Can FC Dallas Win More Trophies This Season?
After FC Dallas’ win in the U.S. Open Cup Final over the New England Revolution, they now have their sights set on the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
FC Dallas have been the best team in Major League Soccer so far in 2016 and they don’t seem like they are slowing down anytime soon. They have recently claimed their first ever U.S. Open Cup with their latest win over the New England Revolution. That earned them a CONCACAF Champions’ League spot for next year but the club from Frisco aren’t done yet.
Not many believed that FC Dallas would be contenders for any trophies entering this season but they have the chance to do the near impossible. After winning the Lamar Hunt Trophy, they are aiming to claim the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup this season. Winning all three in one year has never been done by any MLS club but Dallas are in prime position to do so.
Their incredible play this season is attributed to their great team play at home and on the road in 2016. They are 10W-1L-4D at home this year with their only loss coming in a recent match against the Colorado Rapids in a 1-0 defeat. They are also 5W-7L-2D away from home which is third most wins in MLS. Winning on the road is difficult for any team in Major League Soccer but Dallas have had some success this year.
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Supporters’ Shield
FC Dallas have been leading the league in points for most of the 2016 campaign and they are still five points clear with only a few weeks left in the season. They are 15W-8L-6D this year and have 51 total points. The LA Galaxy are the closest team in 47 points, then Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids with 46 points.
It isn’t a forgone conclusion that FC Dallas will win the Supporters’ Shield this season but they are in the best position to do so. They have never had the best record in any given MLS season and have never won the Supporters’ Shield. With their depth, style of play, and current form, they could be hoisting the Shield at the end of the season.
MLS Cup Glory
FC Dallas have never won the MLS Cup, although they did come close in 2010 when they lost 2-1 in the Final against Colorado. Only three U.S. Open Cup winners have ever won the MLS Cup in the same season. (DC United in 1996, Chicago Fire in 1998, and LA Galaxy in 2005). Even though it has not been done in over a decade, Dallas are the second favorite to hoist the trophy according to oddschecker.com.
Baring any unforeseen injuries, the team from Frisco are my pick to win the Cup this season. They have been the most consistent team in MLS and even though the odds pick the Galaxy as the favorite, their team has dealt with too many injuries and inconsistent play. The addition of veteran forward, Carlos Ruiz, to their roster, Dallas increased their depth and added experience to their roster.
It will be interesting to see what happens down the stretch of the 2016 season and in the MLS playoffs. It will be very difficult for FC Dallas to pull off the impossible and win all three trophies this year but they are in the best possible position to do so. I would put my money on them as they have been the best all-around team in Major League Soccer.