FRISCO - The frustration is reaching the tipping point for the Dallas-faithful after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United FC, and rightfully so given the now 10-game winless run for FCD. Here are just a few things we learned from the loss.
Tesho Adds a Spark
In his first start since late August, Tesho Akindele was on a mission in Minnesota. Not only did the striker score Dallas’ lone goal, but he added five shots, three chances created, three tackles and three fouls won - all of which set or tied team highs for the match. Late in the game, trailing by two, Akindele was fighting to the very end for a ball in the box and was shown red after a collision with Bobby Shuttleworth. In an otherwise disappointing performance, the former Rookie of the Year was just what FCD needed down the left side of the attack.
Games Go a Full 90
For the opening 13 minutes, Dallas looked poised to snap their winless run, creating five shots and dominating possession. From there, though, it was all down hill. The team solved the looming issue of allowing the first goal, hitting the scoresheet before an opponent for the first time since July 1, but Akindele said after that, it was like the team let off the gas. Counter attacks proved lethal as Minnesota put up four against the visitors with relative ease (and some impressive displays of skill). If matches lasted 10, 15 or even 20 minutes, there’d be a much different mood in FCD-land right now.
Must. Win. Week.
The party line for much of the last few weeks has been that the next game is huge, the next game is a must-win. With two games in this week, the importance of the last few matches pale in comparison to the magnitude of the coming seven days. With RSL winning five of their last seven, San Jose hanging around and Houston rallying late Saturday to take a point, if Dallas doesn’t get things going in the right direction come a week from now, the season could very well be all but over.
