Believe the Hype: FC Dallas Trounce DC United 4-0
Fans have every right to be excited about this squad, as FC Dallas put on a complete performance in a rout of DC United in Washington.
After a couple of weeks with international action and the arrival of new DP Santi Moreno, FC Dallas flew into Washington, D.C. on a mission — to play the complete game they are capable of.
Yes, as 2026 has unfolded, FC Dallas has shown fans that this team is ready to pick up where it left off. This is a squad that can bring intensity, teamwork, clutch goals, and a mentality that will put them into contention. In a raucous rivalry win over Houston, they got plenty of goals. In a defensively stout performance against Nashville, they blanked one of the best offensive teams in the league.
But have they done it all at once?
On Holy Saturday, they did.
“We talked about that we’ve given up six goals in the last two games, and that’s not us,” Quill said after the match. “We really wanted to focus on who we were behind the ball. We know we have quality going forward, those concepts and those things are there. The collective behind the ball, making sure that we’re not giving up big chances on the road, giving them life. I thought the second goal, right before the half, was a really key goal for us. We dropped a two goal lead last time against Houston, and we came out front-footed again, which I was really proud of, because I challenged them with that mentality to stay front-footed and not conserve the lead, but keep going for more.”
In their drubbing of DC United, FC Dallas found the perfect balance. Their defense stood up ably, limiting the home side to 3 shots on target, including a clutch save from goalkeeper Michael Collodi, who certainly had some moments against Houston that he wished he could do over. He was in the right place at the right time in this one.
Goal-wise, FC Dallas generated 8 shots on target, and they were super efficient in putting them away. Logan Farrington is an assassin when he gets to stretch the defense, his first touch deftly bringing in a perfect ball over the top from Ramiro. Patrickson Delgado got his first of the year with an unsaveable free kick from deep. Osaze Urhoghide headed in another off a set-piece cross from Valiente (an area the team has statistically wanted to improve). Finally, Petar Musa did Musa-stuff by getting into dangerous spots and slotting home a blocked shot.
From start to finish, this was a confident, well-rounded performance that gives fans every right to feel the hype about this team.
Granted, no one is going to place DC United in the same category as Los Angeles FC or Nashville as a contender, but away games are never easy. DC United may be rebuilding, but they have talent in spots. Even up with a 3 goal lead, FC Dallas could have taken the foot off the gas and let the home side claw back into it. They didn’t. They saw it through.
In a post-game video, speaking to his team, Quill proudly acknowledged all the guys who kept fighting for the full 90 minutes. He’s got the buy-in. Something special is brewing in Frisco.
A few other notes:
Santi Moreno made his debut from the bench. There is no need to rush the new DP signing into the lineup, as the team has good camaraderie that you don’t want to spoil too quickly. It will be curious to see how quickly he integrates and who he might displace in the lineup once he is ready to go. Still, in his limited action, he looked good.
Getting a nice lead opens the door for bench guys to get minutes, which is a nice gift for the number of players who deserve a look and an opportunity to gain more experience. Of course, Quill has to find the balance of preserving the lead and also making sure those guys come in ready to work. No problem on Saturday night.
FC Dallas will be back at home to face St Louis this weekend, with every opportunity to get another win and make it three in a row. St. Louis is also a team in the midst of some rebuilding, but the big storyline will be consistency. Will we see FC Dallas build on this road win?
Reminder: despite some dropped home minutes, road wins, especially against Eastern Conference teams, are a perfect way to make up points in a long campaign.