FC Dallas Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things we learned – ‘The Cobra’ strikes again

Czech Republic's forward Zdenek Ondrasek celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier Group A football match Czech Republic v England at the Sinobo Arena on October 11, 2019. (Photo by Michal CIZEK / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)
Czech Republic's forward Zdenek Ondrasek celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier Group A football match Czech Republic v England at the Sinobo Arena on October 11, 2019. (Photo by Michal CIZEK / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)
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SAINT LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 10: Paxton Pomykal #24 of the United States moves with the ball during their International Friendly soccer match Uruguay at Busch Stadium, on September 10, 2019 in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
SAINT LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 10: Paxton Pomykal #24 of the United States moves with the ball during their International Friendly soccer match Uruguay at Busch Stadium, on September 10, 2019 in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

1. Welcome back Paxton Pomykal

It could not have been a more fitting start to the season for Paxton Pomykal. The promising midfielder had offseason surgery which limited his preseason preparations and it was unsure how he would respond to regular first-team football once the season commenced.

In January, he had to depart the United States Men’s National Team camp early due to lingering injury concerns. As a result, it was unclear what kind of form Pomykal would display in the season opener. The early signs, then, are very positive indeed.

Scoring a goal was a pretty good answer to what form he has at the moment. His super-sub role may last a little longer as the club eases him back into the starting XI, but Pomykal looked very sharp, which is all you can ask for at this stage in his recovery.

With FC Dallas already looking dominant without the young midfielder, once he is reinstated into the starting line-up and is fit and firing, this could be a very dangerous team indeed.