Morning After: FC Dallas drops points at home
Despite looking to be on track for a clean sheet, FC Dallas gave up a late goal to the visiting Portland Timbers. A few thoughts.
Good morning, FC Dallas fans.
We have a busy day ahead, as we both look back at the draw at home against a weakened but resilient Portland Timbers side and ahead to the North Texas SC match against Los Angeles Galaxy II. I’ll be at Dignity Health Sports Complex in person to cover the North Texas match and get a glimpse of how this squad is coming along.
But back to FC Dallas.
FC Dallas was focused on ending first-half jitters and earning a clean sheet throughout the week.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Sure, FCD went into halftime working on a clean sheet, but they had a crossbar to thank for that. Their goal didn’t come through their strikers again but through sub Facundo Quignon who was able to slot home a loose ball in the box after a corner. It’s not how you draw it up, but the way Portland was playing, a goal is a goal.
Unfortunately, with just minutes left in the game, Portland found an equalizer, a scorcher from new signing Boli. There was nothing Paes could do.
The result leaves unanswered questions, and as good as this team has looked in moments, they are deservedly middle of the pack right now and left with questions on how to improve.
Did Geovane Jesus do enough?
While he was credited with the assist on the goal and much more advanced than Ema Twumasi, I have a hunch that Nico Estevez will still bring him along slowly and deploy him in certain situations. Ema likely returns to the starting lineup next week. Of course, it will be the coach’s decision, and maybe Nico will have seen in Geovane enough to keep him moving forward in the lineup.
What do you think? Who would you start next week?
Jesus Jimenez and Jesus Ferreira, together?
Jesus Ferreira works hard for this team, but for your main striker, you hope at times he can influence the game more. On the broadcast, there was some conversation over what Ferreira’s best position is long term. I think he is a striker, but I get too that he offers other skills that can be a huge help to a team.
Each time Jesus Jimenez has come on, it has created space for Ferreira to roam and get more active. Maybe the team needs to explore running two up top for a stretch to see how that can develop. Jimenez has been very active with each minute he’s gotten on the pitch. There is something there.
What were your thoughts on the match? Share in the comments below.