FC Dallas Opens Season with Shut Out of Union
By Marcel Dumas
FC Dallas opened up their 2016 MLS season with a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Toyota Park in Frisco on Sunday. While the score was relatively close, the game was not, as FCD showed why they are a top contender in the west.
Despite several excellent opportunities, FCD was unable to get on the board until Mauro Diaz fed a through ball that set Fabian Castillo free behind the Union defense. Castillo would make no mistake and slot home to make it 1-0 halfway through the first half.
Philadelphia found opportunities more difficult to come by. They were most dangerous on set pieces, but the FCD defense led by Matt Hedges and Walker Zimmerman were effective in clearing any danger posed by the Union.
Dallas would take their one goal lead into the half, but came out looking to add to their lead. Despite high pressure from FCD, the final breakthrough did not come until ten minutes from time. Diaz was involved once again as he made up for giving the ball away in a dangerous position by pressuring the Union defender into a turnover. Diaz squared across the goal mouth finding new addition Maximiliano Urruti who finished from close range.
FCD would come close to creating another goal in the closing minutes, but the 2-0 score stayed intact. It was a good start to the season for the men in red.
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The most noticeable difference between the teams was the overall speed of FC Dallas. Their team speed allowed them to pressure all over the pitch. New DP signing Carlos Gruezo was everywhere, putting in a very solid game in his FCD debut. His constant hounding from the defensive midfield forced several turnovers and was effective in keeping the Union offense out of sync in the middle of the park. Gruezo’s ability to win the ball back for FC Dallas created several counter opportunities for the dangerous duo of Diaz and Castillo.
FCD’s ability to attack down the wings with Castillo and Barrios also put tremendous pressure on the Union due to their speed out wide. Castillo was extremely effective throughout displaying an array of moves at speed to create chances. Barrios picked up his play in the second half chasing down several long passes and running rampant along the right side of the pitch.
The FCD fans did get worried close to the end after Castillo was stretchered off the pitch. Preliminary reports are saying it is muscle related and that his prognosis is a speedy return.
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FC Dallas showed they will be one of the most exciting teams in MLS to watch this season. If the talents of Castillo, Diaz, Gruezo and company continue to grow their chemistry together, they could become a formidable contender for the MLS Cup.