FRISCO, Texas - The best time of year is almost here, ladies and gentlemen. With the 2020 MLS season rapidly approaching, let's take a look at a few of FC Dallas' top home matches to look out for.
Philadelphia Union - February 29, 5 p.m. presented by AdvoCare
The team will kick off its 2020 season at home against a strong Philadelphia Union team, fresh off its run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Home openers are always exciting, aren’t they? The team will hope the stands are packed for what could be a statement beginning to the new season.
For FC Dallas, new signing Fafa Picaultmay debut against his former team. In three seasons with Philadelphia, Picault scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions. He played a major role in helping Philadelphia defeat New York Red Bulls 4-3 in the first round of last season’s MLS Cup Playoffs.
Expect an exciting battle at Toyota Stadium.
Houston Dynamo - May 16, 7:30 p.m, presented by Toyota.
Not much needs to be said here. The first 2020 installment of the always bitter Texas Derby will take place in Frisco. Last season, FC Dallas’ comprehensive 5-1 triumph on home soil ensured El Capitán remained at Toyota Stadium.
For the new players, this will be their first taste of one of the leagues major rivalries. Can the Toros repeat their derby success in 2020? Only time will tell.
LA Galaxy - July 11, 7:30 p.m. presented by Chic-fil-A
Barring any injury, this will be the first time FC Dallas faces off against new MLS superstar Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who recently signed for the five-time MLS Cup champions. The striker, who last played for Sevilla in Spain, is sure to bring a new flair and plenty of goals to the Galaxy’s front line. The July heat is sure to bring a fiery contest to the Toyota Stadium turf.
Last season, FC Dallas claimed a 2-0 victory at home in this fixture. With another playoff berth high atop the team’s 2020 goals, the matches against LA Galaxy will go a long way in determining the final standings.
Portland Timbers - September 5, 7:30 p.m. presented by Toyota
This match, well inside the final sprint of the 2020 season, could be another crucial home match for FC Dallas’ playoff hopes. Last season, Portland finished just one point above FC Dallas in the final standings, narrowly avoiding a first-round draw against the Seattle Sounders.
Both teams have high aspirations for 2020, so expect this contest to bring plenty of fireworks. With a win, FC Dallas could take a big step towards clinching a playoff berth.
Seattle Sounders - September 20, 4:00 p.m. presented by Pepsi
About two weeks later, FC Dallas welcomes the team that knocked it out of last season’s MLS Cup. The thrilling 4-3 encounter saw FC Dallas take the eventual champion right down to the wire but fall just short. The result, while painful, will be one of the top motivating factors all season and will surely play a role when Seattle finally comes to town.
The away fixture earlier in the season is sure to be an emotional one as well, but the chance the host Seattle late in the season with playoff aspirations on the line means that much more. Like the match against Portland earlier in the month, this match could also play a major factor in playoff placement, should both teams enjoy a successful 2020 campaign.
