Watching from Afar: Recapping FC Dallas and North Texas SC’s Weekend

In some ways, the glow of the interim switch has faded, leaving questions for FC Dallas’ roster. But North Texas remains in rich form.

I watched FC Dallas (and some of North Texas Soccer’s recent match) on the move on the other side of the planet this week. To give you a clue, it was morning where I am, in the future. It’s weird.

But that means, while I am out of the country, no Afterburner Soccer show for this week and maybe next.

FC Dallas welcomed FC Cincinnati in a must-win match in my opinion, not because Cincy is a good team (they are) but because Dallas need points to crawl back into a playoff shout. You have to win at home to do so. It hurts to be missing so many players, of course. The injury glut has not been great this year, and it’s been a marker and justification for a pretty tough season all in all.

In the end, while Cincinnati was missing players of its own, they have a playmaker who is absolutely in his prime. And he was enough to spark the single goal that the visiting side needed to continue their dominant run.

FC Dallas turned to young players, hoping to get something special from Bernard Kamungo, Logan Farrington, Tarik Scott, and Tomas Pondeca. And for moments, the young players all flashed why they are highly regarded. It’s hard though to pin all your hopes on these guys who are still getting their footing at a higher level.

You no doubt wanted more from veterans like Sebastian Lletget (who turned the ball over frequently) and Paul Arriola (admittedly playing in a more defensive role).

The senior team missed Jesus Ferreira. Petar Musa came on in the second half and had a moment or two.

Is it the end of the world for Peter Luccin’s side? No. Plenty of soccer left to play, but time is ticking quickly by.

Still, I think you can see in this match the clear difference between the teams and what FC Dallas is lacking if they want to move up as a competitor in this league. There is work to be done, especially in the transfer market.

As to North Texas Soccer Club, the team traveled to face the Real Monarchs and former homegrown Beni Redzic had a revenge goal early. North Texas struggled a bit in the first half, but in the second, under the tutelage of new head coach Michel, the youngsters found a way back. Enes Sali is a legit talent. Isaiah Parker has made strides as a player, grabbing his first goal and the go ahead for the reserve team.

North Texas is in excellent form, and despite coaching changes, they have weathered a lot of bumps and challenges, especially when key players like Tarik Scott get moved up to the senior team.

All in all, I have a few questions lingering:

• How many trade offers will FC Dallas be listening to as the transfer window opens up? Atlanta United has been selling. They need players. Is it time to offload a guy or two? What other teams need to create space and could be partners in making some moves?

• Luccin spoke positively of the young players after the match on Saturday. Does this open the door for more opportunity? Could we see Nolan Norris start and get an extended run? Can FC Dallas’ head coach coach these guys up for some surprise results ahead?

• North Texas is legit in title contention. Can we get more fans out to these matches to support this young team and enjoy their brand of soccer?