FC Dallas Finds a Way
In a thrilling, physical, and emotional contest, FC Dallas do what seemed impossible, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps on their home turf 2-1. Sam Sarver, once again, proves a game changing catalyst.
It’s morning on the West Coast, and my heart is still racing even after a good’s night sleep. Why? Because FC Dallas did it - they are in the playoffs after a physical and emotional match against one of the best teams in Major League Soccer.
What a night.
And they aren’t just in the playoffs in that wild card play-in match. No, with the 2-1 victory against the Whitecaps, FC Dallas have claimed the 7th spot. The gift of that move is a little bit extra rest before the postseason begins.
What are the major storylines of this one?
With no Petar Musa or Logan Farrington, FC Dallas turned to Anderson Julio and Sam Sarver to start up top, both who made things happen last weekend in super sub roles against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Quill was betting on the opportunities for these two speedsters to get on the break and make something special happened. And they did.
A counter-attack sparked Sam Sarver forward early in the first half, and the top MLS Next Pro player played the ball forward forcing Vancouver’s defender to foul him. After review, it was clear the foul was intentional - there was no attempt to play the ball. And as Sarver would have been an immediate scoring threat, the referee waived away the yellow card and went to the back pocket. Red!
After Dallas suffered a ridiculous red card against the Galaxy, the twist of fate felt like deserved balancing of the universe.
The opening goal came from Osaze Urhoghide, another incredible signing by the FC Dallas front office, who has pushed through injuries to be an emotional anchor for the defense. His header off of a corner kick put Dallas in control.
Of course, that would not last. Lalas Abubakar, stretched out by a counter attack of their own from the Whitecaps, was forced into an awkard defensive play in the penalty area, and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. Thomas Mueller slotted the goal to tie things up. And really, the way Vancouver were bringing the energy, you wondered if more was on tap for the home side who did not look like they were playing a man down.
But FC Dallas found a goal, with a sequence of play getting the ball to Sam Sarver (AGAIN) in the box, who served up a perfect little assist to Kaick who skipped home the go ahead goal.
The rest of the match was intense. Vancouver pushed forward. They created opportunity after opportunity. Michael Collodi was stout as always, coming up with some vital saves to keep his team in it. (Who needs Maarten Paes?) But really, the whole defense pulled together, including a host of North Texas homegrowns who stepped in and met the moment.
There are so many storylines in this one of vital performances, of timely performances, that have to make Dallas one of the more uncomfortable teams to expect to play in this postseason.
For example, you have to give a shout out to Pedrinho, the former North Texas SC player, putting in a vital shift in the midfield for 90 minutes.
And, of course, this coaching staff, led by head coach Eric Quill, who has helped this group of guys believe in themselves and what is possible.
Hear directly from FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill on his thoughts post-game, especially on where this team is after the rollercoaster season.
Here is where we end things.
Guess who FC Dallas starts prepping to play? Vancouver Whitecaps in a potential three game series - two away and one home. The Whitecaps, who with the loss dropped out of the top seed, are going to want revenge. But FC Dallas will have Musa, Ramiro, and Farrington back.
My prediction: Sam Sarver gets the start again next to Petar Musa. Why not? Why not ride this little story of the speedy winger who could for where it leads? More later this week.
What a night.