If FC Dallas Can Fix One Thing Tonight

As FC Dallas faces off against Vancouver Whitecaps tonight, one improvement could go a long way for a positive result.

On the media call with FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez earlier this week, I led off the questioning by wondering about a worrying trend that has made life even more difficult for Dallas without the injuries - those pesky slow starts, often gifting their opponent with an early lead.

It’s happened in the first three games of the season, and Dante Sealy had to serve up a super late winner to get the team a win in the opening match.

And really, this is something that has plagued FC Dallas for a few years now to varying degrees, as the squad has tried to live into a more possession-based approach to the attack.

Our friend and fellow reporter Paul Livengood put some data behind that trend.

After the opening whistle, opponents know there is a window where they can push the game and take advantage of FC Dallas with a counter-attack or just a moment of miscommunication as Dallas players try to find their footing. When the opening goal is given up, you can almost watch the team start to wake up, push, and take control of the game, but as we know in soccer, having to claw your way back into the game is exhausting. Can the team flip the script and push from the opening whistle?

Tonight, as Vancouver comes to town, this is something to watch for. The Whitecaps do play some pragmatic football, and they can get results on the road. Look at their victory against the Quakes earlier this season.

Thankfully, Sebastian Ibeagha, Marco Farfan, and Amet Korca will be healthy and available. That veteran leadership will be helpful for options to start or come off the bench.

As I said on the pod this week, if FC Dallas gets the three points at home, they can mentally put away the slow start to the season and begin building something special.

The game kicks off at 7:30 PM CST. And it’s free to stream on AppleTV.