FRISCO – There is not much of an, “All-Star break” in Major League Soccer. After Wednesday’s festivities that saw the MLS All-Stars fall to Real Madrid on penalties after a 1-1 score line at the end of 90, it is back to work for most clubs in MLS this weekend.
Dallas is off to Philadelphia to face the Union, and here are five things you should know.
The City of Brotherly Love
The Union have been dreadful on the road this season. Philadelphia have earned just six of a possible 33 points on the road, so Talen Energy Stadium is a welcome sight for the club. Philly has won six of its last seven at home.
Dominance
But do not get the wrong idea. Philly has never beaten FC Dallas in nine attempts. Five draws and four losses against Dallas have the Union searching for their first three points from the Texas club.
Suspensions
FC Dallas will be without two mainstays in the starting lineup in Carlos Gruezo and Atiba Harris. Harris will be serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation, while Gruezo will be serving his one-game suspension for a red card against Vancouver.
Goals, Goals, Goals
Both sides have strikers capable of scoring goals. FC Dallas’ Maxi Urruti has 11 this season, while Philly’s C.J. Sapong has 10. Will they be the two to possibly push their teams to victory? Or will the goals come from somewhere else?
Escaping the Texas Heat
Everybody knows the Texas heat is no joke, and FC Dallas has played a handful of home games this summer. The forecast in Philly calls for rain and a high temperature of 82. Frisco is calling for 92 degrees and 60 percent humidity. It is a welcome break for FC Dallas to play in less than sweltering heat.
