Must Win: FC Dallas Dominates LAFC at Home, 3-1

At moments, FC Dallas looked like an entirely different team tonight, and for now, the playoffs remain a possibility.

Even watching from afar, you could almost taste the euphoria and release through the screen as FC Dallas scored three crucial goals against a visiting Los Angeles FC to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Scoring began with Petar Musa lacing a blistering shot into the far corner in the first half. Musa would pick up a knock and be forced to exit for the young Logan Farrington. (After the game, FC Dallas believed it wasn’t a serious knock, and Musa should be good to go.)

With Los Angeles FC fielding a rotated squad, the expectation was that some of their top talent, like Dennis Bouanga, would step into the match in the second half to push at least for an equalizer. But before that could happen, Dallas scored two more times, both goals reflecting the selflessness of the squad.

On the second, Logan Farrington received a cheeky pass from Paul Arriola coming in from the left wing, and the rookie striker calmly served it back into the path of Patrickson Delgado, who may be practicing these kinds of shots with Petar Musa. Delgado was ready to celebrate, especially having missed a chunk of the season to injury.

Minutes later, Alan Velasco, who dazzled throughout the night with his skill and grit, kept possession of the ball, getting it forward to Jesus Ferreira who after a gorgeous sequence set up Logan Farrington for a brilliant goal. Frisco was home to the beautiful game once again.

A late deflected goal gave LAFC a measure of fight, but the visitors were fortunate not to give up a goal to Jesus Ferreira who had multiple opportunities late.

Peter Luccin was in a buoyant mood after the game, praising his team.

“The compactness. The spaces and lines between players was key,” he beamed. “It was hard for them (LA) to play through the middle. I think the thing with the group - the effort they are putting forward in every game. I am very proud of them again.”

But he wasn’t suggesting the team had hardware in the case yet.

“We didn’t do anything yet. It’s three points. We know we are going to fight with enthusiasm,” Luccin said. “The players are happy, but they are focused. Now we just need to win right now. Right now, it is a good vibe but a very focused vibe.”

One instant note - this was the first time that guys like Jesus Ferreira, Alan Velasco, Petar Musa, and Patrickson Delgado started together… in a long time… and really ever. This thought gives us pause to wonder how the team might have played over the course of the season with a healthy roster.

Another note - we are all wondering whether Peter Luccin will get the nod as head coach, and if he can promise more games like this and an FC Dallas squad that can play with this level of confidence, it’s a huge boost to his resume.