD’s annual 4th of July matchup at Toyota Stadium. Dallas (9-5-4) is coming off a pair of home victories over top Western Conference opponents, 2-0 in league play over Real Salt Lake last Saturday and 2-1 over the Colorado Rapids in U.S. Open Cup play Wednesday. Orlando City (4-3-8) is coming off their first league win in over a month last weekend over Toronto after a series of three-straight draws.
ON THE LINE
Dallas brings a 14-game unbeaten streak at home into Monday’s match, tied for the franchise all-time mark. Having not lost since August 15, 2015 when the LA Galaxy handed them a 2-1 defeat, FCD could set a new franchise record for games without a loss at home with a win or draw against Orlando City. Dallas also has a 5-1-4 record when playing on Independence Day since 2000, outscoring opponents 14-6.
KEY PLAYER FOR ORLANDO CITY
Cyle Larin – The reigning Rookie of the Year has picked up right where he left off in 2015, with 8 goals and 3 assists in 14 games. Larin has also tallied in three of Orlando’s four wins this season.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Carlos Gruezo vs. Kaka – Monday is a meeting of dynamic, world-class No. 10s. Dallas will face the Brazilian for the first time after he missed last season’s lone meeting between the sides. Kaka is the top assist feeder on Cyle Larin's goals as the tandem has accounted for three goals in 2016 - the second most in the league’s assist-to-goal scorer count.
Mauro Diazvs.Darwin Ceren – On the other side of the attacking midfielder battle is Dallas’ Magician. He and Fabian Castillo are clicking better than ever over the last week. It’ll be hard to top the bicycle through ball against RSL or the nutmeg, collision and 2-on-0 against Colorado, but if anyone can do it, it’s Mauro Diaz.
PROJECTED LINEUP (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Joe Bendik; Defenders: Brek Shea, David Mateos, Tommy Redding, Kevin Alston; Midfielders: Cristian Higuita, Darwin Ceren; Carlos Rivas, Kaka, Kevin Molino; Forward: Cyle Larin.
KEYS TO THREE POINTS
FC Dallas has history and a stellar home record on their side leading into Monday. And heading into their busiest month of the season, they’ll be looking to start on the right foot with a three-point performance. If the offensive connection between Diaz, Castillo and Michael Barrios can continue, while Chris Seitz continues his shutdown performances in goal, Dallas should enjoy the post-match fireworks with three points in the pocket.
