FC Dallas Get Crucial Rivalry Win Over Austin FC
Despite a midweek beatdown in Toluca and North Texas SC collapsing at home, FC Dallas found the needed goal for a gritty and dominant win over in-state rivals Austin FC.
After the excitement of the midweek action against Toluca, a match that revealed the clear difference between one of the best Liga MX teams and our own Frisco boys, FC Dallas needed a rebound. Rudderless Austin FC, still looking like a team that needs some sort of direction, may have been the perfect opponents. The Verde have struggled at home, and FC Dallas, meanwhile, have thrived on the road.
In front of lots of empty seats but also a curious (and bored) Shane Gillis and Matthew McConaughey, FC Dallas found the bounce back, first off of a Lalas Abubakar goal in only his third start of the year and then by a stunning Petar Musa strike, his 14th of the year. The game wasn’t without its bits of drama, especially with Bernard Kamungo missing a practical sitter early in the first half and an equalizer from Austin FC that put the result into doubt for a bit. But ultimately and truly, FC Dallas dominated this one.
Of course, stat-wise, you could argue that shouldn’t be the case.
Austin had 63% of the possession of the ball. FC Dallas just 37%.
Austin FC though had 9 shots, 3 of which were on target; FC Dallas racked up 15 shots, 9 of which were on target.
Sometimes, as is the Eric Quill way, it’s about the opportunities you take, the moments that matter. Who cares if you back pass your way around the pitch for minutes and minutes? Are you creating chances? Are you being brave?
The only downside to this victory is that Osaze Urhoghide picked up a yellow which will have him miss the next match. Nolan Norris did not feature because of yellow card accumulation, so it will be interesting to see how he can make up for Osaze’s absence in the next game.
FCD fans can sigh a little bit. Yes, we loved this team’s performance in the Leagues Cup, even if they couldn’t punch their ticket to the next round. Their road performances are giving us hope for a potential playoff run. Musa is still doing Musa things, and there may be another signing on the way to bolster that late season push.
That’s FC Dallas’ lead scout, by the way, catching a flight to somewhere to see someone???
For North Texas SC, I had hoped we would be writing about the team is building Mansfield into the toughest place to play in MLS Next Pro. Behind a 3-0 shellacking from visitors Portland Timbers 2, who also clinched a postseason spot, the home side are left with questions. There were bright spots, including the continued emergence of Daniel Baran, but this young team is… young. They lack consistency for all of their talent, and the opportunities to turn things around and climb up the table are starting to thin.
As much as I love this young side, I’m not sure if this is their year.
A few other notes:
The MLS commentators confirmed that Santi Moreno, who seemed like a potential big boost signing, is dealing with an ongoing injury. Surgery might fix it, but because FC Dallas needs him, they are managing his minutes instead, hence the 60-70 minute substitutions.
Lalas Abubakar needed tonight’s performance to show he can still make a difference with this squad. He will be needed again this week with Osaze out.
Bernard Kamungo is exhilarating in moments and then beyond frustrating in others. While he is only 24, we acknowledge that this may be his ceiling, though he still flashes that speed which is something else.
Musa’s 14th goal has him in the golden boot lead, but please take a moment to enjoy Valiente’s beautiful footwork, ball control, and movement to setup the assist.
We will be going live tomorrow!