FRISCO – FC Dallas heads to D.C. with only three matches left in the regular season. There is a chance for FCD to clinch a top-two seed with a win, and Oscar Pareja had to make some changes to the lineup with two regular starters out on international duty.
AGUILAR'S FIRST START
Carlos Gruezo is with the Ecuador national team this week, so Abel Aguilar will fill in at midfield and get his first start since signing with the team on Aug. 27.
Aguilar has not received extended action in any game this season, in his three appearances with the club, he has not played more than 21 minutes in a match yet. He should provide a defensive impact in the middle of the field.
LAMAH'S RETURN
Roland Lamah will return to the starting lineup for FCD for the first time since Aug. 12. Lamah has come off the bench the past two games after missing five straight with a calf strain. Lamah leads the team with eight goals this season.
He will be playing right wing, a side he has not seen a whole bunch of this season. He has only started three games on the right side this season, but he is familiar playing on the same side as his right back this weekend, Ryan Hollingshead. Hollingshead has mostly filled in at left back this season and has a rapport with Lamah.
BARRIOS UP TOP
With Maxi Urruti settling into the role at attacking midfield, the striker spot has been up in the air between a few different players. It looked like Cristian Colmán might have become the guy, but after suffering a torn ACL it was back to Dom Badji last week. Now it is Michael Barrios’ turn. Barrios played this role against Sporting KC on July 28, when he scored a hat trick in the team’s 3-2 win.
REYNOLDS MAKES 18
Reggie Cannon is with the USMNT and is unavailable for the match, so there is an open spot for a defender on the 18-man roster. Oscar Pareja decided to fill the void with 17-year-old Bryan Reynolds. It is Reynolds', who moved to fullback earlier this year, first time being named to an 18-man roster in his pro career.