FC Dallas returns to Lumen Field on Saturday having not won a game here since 2011. That streak of 21 straight games without a win is the longest streak of its kind in MLS history. Big D Soccer gave us some insight into the team that will try to snape that run.
Notable injuries
Both Bernard Kamungo and Anderson Julio are out on long-term injuries that may not see them return until after the World Cup break. The bigger deal is seeing both Petar Musa and Logan Farrington — the club’s leading scorers this season – listed as questionable. Musa did exit the last game early with a bit of a knock, so seeing him rotated out of the lineup on Saturday wouldn’t be surprised.
Team form
Until Wednesday’s loss at home against Minnesota, Dallas was on a five-game unbeaten run. That run does feel like it came with a bit of an asterisk, as the final two draws in that run came at home in games where Dallas gave up the lead and had to settle for draws. The loss to Minnesota was an extension of those two draws, where Dallas struggled to get any sort of rhythm in the match, and then had to chase the game after the Loons scored a goal 30 minutes into the game.
Key players
If Musa is truly on the bench, the focus is going to shift to someone like Joaquin Valiente in the attack. The young Uruguayan leads the team in key passes this season, and has been showing well since arriving here in February.
One thing opposing fans should know
This game starts a big shift in the calendar for FC Dallas. They’ll be on the road for 11 out of their next 13 games, including nine straight between May and August. This is all due to the on-going stadium construction at Toyota Stadium that will last until the 2028 season.
Projected lineup
3-4-3: Collodi, Ibeagha, Urhoghide, Norris; Moore, Ramiro, Kaick, Johansson; Valiente, Farrington, Moreno
