FRISCO - FC Dallas heads into the Lions’ Den (literally) this afternoon looking for a six-point week as they face Orlando City SC. Let’s dive into Oscar Pareja’s lineup.
Seeing Double
For just the third time all season across all competitions, Oscar Pareja will dress the same Starting XI in consecutive matches, looking to ride the wave from Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Colorado at home. FCD will once again rely on the defending and attacking prowess of Javier Morales in the midfield. The Maestro’s only other consecutive starts this year were in the first instance of back-to-back same XIs from April 22-April 29 against Sporting KC and Portland.
Barrios the Creator
Michael Barrios, one assist away from tying the FC Dallas franchise record for assists in a season (15), will get the chance to do so in the presence of the very man who currently holds the record. In 1999, Jason Kreis, Orlando City’s head coach, set the mark during his MLS MVP season. Barrios’ 14 helpers in 2017 are a career-best and more than triple the combined total of the Colombian’s first two seasons in Dallas.
Bench Options
With two matches in less than four days, substitutions will likely prove key in the second half to keep fresh legs on the field. Dallas returns Tesho Akindele and Kellyn Acosta to their 18-man roster after suspension and injury absences, respectively, with Walker Zimmerman, Ryan Hollingshead, Victor Ulloa and Cristian Colman also available. All six have seen regular action over the course of 2017.
