FRISCO - FC Dallas will head down to Florida on Saturday afternoon to face Orlando City SC following each team’s victory in mid-week play. Dallas (10-9-11) looks to build on the momentum following a 2-0 victory at Toyota Stadium against the Colorado Rapids, pulling them back into the heart of the playoff hunt with four games left. Orlando (10-13-8) sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, following a big 6-1 win against the New England Revolution at home on Wednesday.
Down to the Wire
With four games remaining for FC Dallas, and three for Orlando, both teams will lay down everything in order to keep their hopes of finishing above the playoff border line come October 23rd. Yesterday’s results among the Western Conference made sure Dallas would sit in 6th place before the weekend, as San Jose and Houston lost points. Back in the Eastern Conference, 5th-place Columbus Crew SC (47 pts.), may be a stretch for Orlando to catch up to. However, the 6th-place New York Red Bulls (43 pts.) have been in poor form as of late, with their last victory coming in mid-August.
Key Match-Ups
Dom Dwyer vs. Matt Hedges - The England-born USMNT forward, has been in impressive form this month with three goals in the last three games, including a brace against New England Revolution in his team’s 6-1 win - the largest win of their MLS era. Looking to stop Orlando’s attacking force, Hedges has been vital for the team’s defense as of late, with the team getting its second clean sheet in three matches after a 2-0 win against Colorado.
Mauro Diaz vs. Dillion Powers- Spear-heading FC Dallas’ creative side, Diaz has been in exceptional form the last two weeks, completing nearly a pass per minute in 30 minutes against Minnesota and picking up two assists to his name against Colorado on Wednesday. The Magician will prove to be key in unlocking an Orlando defense that has let in seven goals in their last three contests. Dillion Powers will be tasked to stop Diaz in his usual defensive midfield role.
Last Time Out
(4-3-1-2): Joe Bendik; Scott Sutter, Sib Hines, Leo Pereira, Donny Toia; Antonio Nocerino, Servando Carrasco, Yoshimar Yotun; Giles Barnes; Dom Dwyer, Kaka.
Keys to Three Points
FC Dallas hit the ground running early, scoring twice in the opening ten minutes against Colorado. They will need to start with the same intensity in attack that has been seen the last couple of matches, ensuring an early goal and setting the pace for the remainder of the game against Orlando’s attack that has been potent as of late. If Dallas plays with the same security in the back line, as shutout games against Seattle and Colorado, Orlando will not find it easy against the Texans.