Morning After: FC Dallas falls short against LAFC

A few thoughts about FC Dallas' loss to Los Angeles FC in Los Angeles on this Monday morning

While FC Dallas fell short, there was much to be proud of for this “special group” of players. At least, that’s how Nico Estevez described them in the post-game press conference. They competed. They clawed back in difficult circumstances to level the game but couldn’t clear a final ball that ended up in the back of the net.

Against the reigning champions, there are positives to take from the match, as it shows FC Dallas can control large swathes of the game even down a player.

1. Nkosi Tafari is for real. The FC Dallas defender is fun to watch and shows an impressive array of passing options with his feet. You wonder if other parts of his game need work to help him lock down the sole starting spot on the back line, but in the meanwhile, enjoy what he can do in tight spots to get the ball out of harm’s way. Heads up - he is also one of the best personalities in the squad.

2. Ema Twumasi’s red card was a tough moment for the player. Sure, we could argue about the validity of the red card, but VAR gave the referee a second look and the play was deemed dangerous enough to send the FC Dallas right back off early. The turning point of the red card is bigger than just what unfolded over the rest of the match. Gevoane Jesus will now step into the starting role, and if he plays well, may make it difficult for Nico Estevez to return to Twumasi, at least in the short term.

3. Maarten Paes is the early season MVP. He’s done enough to get into his opponents’ heads to throw them off on PKs. Paes’ shot-stopping has kept the team in these early games even when the midfield and attack have fizzled. The team owes a huge debt to their keeper this early in the season for putting out fire after fire.

What else would you add? Are you panicking after this away loss for FC Dallas?