Three Areas Where FC Dallas Can Take a Step Forward Against Nashville
FC Dallas started the season on the right foot with an exciting 3-2 win against Toronto FC.
Let’s look at a few areas where FC Dallas will need to move forward if they want to go 2-for-2 to open 2026.
1) Tighter in Defense
On the whole, Toronto didn’t create a whole lot of chances. They ended with a solid enough xG and a good number of shots on target (more than FCD actually), but over the course of 90 minutes, they didn’t create constant pressure, and the Dallas defense largely held up well.
But in some individual moments, the Dallas defensive unit looked a little shaky. Both goals came in situations where the midfield and defensive line had become a bit disconnected, and Toronto was able to capitalize in both situations. Dallas will be up against some of the top offensive talent in MLS between Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza when Nashville comes to town, and they’ll need to tidy up some of that defensive play in order to keep them from running rampant at Toyota Stadium.
2) Wingback Play on Both Sides
Against Toronto, Bernard Kamungo maintained his left wingback spot, earned by his play in 2025, and the right side was occupied by new arrival Herman Johansson, who made his FC Dallas debut. Both players had good and bad moments. Kamungo contributed positively to the attack and made a solid defensive effort, but also made a few jarring defensive errors and had some frustratingly sloppy passes playing out of the back, particularly late in the game. He’ll need to step things up to another level against Nashville, as he’ll be tasked with dealing with an incredibly dangerous Nashville right side featuring Cristian Espinoza and Andy Najar, perhaps the best attacking fullback in MLS.
Johansson, for his part, also had a bit of an up-and-down day. He was clearly learning on the fly with MLS, particularly in officiating and figuring out what he would and wouldn’t be allowed to get away with in terms of physicality. It certainly didn’t help to be up against Ritchie Laryea, a top MLS fullback, either. It was his poor giveaway that sprung Nashville for their first goal, and he had to be withdrawn at the 71st minute, surely a casualty of an incomplete preseason, with time spent away getting his visa and FCD’s final preseason game getting rained out. But at the same time, when things looked good, you really saw why Dallas went out and got Johansson. He is truly massive on the field and has an incredible amount of pace. He also just looks extremely comfortable in the spot. On a team with so many wingers converting to wingback and struggling, at times, with positioning and defending, Johansson looked a natural. I’m excited to see where things go from here with him.
3) Keep Leaning on Musa and Farrington’s Strike Partnership
If there was one universally agreed-upon strong point on the FC Dallas roster going into 2026, it was the strike partnership of Petar Musa and Logan Farrington, and the duo delivered in full on opening night against Toronto. Musa and Farrington practically scored the first goal together before Musa delivered a sweet ball over the top to Farrington for FCD’s second. Then they reversed the combination for the game-winning goal, with Musa heading home Farrington’s inch-perfect cross.
This is what Dallas needs to keep leaning into. The defense and midfield may not be perfect or even in their final form, but the attack is absolutely electric and a true joy to watch. Musa, in particular, had a huge share of touches against Toronto, a trend that absolutely needs to continue against Nashville. With Musa and Farrington facing off against Nashville’s DP trio, Saturday night’s game might shape up to be a bit of a shootout.
What is your prediction for this weekend’s matchup against Nashville SC?
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