FRISCO - We learned a lot about an FC Dallas team in the middle of a seven-game winless run in a 2-2 draw with New York - and signs about just how the run could come to an end soon.
Offensive Spark
With Mauro Diaz back pulling the strings and Michael Barrios almost single-handedly creating look after look for FCD, the offense was firing both at full strength and even when reduced to 10 men.
Below, you can see Dallas’ distribution and shots in just 37 minutes before going down a man. You can see Dallas was very content playing out of the back and when they did go forward, were able to create chances from dangerous areas. Everyone was on the same page and functioning together at a promising rate.
Across the match, FCD had 15 shots, six of which were on target and forced NYRB into 23 clearances and three saves from Luis Robles.
Resiliency Returns
In recent weeks during Dallas’ winless streak, we’ve seen a few lackluster performances. Saturday, however, the team fought back not once, but twice while down a man due in large part to a tactical shift at half and the resiliency that Oscar Pareja preaches time and time again. Pareja’s work in recent weeks experimenting with Javier Morales in more of a defensive midfield role paid off, bringing him on to replace the sent-off Hayes, but also being able to create some offense going forward.
You can see below the attacking four - Diaz, Barrios, Maxi Urruti and subbed-on Javier Morales - and their distribution and shots created from the the red card on. The foursome was able to create pressure and get two goals on the board to earn a draw.
Hayes Promising
Yes, Jacori Hayes saw two likely-deserved yellow cards in the span of 10 minutes and earned his first MLS ejection in just his third appearance, but the rookie midfielder was putting together quite a performance in his 37 minutes played. His four tackles tied a team high and also amassed four recoveries and two interceptions. Fellow defensive midfielder Victor Ulloa said after the match raved about Hayes’ performance in his short time on the field and said it was a learning opportunity for the 22-year-old on how to play with a yellow card already to his name. The future is bright for the 2017 SuperDraft first-round pick.
