SET THE STAGE: FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids | 4.9.22

FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas returns home to host the Colorado Rapids this Saturday, April 9 at 7:30PM at Toyota Stadium.

Here's everything you need to know before the game.

How to Watch

TV (English): Mark Followill and Steve Davis will be on the call for Saturday's match on TXA 21 and the FCDTV Network. Coverage begins at 7PM CT.

TV (Spanish): The match will also be shown on Estrella TV (KMPX-29) in Spanish.

LISTEN

English: If you can't watch the match, you can listen to all the action on FCDallas.com/Radio hosted by Sam Hale beginning at 7PM.

Spanish: Carlos Alvarado and Rafa Calderon will call the game in Spanish on 1270AM, starting at 7:30PM CT.

Match Overview

HEAD-TO-HEAD

• FCD record: 2-1-2 (8 points - 5th in West)
• COL record: 2-1-2 (8 points - 7th in West)
• FCD vs. COL all-time: 34-26-18 (117 goals scored, 98 goals conceded)
• FCD vs. COL all-time home: 25-8-7 (71 goals scored, 41 goal conceded)

STORY LINES

Defensive Turnaround
FC Dallas has improved on the defensive side of things so far in 2022. Through five games, Dallas has only conceded three goals (and one was a penalty) which is third-fewest in MLS. It's a stark turnaround after the club conceded 56 over 34 games in 2021 (which was third-most in the league). Defending is largely a team effort and the player acquisitions and new play style have combined for the swift improvement to begin the season.

• Nico Estevéz: "I think it's a collective effort. We always say that we'd like to have a team where players attack and defend because we are about the collective, about the team. They understand the instructions really well but they also put a lot of effort into the game. The little adjustments that we made from previous years, the players who came in, everything overall helps the team to have these numbers."

Alan Focus
Newcomer Alan Velasco seems to be a marked man in MLS already (and after his debut goal against Nashville SC, you can understand why). The 19-year-old Argentine was fouled six times in FCD's scoreless tie with Chicago fire and continually drew two or three defenders whenever he had the ball. It's a sign of respect, in some ways, and can help Dallas overall by unbalancing the opposition's defensive setup to contain Velasco's creativity. It also has the added effect of giving FCD free kicks in potentially dangerous areas, as long as the referees make sure to make the calls.

• Nico Estevéz: "The referees need to protect him. He's playing his game, he doesn't have to change his game. The referees will help to him to keep playing his game and be focused on not letting the opponents do that."

Colorado's Familiar Faces
Dallas welcomes the Colorado Rapids along with some familiar faces to Toyota Stadium for the first time this year. Former Dallas DP midfielder Bryan Acosta signed with the Rapids this offseason after three years in Frisco, reuniting with longtime FCD winger Michael Barrios who moved to Colorado before the 2021 season. Acosta, Barrios and the rest of the Rapids squad are coming off back-to-back draws against Houston Dynamo FC and Real Salt Lake and will look to get back to winning ways this Saturday.

• Jesús Ferreira: “They're a team that's always getting results. They're a team that's physical. Obviously, with the pieces that grabbed from here (Dallas), like Mikey and Bryan, they bring a lot to the attack. Bryan's a player in the midfield that can always break play, has a lot of energy. And Mikey makes a lot of runs in behind so they're two threats that we need to be careful of."

Around the Stadium

The Scene Machine
The Scene Machine is an XR Avatar Scanner powered by Dallas-based Groove Jones which creates an immersive virtual experience that allows everyone to be part of an FC Dallas match. Guests can step inside the machine and get volumetrically scanned by 50 4K cameras which will put them into a customized, soccer-themed video with FC Dallas players Paul Arriola, Jesús Ferreira and Paxton Pomykal. Almost immediately after their scan, fans will receive the video via email or text which they can then share on their favorite social media platforms.

Augmented Reality
You might notice a new some new artwork at the northeast corner of Toyota Stadium. This is our new Augmented Reality Mural which is an explosive augmented reality experience filled with electricity and power - just like our players. Paul Arriola, Jesús Ferreira and Paxton Pomykal come to life off the wall and onto your phone to create a video that you can experience and share on social media. 

Music Throughout the Match
Guests can enjoy the FC Dallas drumline who will be setting the pregame stage throughout the Toyota Stadium parking lots, tailgates and concourses. 

FC Dallas also has The Bass Junkies spinning in the Michelob UltraZone before the match.

Human Hamster Ball
If you’ve always wanted to participate in a human hamster ball race…and let’s be honest – who hasn’t…this is your chance. Human hamster ball races are open to all fans who visit the activation on the north concourse before the match.  

Fan Gram Sweepstakes

Throughout the 2022 season, FC Dallas fans have a chance to win exclusive FC Dallas swag signed by their favorite player as part of our ongoing Fan Gram Sweepstakes. 

Here’s how to enter: 

• Post a shot of yourself at the FC Dallas match on social media (Twitter, Instagram or Facebook)
• Tag @FCDallas
• Use the hashtag #FCDSweepstakes
• That’s it! You’re entered. Winners will be randomly selected after each match. 

There are several Instagrammable spots at Toyota Stadium: 

• At Sweet Tooth Motel’s immersive art pop-up on the north concourse 
• In front of the new Augmented Reality Mural in the northeast corner of the stadium
• In front of the Lamar Hunt statue on the north concourse
• From your seats! 

Learn more at FCDallas.com/Fan-Gram-Sweepstakes.