FC Dallas played hosts to the Columbus Crew, the best team in the league, after going scoreless in the previous two games.

Despite having the lead twice during the game, FC Dallas drew the Crew, their second consecutive draw at home.

FC Dallas now sits in 5th place with 21 points through 14 games.

The Game

Fafa Picault made his return to the starting lineup.

Michael Barrios Ended FC Dallas goalscoring drought with a header thanks to a Fafa Picault

The Crew scored their own right from the start of the second half.

FC Dallas responded on their own after Michael Barrios was brought down in the box as Reto Ziegler converted the penalty.

Columbus found their equalizer soon after their initial goal was called for offside

Andres Ricaurte and Fafa Picault were substituted in the 73rd minute for Dante Sealy and Jesus Ferreira respectively.

Tanner Tessmann came in for Thiago Santos in the 81st minute.

Thoughts & Takeaways

Countering

Photo: FC Dallas

When it comes to playing the best team in the league, FC Dallas was going to have to put on their best performance when if they wanted to earn a result from the game.

The Crew played compactly as FC Dallas progressed up the field and up towards the goal. Dallas did well to maintain possession of the ball in these tight spaces and their ability to pass the ball with speed allowed them to have some attacking success.

Similarly, the Crew attacked with width and speed but the Dallas press did well to force the crew out to the flanks.

Defensive Mistakes

FC Dallas had one of the better defensive records in the league early on in the season.

Tonight, FC Dallas gave up two goals that the backline really will want to have done a better job.

The Crew did well to have place players in the opportune places to take advantage of a poorly cleared ball from the backline.

What may be frustrating to regular viewers of FC Dallas is the goals they gave up are uncharacteristic in comparison to the goal that teams normally score on Dallas. FC Dallas does well to make their opponents work for their goals rather than capitalizing on mistakes.

Moving Forward

FC Dallas has played what appears the hardest two games of their schedule: Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew.

Luchi Gonzalez and his players will be in control of how the rest of the season unfolds and their placing within the final standings for the playoffs.

Coach Gonzalez has used this season as an opportunity to try out different formations and gameplans that he can use in future seasons.

FC Dallas will head to Houston for part 3 of the Texas Derby on Wednesday, October 7th, at 7:00 PM.
Featured Image: FC Dallas
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