FC Dallas Bounce Back With 0-0 Draw at Minnesota
While neither team could break the deadlock, FC Dallas come away as the happier side with a strong defensive performance in a tough place to play.
After a disappointment at home last weekend, FC Dallas packed their bags and headed up to the far north, looking for a spark.
And true to form, the boys from Frisco found a crucial away point in a feisty, physical, and kind of nasty draw against Minnesota United.
What made the match more intriguing was the growing injury list for FC Dallas and a decision to rotate heavily after their recent home loss. Maybe it was needed to also lift the pressure off of a group of guys who are trying to unlock that final third brilliance that has been just out of reach. Star Lucho Acosta was one of the players selected to start this one on the bench, just to lift him.
According to Quill, he took that decision professionally.
The big headline is that FC Dallas met the match with the intensity and physicality that Eric Quill has wanted.
“I'm just extremely proud of the mentality to respond tonight. I thought their efforts, their desire, and their moments of fortitude were great. We had the belief to stay in it, when we were suffering a bit, we competed,” Quill told media. “I told them before the game that this game was going to be unlike anything we've played so far. This team (Minnesota), they're super direct, and they have a big mentality, which is why they're at the top of the heap. Whoever's going to win, was going to have a bigger mentality. And I think both teams had big mentalities tonight, and fought each other.”
Indeed, there was a ton to take heart from as an FC Dallas fan. Yes, the road point keeps FC Dallas unbeaten in away matches, a remarkable feat as they prepare to travel to Inter Miami, the only undefeated team in Major League Soccer. The intensity though after that disappointment last weekend is a sign that this team is not going to roll over when things are not going their way.
The defensive performance in this match was excellent. Other than one sneaky attempt that bounced off the frame, Dallas locked down Minnesota’s attempts to threaten Maarten Paes. Osaze Urhoghide, Lalas Abubakar (with his first start for FC Dallas), Nolan Norris, Sebastian Ibeagha (as a second half sub), and Shaq Moore stepped up time and time again to stop attacks, clear balls, and be nuisances. The midfield deserves some credit for putting in a strong shift to support the back line.
Offensively, there were some decent chances. Logan Farrington had one of the better opportunities of the whole match if not for a strong save from Minnesota’s keeper. While Dallas got out on the break and felt a boost when Lucho Acosta spelled Pedrinho in the second half, the quality in the final third failed them.
Quill was full of praise for the team, for their mentality, for playing like DAWGs.
The home fans were not happy with some of the calls from the referees and certainly let their opinions know as the game got more physical and aggressive.
But maybe that is what is to be expected when a team like Minnesota lined up against their opponents.
Fans can find lots of positives, and as long as this good away form continues, it gives Dallas time to right the ship at home.