FRISCO - FC Dallas will look to get back to its winning ways on Saturday night when Real Salt Lake visits Toyota Stadium for the second meeting between the teams in less than a month. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get ready for the match:
On-Field
Hello Again, Old Friend
The last time FC Dallas recorded a victory, it came against Real Salt Lake. A 3-0 win on May 6th at Rio Tinto Stadium saw a brace from Maxi Urruti and a goal from captain Matt Hedges. However since that match, both teams have gone through some struggles. Dallas is without a win in four matches against the league's top nine teams, while RSL has allowed 11 goals in its last five matches, going 2-3-0 in that span.
The Man in the Middle
Fresh off his fifth shutout of the season, Jesse Gonzalez looks to be the man in goal for FC Dallas for the foreseeable future. The 22-year-old Homegrown has re-signed with the club through 2020, with an option available for the 2021 season. Gonzalez has represented Mexico at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels and is currently second in MLS with a 77.8 percent save percentage. Dallas has lost only one of the nine matches Gonzalez has appeared in this season.
For Club and Country
Both FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake will be missing key players for the match due to international call-ups. The visitors will be without Venezuelan forward Jefferson Savarino and American goalkeeper Nick Rimando for the match, with the U.S. and Venezuela scheduled to play a friendly Saturday night ahead of two World Cup Qualifiers for the Americans. Dallas will be missing Kellyn Acosta and Hedges, who joined Rimando with the U.S. National Team after last week's match.
Welcome Back No. 10
Mauro Diaz made his season debut for FC Dallas during last weekend's home draw with Houston, coming on for the final 10 minutes of the game just seven months after tearing his Achilles' tendon. Diaz's appearance marks a pivotal point in his recovery process, as the match was also the first time Diaz had been included in a matchday roster since the injury. The Argentinian has trained fully with the team in recent weeks and is closing in on a return to the starting 11.
Ready For the Road
Saturday's match is the only MLS home match in June for FC Dallas. The team will hit the road for games at Portland, Vancouver and Houston before returning to Toyota Stadium on July 1st. Dallas will have another home match in June, though, as part of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Looking to defend its 2016 title, Dallas will host USL side Tulsa Roughnecks in the fourth round of this year's competition at Westcott Field on the SMU campus in Dallas.
In-Stadium
Dak Prescott as Honorary Scarfer
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will be the honorary scarfer of the Lamar Hunt statue on Saturday before the match against Real Salt Lake. Prescott will scarf the statue at 6:30 p.m., approximately 30 minutes before kickoff of the game. Fans are welcome to come witness the ceremony on the north concourse of Toyota Stadium.
Postgame Live Music in the Club
Following the Toyota Post-Game Show, there will be live music inside the Winners Club presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort. Stick around and listen to some tunes after the match!
Paxton Autographs
Following #FCDvRSL, Homegrown midfielder Paxton Pomykal will be signing autographs in the Winners Club, presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort! Stop by and pick up an autograph from the Lewisville-native.
Toyota Post-Game Show
After the match, head inside the Winners Club presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort for the Toyota Post-Game Show, featuring special guest Victor Ulloa! Watch the show in-person or check out the stream live on Facebook.
Social Media Night
Saturday night is Social Media Night at Toyota Stadium. The first 1,000 fans to show they follow FC Dallas on any social media platform at the Chase Seat Store will receive a Tex Hooper Emoji fan! Fans can also post during the match using #FCDSocial and two lucky winners will be chosen for a postgame photo on the field!
