FRISCO, Texas - In 2019, FC Dallas struggled away from home. The Toros won only three games, including a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Atlanta United, and lost 11.
In 2020, head coach Luchi Gonzalez is looking to improve his team's form away from Toyota Stadium. During last week's press conference, Gonzalez painted a picture of optimism for the upcoming campaign.
"[This is] something I can say with a little more conviction: I think we are more prepared to go away or home, play football that we want to play [and] try to control the game with and without the ball," he said.
Will the team turn around its fortunes on the road? Here are five away fixtures to look out for this season.
New York City FC – March 14, 11:30 a.m.
After opening the 2020 season with a pair of home fixtures, FC Dallas travels to the Big Apple to face off against one of the better sides in the league. NYCFC’s 2019 campaign ended frustratingly with a loss to Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference semis, but the team will return with a point to prove in 2020.
Whatever your opinion may be about the dimensions, games at Yankee Stadium are always interesting to watch. This will be Gonzalez’s first major test in turning around his side’s form away from Toyota Stadium.
Inter Miami CF – June 13, 7:00 p.m.
Matches against expansion clubs, especially for the first time, are always tricky. Last season, FC Cincinnati battled out a draw at Mercedes Benz Stadium against the then defending champion Atlanta United, claiming its first point as an MLS club.
FC Dallas will travel down to Lockhart Stadium and face off against a new team and a familiar face: Victor Ulloa, who was traded to the new club from FC Cincinnati. Inter Miami, which continues to be linked to some of the finer players in world football, will be no easy task.
Houston Dynamo – August 20, 8:30 p.m.
Depending on the result in the reverse fixture, the August installment of the Texas Derby could play a massive role in determining which club claims El Capitán. For FC Dallas, the chance to retain the trophy for a third straight season is a mouthwatering one.
Houston won this fixture 2-1 last season, although FC Dallas finished with 64% possession and more shots on target. Expect a physical battle, as always. A victory could go a long way when the regular season is all said and done.
Los Angeles FC – September 11, 9:30 p.m.
As the season rapidly comes to a close, FC Dallas will head out to the West Coast for a crucial road battle against last season’s MLS Supporter’s Shield champions. Enough said, right?
In 2019, FC Dallas lost 2-0 in Los Angeles before claiming a hard-fought point at home a few days later. Carlos Vela is always a joy to watch and the Toros will hope to keep him quiet and claim three critical points in the hunt for Western Conference silverware.
LA Galaxy – October 4, 3:30 p.m.
The final match of the 2020 regular season could be another thriller on the West Coast. Last season, FC Dallas grabbed a 6-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on the final day of the season to clinch a playoff berth. While the team will hope this match is just a chance to move further up the standings, the final weekend is always filled with plenty of drama.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, who LA Galaxy hopes will change its dynamic, is sure to have a say in this one if he suits up. Could new signing Fafa Picault have a similar affect and help lead his new teammates to what would be a monumental three points to close out the 2020 regular season?
