FC Dallas started the 2017 season off with a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday afternoon, winning for the first time in LA in the regular season, since 2009.
After a solid preseason display, FC Dallas continued their fine form in their opening match of the Major League Soccer season. This was the first of two away fixtures to start off their 2017 league schedule, starting with the LA Galaxy.
The Galaxy came in with a new look midfield as Joao Pedro and Romain Alessandrini made their debuts. It was the first match for new manager Curt Onalfo as well.
All three goals in the match came in the second half. Maximiliano Urruti opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a low driven shot that beat Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe. Giovani dos Santos equalized in the 53rd minute from the spot after Dave Romney was fouled in the box.
The match-winner would come in the 69th minute when Kellyn Acosta fired home from just inside the 18.
The kid's good, folks.@KellynAcosta with a great touch + finish. 2-1. #LAvDAL https://t.co/lsLwyfau7A
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 4, 2017
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s match.
#1 Kellyn Acosta is in top form
Acosta has been a hot topic coming into this season, as the 21-year-old midfielder was a big part of FC Dallas’ success in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. He’s scored three in his last three appearances for the club, and he continues to find the scoring touch. Playing in the central midfield may be the key to his continued success this season.
#2 FC Dallas have a dangerous attack
There’s a lot of speed and talent up front for FC Dallas this season, and they had enough to overpower the Galaxy defense. Urruti and Acosta were on the mark and new signing Roland Lamah impressed as well. The club from Texas scored 50 goals last season, but that number could be much higher at the end of this year.
#3 Galaxy need time to gel
It wasn’t a horrible display by the Galaxy by any means, they had their share of mistakes, but there doesn’t appear to be any need for real concern. The new signings appear to still need time to adjust to the style of play in MLS.
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Additionally, the club are still without Gyasi Zardes up front and Ashley Cole on defense. Dos Santos seemed lively, but it will be interesting to see how effective he is leading the offense this season.