What I Am Watching For: FC Dallas @ DC United
Major League Soccer action is back in full force, and FC Dallas takes on DC United tonight in a match that will queu up a friendly run of games for our side.
Welcome back, Burnheads.
After a quiet international break, marked by the USA’s anemic performances in a couple of friendlies and Sweden qualifying for the World Cup, FC Dallas is on the road in our nation’s capital.
DC United is a club in disarray. Yes, their stadium, Audi Field, is pretty decent. My last game there reminded me how much I dig the new, more vertical stadium seating, as it helps fans, even in the cheap seats, feel closer to the action. Being able to buy freshly-made pupusas is also a solid bonus.
But in truth, DC United should hardly be at FC Dallas’ quality.
Does that mean it’s a gimme? Heck, no.
Back in our last podcast before the break, our crew was in consensus that this should be a win for FC Dallas. Whether it is a 2-1 victory or a 3-0 beatdown, though, there is room for disagreement. I was paying attention to how our international call-ups did as a signal for the form our key stars might bring into the match. Musa, for example, played well for Croatia, so he should remain in fine form. Herman Johansson continues to acclimate to MLS quality of play. I don’t think the team is going to fall off from where they left us in a big rivalry win over Houston.
Still, don’t discount DC United from putting together a strong defensive performance that could make life difficult for FC Dallas.
But here are the three questions to watch for tonight —
Will Logan Farrington and Petar Musa start together?
In an embarrassment of riches for Eric Quill, Farrington and Musa both make cases for the start. For Musa, if he is ready to go, you obviously can’t scratch him. Farrington is tricky because of his most recent performance. You can argue that he is a solid MLS backup at striker, but he is already verging on exceeding his goal tally from 2025. You’ve got to figure out a way to get him on the field.
Basically, Quill needs to figure out - am I still bringing Farrington along as a potential Musa replacement based on World Cup action? Is he a starter and he and Musa need to be on the field together? We know they are a deadly duo. Dropping one, though, means an extra midfield, maybe even newly signed Santiago Moreno. Keeping both means benching someone else, which might help balance the field.
Quill has shown a willingness to try to find that balance, so I’m not quite sure what to expect… but my hunch is that Farrington and Musa start tonight. Long ball party!
What will Santi Moreno’s role be?
I like this signing a lot - it fits FC Dallas’ MO as far as picking up intriguing assets on the cheap. He does take up a DP slot, which may not be the best roster-building move. But… it’s temporary, just a loan. Moreno is going to get a chance to prove he is a difference maker, and if he plays in the middle alongside Valiente, I am very intrigued.
In all likelihood, Moreno comes off the bench tonight as he acclimates to the team.
I am just curious about what Santi will bring to this team.
Nolan Norris needs to start.
For whatever reason, Quill did not turn to wonderkid Norris to start the season on the back line, but it’s clear that Norris brings quality to this lineup. His passing technique and vision make him extra dangerous. I love how he can slice past lines with a well-placed ball, something this squad needs. Is he as good a defender as a veteran like Ibeagha? No. But he could be, given the time.
He needs the time.
With other veterans healthy, maybe Norris goes back to the bench, but I think that would be a mistake. Quill needs to build for the future with this squad, and Norris is a difference maker.
I’ll be live-tweeting the game tonight, so I hope you can follow along over on X or Bluesky.