The Reds kick off a road swing as they make their annual trip to Texas. Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match as TFC take on FC Dallas.
Take Advantage of Injury and Absence
FC Dallas have been amongst the top contenders in MLS for the better part of the last two years, but their vaunted squad will be put to the test over the next month. Missing the arguably the top centerback duo in the league in Walker Zimmerman (injury) and Matt Hedges (int’l duty), the defence will be significantly weaker come Saturday night.
Dallas will also be without one of the brightest young stars in MLS in Kellyn Acosta, as the 21-year-old will join Hedges in USMNT camp ahead of the Gold Cup.
TFC will be missing some key pieces of their own in Tosaint Ricketts, Raheem Edwards, Jonathan Osorio, Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour, but the Reds have proven time and again that their depth can be counted on to see them through. Both teams will have to rely on their reserves to come away with a result on Saturday night.
Choosing Systems
With the aforementioned absences throughout the squad, head coach Greg Vanney has some decisions to make.
The return of Ashtone Morgan helps to abate some of the pressure as the veteran left back would seem the obvious choice to fill in on the backline. Things get a little trickier at right back, as Beitashour’s injury leaves the Reds without an obvious choice in the defence.
Vanney can go with Tsubasa Endoh as has been the case in the past, or even midfielders like Armando Cooper or Marky Delgado. It remains to be seen whether or not the Reds will line up in their traditional 3-5-2 or move to a four-man backline due to the plethora of absentees throughout their defensive unit.
Beware of Transitions
They may not boast the blinding pace and technique of Fabian Castillo anymore, but Dallas remain a dangerous team on the counter.
The likes of Roland Lamah, Michael Barrios, and Canadian international Tesho Akindele can be a handful with space to run in behind, meaning the wingback play will be all the more important. Dallas also possess one of the most dangerous playmakers in MLS in Mauro Diaz. The crafty Argentine doesn’t need much space to operate, but a single pass can undo a defence and create havoc for a backline.
With Maxi Urruti leading the line, Dallas have proven to be quite the dangerous attacking side, particularly at home where they’ve lost just once this season.
