FC Dallas Are In the Hunt Via 2-0 Win Over Austin FC
It was the performance FC Dallas needed - confident and professional - to draw the Frisco squad back into the playoff periphery.
On Saturday night in Frisco, FC Dallas got more than a home win - they got a result that pushed them back into the playoff hunt.
“These guys have been fighting like warriors on the training ground. I feel like this is probably the best performance of the year, both sides of the ball,” Quill told media after the match.
In the midst of a season that has not followed the storyline head coach Eric Quill or this roster expected, FC Dallas is poised to write a surprise twist.
In front of a riveted and locked in crowd, FC Dallas confidently and professionally dispatched in-state rival Austin FC via a 2-0 scoreline, with goals from Petar Musa (assist from Logan Farrington) and Bernard Kamungo (assist by Patrickson Delgado and Jacob Jackson). A close third from Anderson Julio was called back after video review. On top of the offensive performance, the clean sheet fell on the capable shoulders of third-string backup Jacob Jackson in his first MLS start.
The result builds off a run of much-improved play, including a deserved draw with only ten men against St Louis in St Louis last week.
Austin FC certainly did not lie down, creating a handful of dangerous opportunities, but Musa scored an early goal that stunned the visitors. More than that, as Quill noted to media, the team played some of their sharpest and strongest defending all season. Austin only could look threatening as this back line, growing in confidence, handled everything thrown their way. A stunning fast break in the second half, giving Bernard Kamungo a needed goal, cemented the result.
In the post-game press conference, Quill was glowing with appreciation for the entire team performance, and he was sure to point out name after name of guys who are playing huge roles, including Ramiro and Kaick.
I asked Quill about Christian Cappis, one of the surprise stories of the summer transfer window. I admit, I thought this guy was going to be just a nice rotational depth piece at a bargain price, but he is turning out to be the missing piece. He is bringing poise and leadership to a midfield that needed it, including helping Kaick improve his positioning as the young Brazilian grows into the game.
“He is so well-balanced. He is not just a jack of all trades. He has got elite qualities in all those trades,” the head coach told Afterburn. “His feet are clean, both right and left foot. He gets us out of trouble. He is a warrior in the middle of the park. He goes up for everything. He knows how to win. He’s a communicator. He doesn’t just play for himself.”
Yes, there are games going on right now that will affect where they end up after the evening, but FC Dallas are now just one point back from the play-in game with an opportunity to improve and climb that mountain. It’s an exciting place to see this squad for once look like a unit - and be dangerous.
And the best may be yet to come.
Shout out to the home crowd who have had to endure some listless performances this year but were locked in on this one. When Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver went livid and earned a yellow card for dissent, fans started booing him every time he touched the ball. We need more of that.
Shout out to Pedrinho, who came on late but nearly got himself a goal. Quill praised him after the match for the hard work the youngster has been putting in on the training ground, telling fans to expect to see more of him.
What a night. What a win.
On to the next?