It’s Over: FC Dallas Crumbles in San Jose
San Jose Earthquakes took advantage of FC Dallas at home, crushing the visitors 3-2 in what was a must win match for the squad from Frisco. Here’s what it means.
On a cool evening in Northern California as the final whistle blew, FC Dallas’ season came to an abrupt end.
Sure, there are two more games, one away and one at home, but postseason competition, already remote, is done. Despite Austin giving Dallas a huge favor with a 1-0 win in Portland, the Burn were unable to capitalize, giving up three goals, two of which came on counter-attacks. The result is extra disappointing considering that FC Dallas threatened frequently but could not make their opportunities stick.
The result opens the door to an offseason that will offer enormous change for the team with unanswered questions as player contracts, tactical vision, and stadium changes loom.
Rather than do a blow by blow of the game, in which we can point blame at a lot of guys (and yeah, Paul Arriola, Jesus Ferreira, Nkosi Tafari, Sebastian Ibeagha, etc, etc all should shoulder some of the fault), the biggest question out of this match is the future of interim FC Dallas head coach Peter Luccin.
On a post-game media call where only Afterburn Soccer was present, Luccin appeared frustrated and resigned after his second straight defeat in must-win matches.
“Very disappointed, very sad, mad at the same time. With Austin beating Portland, our scenario was perfect, winning this game and going to Portland just five points away and trying to beat Portland. It’s so disappointing,” he said. “The goal that we conceded, the chances that we missed. Very, very disappointed. I haven’t had time to talk with the players, it is a night to suffer a little bit. We didn’t take care of business and it’s all on us.”
Another particular embarrassing moment was Peter Musa, one of the clear bright spots from the season for Dallas, getting subbed off and marching straight into the locker room, visibly frustrated.
“It’s football, it’s a state of emotion. I don’t have a problem with that,” Luccin told Afterburn about Musa’s departure. “In the end, they are winners and they want to do their best, and when the group isn’t at their best, it’s normal to be mad. He’s a winner and that’s it. It won’t happen again, but I can understand the emotion of everybody right now.”
Now, Dan Hunt and company will have to figure out if Luccin is the right head coach to take FC Dallas forward. These past two games have soured many fans’ takes on whether that is a worthy move. Certainly, Luccin brought needed improvement that brought the club in shouting distance of a playoff spot after taking over when Nico was let go, but when the team needed to step up, they either quit on him or he clearly couldn’t find the right motivation to get what was needed.
Does that bode well? Would a refresh of the roster… and a healthier roster… look different?
Another mark against Peter was his usage of subs in this match. Why sub off your best striker when you need multiple goals? Why bring in Ema Twumasi when the outside back has been anything but consistent this season? Fans were puzzled by the decisions, although no doubt, Luccin was trying to juggle another match in a few days.
But the mark is against players too who have not produced despite status and expectation. Did Paul Arriola do enough to justify his price tag? Who departs this offseason? Can the team find the right pieces to rejuvenate what has been a poor defense? Will other players be sold if Luccin sticks around?
These are the questions that now take center stage, even though two more games remain for FC Dallas.
Of course, Luccin might take this opportunity to play his guys and give fans a hint of what a full year in charge can look like tactically. Could we see a shift away from the 5 man back line? Could we see more young players given an opportunity?
Now, we all wait. And watch. And prepare for 2025.