SET THE STAGE: FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers | 3.19.22

FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas hosts the reigning Western Conference champs Portland Timbers this Saturday, March 19 at 7:30PM at Toyota Stadium.

Here's everything you need to know before the game.

How to Watch

TV (English): Owen Newkirk and Steve Davis will be on the call for Saturday's match on TXA 21 and the FCDTV Network. Coverage begins at 7PM CT.

TV (Spanish): The match will also be shown on Estrella TV (KMPX-29) in Spanish.

ONLINE: For viewers inside DFW and the FCDTV Network, the match will also be streamed live on fcdallas.com/stream.

The match will be also be streaming on ESPN+ in English and Spanish for viewers outside the DFW and FCDTV Network markets. (ESPN+ blackout restrictions apply)

Streaming FAQ

LISTEN

English: If you can't watch the match, you can listen to all the action on FCDallas.com/Radio hosted by Sam Hale beginning at 7PM.

Spanish: The duo of Carlos Alvarado and Rafa Calderon will call the game in Spanish on 1270AM, starting at 7:30PM CT.

Match Overview

HEAD-TO-HEAD

• FCD record: 1-1-1 (4 points - 8th in West)
• POR record: 1-0-2 (5 points - 6th in West)
• FCD vs. POR all-time: 9-8-7 (41 goals scored, 30 goals conceded)
• FCD vs. POR all-time home: 8-1-4 (31 goals scored, 13 goal conceded)

STORY LINES

Build Momentum
FC Dallas earned its first win of the season last Saturday with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Western Conference newcomers Nashville SC. The three points was a just reward after earning just one over the first two games despite much improved performances. Argentines Franco Jara and Alan Velasco (more on him later) each found the net in the second half to hand Nico Estévez his first triumph as an MLS head coach. Estévez and co. will look to build momentum and earn a second consecutive win as the Portland Timbers coming to town Saturday evening.

• Nico Estevéz: "The team is feeling good. I'm feeling good. I think we had consistency even when we didn't win, but we were more focused on analyzing the performance and things that we did well, things that we have to improve. And I think this week is very similar. Obviously, the confidence is a little bit higher than other weeks, because wins give you confidence. But still a lot of things to improve from the game against Nashville and w're preparing for next game against Portland."

The Farfan Derby
Both the home and away supporters will be FarFANs on Saturday (sorry). Fullback Marco Farfan joined FCD this offseason via a trade with LAFC but the 23-year-old is a Portland native and former Timbers Homegrown player. While he still has a strong connection to the city, but after facing the Timbers three times last year with LAFC, Farfan feels no added emotion or pressure ahead of Saturday.

• Marco Farfan: "The first time (I played Portland) I did have a lot of emotions, going back home and being on the other side. But I think right now it's just another game. I obviously have a lot of friends and family in Portland and a lot of friends on the team. But it's like any other game. It's another game against Portland, we know it's going to be a difficult game and we're going to try to get three points."

Velasco Encore?
Record signing Alan Velasco enjoyed the perfect debut last weekend as he announced himself with an incredible solo goal to seal FCD's 2-0 win over Nashville. The 19-year-old entered in the 64th minute and wasted little time before writing his name in FCD history with a mazy run from the midfield line that ended with a looping shot that snuck in just under the crossbar. It's hopefully the first of many for Velasco who earned a spot in MLS's Team of the Week for his efforts. Whether it's as a sub or starter, Velasco has all the talent and potential for an encore performance at Toyota Stadium this Saturday.

• Nico Estévez: “(Velasco) is understanding the collective way that we play offensively and defensively very well. And when he has the ball, he can do things that other players cannot do. And this can help us in other areas. We still have to adapt to him and him to us. But overall, he can provide speed in the game and in these 1v1 situations where we can beat an opponent and put can put us in a good position to create goalscoring opportunities."

Game Day Activities at Toyota Stadium

Military Appreciation Night & Postgame Fireworks
Throughout the night Dallas and Toyota will honor active-duty military personnel and veterans with their annual Military Appreciation Night. Fans are invited to remain in their seats for a postgame fireworks show.

Upon entrance to Toyota Stadium, fans will receive a scratch and win card where you have the chance to win a selection of prizes. Don’t worry, everyone will be a winner! The featured prizes include an FC Dallas Ultimate Tailgate Package, a 55-inch TV and gas gift cards valued at $25, $50 or $100. Prize redemption will be valid only at the match that evening as listed on the cards and will be located at the blue shed in the north concourse.

Hero of the Match
Adam Rocke, Senior Director, External Engagements
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Hiring our Heroes

Adam Rocke is a retired Army Colonel and career Infantryman who was a Special Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff and the Director of the Soldier for Life Program. Adam is a staunch advocate for Veterans and their families and serves on the Board of Trustees at Home Builders Institute, as well as serving on the Association of the United States Army Retired Soldier and Veterans Affairs Committee, along with the American Legion Innovation Task Force on Veterans Employment and Training, Easter Seals DMV Advocacy Committee, and on a variety of other Advisory roles with Veteran-serving organizations.

Music Throughout the Match
The popular FC Dallas drumline returns in 2022 and is setting the pregame stage throughout the Toyota Stadium parking lots, tailgates and concourses.

FC Dallas also has The Bass Junkies spinning in the Michelob UltraZone before the match and during the halftime intermission.