FC Dallas will return home on Saturday night looking to put Wednesday’s LHUSOC game behind them as the New England Revolution come to town for the annual Fourth of July match at Toyota Stadium. FCD sits sixth in the Western Conference with 26 points and a record of 7-5-5 while the Revolution, losers of three straight MLS matches, sit second in the Eastern Conference table with 24 points and a record of 6-7-6.
East vs. West
Dallas has taken the single-game season series each of the last four seasons, shutting out the Revolution in all four contests while scoring five goals. The Revs’ last goal against FC Dallas came from Zach Schilawski on May 1, 2010 in in the 41st minute of a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium. FCD has faced an Eastern opponent four times this season with a 2-1-1 record. New England has already played eight matches against Western Conference opponents this season, posting a 3-4-1 record.
Key Player for New England
Charlie Davies – The Revs’ top scoring target leads his side in goals this season with seven and is on pace for a career season. On a team that has struggled to find the net of late, Davies has accounted for two of New England’s five goals in their last four MLS matches.
TICKETS - FC DALLAS vs DC UNITED - SATURDAY, JULY 18th at 8 PM – OSCAR PAREJA BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT
Key Matchups
Fabian Castillo vs. London Woodberry – The former FC Dallas defender will face his former club for the first time on Saturday and appears to be slotted into the center back position for his return to Toyota Stadium. Castillo returned to form last week against Houston, scoring a goal and having a shot deflected in for a Dynamo own goal. The former teammate battle will be one to watch all night as Castillo looks to provide the fireworks on the field once again.
Zach Loyd vs. Charlie Davies – Much of New England’s offensive attack runs through the lone forward on the pitch. FC Dallas has shown poise at the center back position for the last two MLS games, and that will have to continue on Saturday night against a Revs team that is desperate for a three-point result.
Projected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Bobby Shuttleworth; Defenders: Jeremy Hall, London Woodbury, Jose Goncalves, Chris Tierney; Midfielders: Scott Caldwell, Daigo Kobayashi, Teal Bunbury, Lee Nguyen, Diego Fagundez; Forward: Charlie Davies
Keys to three points
FCD will need to put Wednesday’s game in the rearview and carry the momentum gained from the Texas Derby win last week as they return to MLS play. The re-additions of the offensively-dangerous Fabian Castillo and Mauro Diaz to the lineup, as well as a full 90-minute performance from the calming midfield presence of Victor Ulloa and Kellyn Acosta should help FC Dallas take the Red, White and Blue match-up.
