Ahead of Sporting Kansas City's match at FC Dallas, SportingKC.com caught up with BigDSoccer.com's Drew Epperley to preview #FCDvSKC. Live coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. CT on KMCI-TV (38 The Spot) and SKCTV.
FC Dallas is coming off a dramatic win in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals at LA. How do you expect the team to recover with the quick turnaround for Saturday’s match?
Thankfully for FCD, this isn't the first quick turn around of the season that they've had to deal with and not the first one that is coming off the heels of a road trip out west either. The depth this squad has built has really shined through these last few months with all the games that they've had to deal with.
What lineup changes could we see for Saturday’s match?
That is a debate we're having here at the moment between other fans and writers. In the past we've seen Oscar Pareja make a couple of changes from a midweek match like Wednesdays to a different lineup and possibly a different formation. It wouldn't be too shocking to see maybe someone like defender Aubrey David come into the back line for a spell or Victor Ulloa get a run in the midfield for Kellyn Acosta.
But the big question will have to be as to whether or not Mauro Diaz will go out from the start or come off the bench. His injury history makes fans nervous to think that he'll start this one after going 120 minutes on Wednesday in LA but he's shown lately that his recovery is starting to kick in sooner. With no midweek game next week, I would expect a fairly strong lineup like we had on Wednesday.
What’s been the key for the team’s offensive success this season?
A lot of it comes down to the depth but for me it is what Diaz has been able to do this season. He's quietly put together his best season in a Dallas uniform with his ten assists (tied for a career high). His ability to open up defenses with his passing and spread the ball wide to the wings gives Dallas a threat in the attack from almost anywhere. Outside of that, this team has really kicked up their scoring off set pieces as of late too with the height that they possess in the back with Matt Hedges and Walker Zimmerman.
How will the absence of Fabian Castillo (on loan) affect FC Dallas’ ability to create chances?
So far the team hasn't missed too many beats offensively with Castillo gone. But what we are seeing is the club does have to find new ways to attack that side of the field like they were able to do with Castillo. It does help that Michael Barrios is on the opposite wing and he does a great job at pushing things forward. Maxi Urruti also is excellent at getting possession up top and creating chances of his own.
What’s been the key to the club’s success at Toyota Stadium?
There are a lot of different factors but personally I think it comes down to how Pareja emphasizes things. He stresses that he wants to be the best at home for the fans and put in a strong effort for those that come out to support this team. And because of that the fans do help boost this club. You can see it late in games right now at home that the loud cheering from our Beer Garden supporters gives this team a little extra pep when they need it most.
What are some things you’ll be watching for from Saturday’s match?
Obviously the recovery for Dallas after Wednesday. As good as they've been these last couple months I do worry about this potentially being a letdown game for them. Also, I'm still curious to see how FCD continues to handle things without Castillo. Like I mentioned above, they've done a good job so far at managing things without him but as the season moves on, seeing who steps up in his place will be key for them in the Supporters' Shield race.
