FRISCO - It’s the first multi-game home stand of 2017 for FC Dallas, and it’s a doozy. Dallas (3-0-2) will host fellow MLS unbeaten Sporting KC on Saturday night (TXA 21, FCDallas.com) at 7 p.m. before the West-leading Portland Timbers visit a week from Saturday. SKC (3-0-3) is second in the West and has not lost on the road this year with a win and two draws. The two sides played to a 0-0 draw at Children’s Mercy Park on March 11th.
Low-Scoring Affair
FCD and SKC have allowed the fewest goals in MLS this season. Sporting leads the league with just two goals allowed in six matches, including three straight shutouts on the road. Dallas has allowed a second-best three goals on the year in five tries with only one coming in the run of play and two coming from PKs.
Key Match-Ups
Matt Hedges vs. Dom Dwyer: SKC’s leading man from a year ago has found his scoring was in the new campaign. Dwyer has goals in each of his last two matches to lead the team in scoring. Hedges will look to match a Team of the Week-earning performance in the first meeting with six clearances and three interceptions.
Jesse Gonzalez vs. Tim Melia: Melia notched his league-leading 4th shutout of the season last week, while Gonzalez was just seconds away from his third in as many games in San Jose. Saturday night could come down to just one goal.
Last Time Out
(4-3-3): Tim Melia; Seth Sinovic, Matt Besler, Ike Opara, Graham Zusi; Benny Feilhaber, Ilie Sanzhez, Roger Espinoza; Jimmy Medranda, Dom Dwyer, Gerso Fernandes.
Key to Three Points
There could be just one MLS unbeaten left after the weekend, or the two sides could each take a point and go their separate ways. Maxi Urruti will look to maintain his 2017 form up top, while the defense will put extra emphasis on closing out matches after allowing 4 of their 9 goals across all competitions in the 90th minute or later. If Dallas can find one, it might be all they need to remain perfect at home on the year.