So-called “impact subs” were certainly creating a forceful effect during a run of FC Dallas matches last year. The problem for manager Nico Estévez and his crew: most of that “impacting” was happening in the wrong direction.
It all started around this time a year ago, and it really was quite a run for substitute effect against FCD. Brian White came in during a late-May match in Vancouver, leveling the score on a near post header. A subsequent, late goal supplied the win for Vancouver.
Moussa Djitte and Danny Hoesen doubled up on impactful bench effect on June 25 last year in Austin; Djitte helped create the first goal and Hoesen converted late as the side from Central Texas made up a two-goal deficit for the tie.
Leo Campana came on for Miami in the annual July 4 game at Toyota Stadium; his late equalizer kept Dallas from securing all three points. Just five nights later FC Dallas took a first half lead only to see Thor Ulfarsson – off the bench, of course – equalize in the 69th minute. FCD and Houston went on to draw that match.
On it went. FC Dallas got occasional contributions from the bench (including this big one) but the balance was off.
It’s still early of course – just 8 MLS matches into a season of 34, not counting Open Cup or Leagues Cup contests – but it seems that things are turning this year. FCD has benefited from important contributions off the bench three times already in April.
Dallas was creating shots and chances on April 1 at home against Portland but struggling to push one past Timbers goalkeeper Aljaz Ivačič. Facundo Quignon came in for Edwin Cerrillo at 65 minutes and, not even 10 minutes later, provided the big breakthrough. (To the same point on substitution impact, reserve forward Franck Boli hit a late leveler for Portland.)
Jesus Jimenez (not a substitute, but second on the depth chart at striker) was influential in his first FCD start, assisting a week later on the only goal in a 1-0 win over Miami. And a week after that, at home against Real Salt Lake, two substitutes helped to make the moment in a dramatic, late win. Jader Obrian usefully pushed the attack down the left side before Bernie Kamungo’s well-timed, determined run gave Dallas the important Western Conference victory.
That is the kind of impact that subs regularly need to generate. Again, it’s early But Estévez’s team will certainly benefit if the reserves can keep finding ways to be difference makers. To be sure, the reinforcements are arriving at the right time.
FC Dallas has been fairly fortunate in player health through two months, with just a couple of matches lost to starters through relatively inconsequential injuries. (Actually, “injury fortune” is more accurately described as some unquantifiable balance of luck, conscientious load management and careful preparation from the performance staff – but that’s another conversation.)
As of last week, FCD had required the use of just 19 players, second fewest in MLS. But injury attrition is part of the sport; more of the starters will inevitably miss matches at some point. Even if not, players need breaks here and there. At that point, it won’t just be goal scoring contributions required; up and down the roster, from back to front on the field, Estévez will need performance off the bench.
It’s always important, but even more so this year, when MLS teams will play more matches than ever before. In addition to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – which is almost sure to be a reserve heavy starting 11 for FC Dallas, further underscoring the need for a strong bench – the newly created Leagues Cup will test depth this year, and a new playoff format expands the volume of post-season matches.
FCD went two rounds deep in Open Cup and in the MLS playoffs last year, finishing at 38 total competition matches. Most MLS clubs are likely to land somewhere between 44-46 competitive contests in 2023.
FC Dallas does seem better equipped now for the heavier load. Geovane Jesus and Sam Junqua give Estévez better options at outside back in 2023. Jimenez, acquired in a February trade with Toronto, means FCD has a strong option behind starting striker Jesus Ferreira. Kamungo just arrived into a place where he’s ready to contribute, according to Estévez. The young winger proved his coach correct just minutes into a 2023 debut appearance.
Tactical preparation and technical execution from the starting 11 will generally have the most significant impact on any match. But contributions off the bench can clearly push the points total, and FC Dallas is in a better moment now – seeing those points pushed more often in the better direction.
