Playoffs Remain Out of Reach as FC Dallas Draws Rapids
With a final result of 1-1, Alan Velasco bailed his team out as they struggled once again to put the ball in the back of the net. Los Angeles Galaxy are next.
On a Saturday night when FC Dallas could have clinched a playoff spot, the home side could not get the job done against an already eliminated Colorado Rapids, managing a draw from an Alan Velasco golazo in the first half.
This match had been rescheduled due to torrential storms last week, so there was some thought that Dallas would welcome the reprieve and come in focused on a big result. While they were active and dangerous at moments, the Rapids might have had the better opportunities as they game wore on, exploiting FCD on counter attacks.
The opening goal was the kind of mixture of bad luck that Dallas has experienced all season long. A beautiful free kick richoted off of the crossbar, and it was easily put away by an on-rushing Rapids player. Dallas players were outmanned in the moment, either slow to react or somewhere else on the pitch.
Alan Velasco continued his scintillating form that had him named the top Under-22 player for Major League Soccer with an unsaveable free kick to the left.
But the rest of the opportunities, despite numerous crosses and clear possession, came up empty time and time again.
The fans could even be heard booing at moments when cross after cross found no target or sailed harmlessly out of play.
Head coach Nico Estevez expressed his frustration after the match.
“Quality on the final actions was not there,” he told media, acknowledging that the Galaxy game will settle where Dallas ends up. “This is how the season has gone for us, and we have to embrace it. We have the opportunity to keep fighting for the playoffs.”
Of course, there is no guarantee that Los Angeles will allow Dallas to come in and notch an easy win. While the Galaxy are eliminated from postseason action, there will be players hoping to spoil Dallas’ spot and earn spots for their side. FC Dallas has precious little time to boost morale or correct mistakes. It comes down to one more game. Win, and you are in.
It will be a long week for FC Dallas fans.