FRISCO, Texas - Head coach Luchi Gonzalez fields the same lineup in consecutive games for the first time this season as FC Dallas takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps tonight, July 4, at 7:30PM. Here's the lineup notes, pres. by UnitedHealthcare.
Consistency
Tonight's match marks the first time in 2021 that FCD uses an unchanged lineup in back-to-back games. Dallas earned an impressive victory over first-place New England Revolution last week and Luchi has subscribed to the old adage "If it ain't broke don't fix it" for today's game.
Pepi + Ferreira
One of the things to look out for tonight is the duo of Ricardo Pepi and Jesús Ferreira in the attack. Pepi has led the line in FCD's three previous games and has three goals in that time. Since returning from injury, Ferreira has two consecutive starts as an attacking midfielder, playing behind Pepi and linking Dallas' midfield to its young striker. Ferreira and Pepi's partnership was in full effect last time out, with Ferreira assisting the 18-year-old's opening goal. The partnership between the young Homegrowns will be crucial to FCD's ability to hurt Vancouver's backline once again.
Brandon is Back
Midfielder Brandon Servania is in Dallas' matchday squad for the first time this season and will be an option off the bench. The 22-year-old was unavailable for the first few games of the year as he was on loan to Austrian side SKN St. Pölten. While he's a substitute tonight, the Homegrown could be in line for a start in the near future when fellow midfielder Bryan Acosta joins up with Honduras for the Gold Cup later this month.
Full Lineup:
Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Jimmy Maurer; Bressan, Nkosi Tafari; Johnny Nelson, Justin Che, Facundo Quignon, Bryan Acosta, Ryan Hollingshead, Jáder Obrian, Jesús Ferreira; Jesús Ferreira; Ricardo Pepi
Substitutes:
Phelipe, Ema Twumasi, Edwin Cerrillo, Brandon Servania, Paxton Pomykal, Andrés Ricaurte, Dante Sealy, Kalil ElMedkhar, Franco Jara.
