FC Dallas celebrates the Fourth of July with a match against Minnesota United FC this Friday, July 4 at 7:45 p.m. at Toyota Stadium.
Here's everything you need to know before the match.
HOW TO WATCH
The match will be streamed in both English and Spanish on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and broadcast on FS1 and FOX Deportes.
HOW TO LISTEN
You can listen to all the action on SiriusXM FC (Channel 157) and the FC Dallas app and YouTube channel with broadcasters Ryan Figert, Steve Davis and Sam Hale. Pregame coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. CT.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Head-to-Head Records
- FCD record: 5-8-6 (21 points, 11th in West)
- MIN record: 9-4-7 (34 points, 3rd in West)
- FCD vs. MIN all-time: 7-7-5 (27 goals scored, 24 goals conceded)
- FCD vs. MIN home: 5-2-2 (19 goals scored, 11 goals conceded)
Story Lines
Lletget: FC Dallas can always count on midfielder Sebastian Lletget. The MLS veteran was one of the club's standout players in the early weeks of the season, making seven consecutive starts before being sidelined by an injury. Without Lletget pulling the strings in midfield, Dallas won just once in nine games and struggled to progress the ball from its backline to its forward line. The 32-year-old returned to the Starting XI in mid-June and, due to injuries and suspensions, played out of position as the defensive midfielder (for the very first time in his career) as FCD earned a 4-2 win over Kansas City - the club's first victory since April. But Lletget isn't just contributing on the defensive end. Last week, the California native returned to his natural box-to-box midfield role and scored his first goal of the season, pouncing on a rebound to put Dallas 2-1 up. Although San Diego came back to win 3-2, Lletget's unique ability to contribute on both sides of the ball will be vital as the club looks for its first home victory since March 29.
Next Man Up: Head coach Eric Quill will be relying on the next man up due to some recent injuries in the FCD squad. Both forward Bernard Kamungo and midfielder/defender Nolan Norris left last game with apparent ankle injuries and both are doubts for Friday's match against Minnesota. Their injuries (as well as the previous injuries to CB Osaze Urhoghide and winger Anderson Julio) could provide opportunities for the likes of forwards Léo Chu, Logan Farrington or even North Texas SC's leading scorer Sam Sarver, who was on the bench last time out while on a short-term loan to FCD. In midfield, Brazilians Kaick and Ramiro are both available once again (Kaick after suspension and Ramiro after an injury) and could fill in as the deep-lying midfielder in Norris' absence.
Minnesota: Minnesota United are enjoying a strong season under head coach Eric Ramsey. The Loons occupy third place in the West with an impressive 9-4-6 record, including a strong 4-2-4 road record. The club has recorded five wins and just two losses in its last 10 games and is coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls. Minnesota employs a fast, direct style of play that has seen them record some of the lowest possession stats around MLS while also having one of the most potent attacks in the league. Ten different players have scored for the Loons this season, led by forward Tani Oluwaseyi who's recorded 10 goals and five assists in just 14 starts. Oluwaseyi as well as starting 'keeper Dayne St. Claire missed the last few games while on international duty but will likely be available for Friday's match following Canada's shock elimination from the Concacaf Gold Cup.
