Enemy Scouting Report - FC Dallas
(image via FC Dallas)
The Houston Dynamo are coming off back-to-back losses heading into the first Texas Derby of the season. FC Dallas is a familiar foe, but this match has seemed to lose some of the intensity in reason years. Long gone are the scuffles in which Ricardo Clark and Eddie Robinson featured against the Hoops. But more recently in the derby story is now Hector Herrera’s debut against Dallas and Teenage Hadebe scoring in the 101st minute last season. Derbies are won with grit and determination, but here is a look at FC Dallas’ current form.
Nico Estevez took over the head coach position last season, taking Dallas all the way to the Conference Semifinals where Austin FC got the best of them. In year two, Estevez and his team are back it again. The Hoops are currently in third place in the Western Conference table, with some points pending due to the Saint Louis match being postponed due to extreme weather. The matchup will recommence where it left off in the 50th minute of play on June 7th.
FC Dallas had some important departures during the off-season, none as important as club captain and legend Matt Hedges. However, FC Dallas defensive group has kept on, allowing an average of one goal per game. While Nkosi Tafari and Jose Martinez chemistry continues to strengthen, the real worrisome side for FC Dallas opponents is the attack.
Here are the players that Houston will need to contain, which is easier said than done. Facundo Quignon will challenge the middle of the field against Artur and Hector Herrera. Facundo was a fundamental part of the team’s recent wins against Vancouver and Austin. Forward Alan Velasco has started the year slow, only having 2 goals and 1 assist on his stat sheet. However, Velasco is a very skillful player who can wreak havoc on the flanks. Now, to FC Dallas’ key player, Jesus Ferreira. The American striker is the team’s leading scorer with 8 goals. With over 120 appearances in Dallas, we tend to forget that he is only 22 years of age. Ferreira is hungry to win trophies for Dallas, and he knows that his amazing form is attracting a ton of suitors. For all we know, this could be the last Texas Derby for Jesus Ferreira. He will be dangerous tonight against the Houston Dynamo, looking to increase his legacy with FC Dallas.
FC Dallas Regular Season Record: 6W-3L-3D
Results in the last 30 days:
April 15 – FC Dallas 2-1 Real Salt Lake
April 22 – New York City FC 3-1 FC Dallas
April 30 – Minnesota United 0-0 FC Dallas
May 10 – Nashville SC 2-0 FC Dallas (USOC)
May 13 – Austin FC 0-1 FC Dallas
May 17 – FC Dallas 2-1 Vancouver
Past Match Staring XI (from mlssoccer.com)
There will likely be some variation but look to see many of the players in the graphic starting.
2023 Active Roster
Goalkeepers: Jimmy Maurer, Antonio Carrera, Maarten Paes
Defenders: Geovane Jesus, Jose Martinez, Marco Farfan, Nkosi Tafari, Ema Twumasi, Amet Korca, Sebastien Ibeagha, Sam Junqua, Nolan Norris
Midfielders: Facundo Quignon, Edwin Cerrillo, Paul Arriola, Sebastian Lletget, Paxton Pomykal, Bernard Kamungo
Forwards: Jader Obrian, Jesus Jimenez, Jesus Ferreira, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Alan Velasco, Jose Mulato, Herbert Endeley, Tarik Scott
Will the Houston Dynamo be able to stop their recent run of poor form with their rivals looking to add to the misery?
