FC Dallas Settle for Tough Draw at Home Against St Louis City
Following a poor first half, FC Dallas drop points at home again versus a feisty and physical St Lous City team, settling for a 1-1 draw. Let's talk positives and negatives.
When the final whistle blew on Saturday night in Frisco, FC Dallas as a whole had to feel conflicted. The fans certainly did. While a late save by Michael Collodi preserved the precious point, the full 90 minutes of the match conveyed shades of last year’s uneven efforts that put the Burn in a deep hole in 2025, a hole they eventually found a way to climb out of.
Coming off a dominant road win over DC United, FC Dallas simply did not play up to its standard against a tough St. Louis side. Their first-half intensity wasn’t quite there. St Louis City, despite being an inferior team, looked a step faster, more eager to win balls and spray the ball forward into dangerous areas. Dallas didn’t really find their footing until late in the first half with a couple of dangerous moments.
The second half showcased a stronger performance. Petar Musa, pressing high, received the ball in an advanced position, turned, and placed a perfectly weighted ball to Deedson, who slotted his first MLS goal home. But the celebration would be short-lived, as St Louis, happy to possess the ball and work it wide time and time again, found a cross that met a well-timed run by a defender for the equalizer. With subs and renewed energy, FC Dallas were a bit unlucky not to get another goal, including a penalty shout. As the home side pushed hard for a winner, they also gave the visitors a couple of strong opportunities to steal something. Collodi, Nolan Norris, and company found enough to stymy their efforts.
What do we take from this result?
FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill expressed his frustrations from the performance.
“I just spoke to the group, and I didn’t recognize us in the first 45 minutes. The team you’ve been watching had not lost its mentality in any half this season, but we did tonight. They (St. Louis) were stronger in challenges, won more aerial duels and had the better edge. Credit to them, they came in with something to prove and showed it,” Quill told media. “We’ll look at it, be honest and learn from it. We have high standards and we know what we want to be this season. Nights like this aren’t us, and that’s why it’s frustrating. The group isn’t satisfied with a point. They understand the importance of three, and I expect them to respond next week.”
On the bright side of things, this was a solidly entertaining match. Both teams were up for the game, even if FC Dallas was not as sharp as they would have liked. The physicality, the intensity, the determination - both teams showed it. I was on the edge of my seat, willing FC Dallas to find a winner.
We also learn from these performances that Nolan Norris has locked down his starting spot. This may have been one of his strongest overall performances, including a huge save to prevent St Louis from going ahead. His growth is evident, and his personality and fire are visible in his play.
Petar Musa remains a difference maker and was really unlucky not to get a chance to take the golden boot lead tonight. I think his assist was classy. The goal will be a boost to Deedson, who has not seen a ton of minutes for FC Dallas so far.
On the question mark side of things, we first fear about Ramiro’s injury. Rumors are that it may take him out of the picture for a bit, as he was stretchered off after a collision in the first half. Kaick came in as a welcome relief with his energy, which helped turn things around for FC Dallas.
The rest of the midfield has question marks. Why didn’t Quill start Valiente in this one? When will Moreno be ready to go a full 90? What is up with Christian Cappis, who was a big reason the team wasn’t sharp? The dude was such a big signing last season, but his play has dipped a bit these past couple of games. My hope is that Quill will take some chances with a more attacking midfield structure in the coming weeks.
Finally, we saw the downside of Logan Farrington. So far this season, Farrington has flirted with being a legit MLS starting striker, and then will have a game where he makes mistakes, can’t hold up the ball, and just diminishes his team’s progress. After such a great game last week, this was a disappointment. Is this just him growing as a professional? Or are we seeing him as a squad piece striker who can give you great minutes in spots?
FC Dallas will have a week to regroup before they welcome the Los Angeles Galaxy and try to secure a full three points at home.