For FC Dallas, Saturday night time’s go to from St. Louis Metropolis SC may very well be seen as a good-news, bad-news state of affairs.
The excellent news: They’re taking part in on their residence pitch in Frisco, Texas.
The unhealthy information: They’re taking part in on their residence pitch in Frisco, Texas.
Dallas (5-10-7, 22 factors) has managed simply 5 factors from 10 residence fixtures this 12 months, going 1-7-2. That is ramped up the stress on first-year coach Eric Quill, who’s needed to battle accidents which have decreased his group’s capability to attain or defend.
Dallas’ minus-12 aim differential is tied for second worst within the West, main solely the Los Angeles Galaxy (minus-20). And even outcomes like Wednesday night time’s 2-2 draw at San Jose are irritating as a result of after Petar Musa scored within the eighty fifth minute for a one-goal edge, Dallas conceded a minute later to accept some extent as an alternative of taking three.
As a substitute of creating up floor in its battle for a West playoff spot, Dallas stayed seven factors behind San Jose for the final postseason place.
“Disappointment for the blokes as a result of they deserved to get three factors tonight,” Quill stated of the San Jose match. “I am simply gutted for them that they did not get that three.”
Whereas Dallas needed to accept some extent, St. Louis (4-12-6, 18 factors) truly obtained three factors out of its final match on Sunday night time. Marcel Hartel recorded a second-half brace in a 2-1 win over Portland, simply the second victory for St. Louis in its final 18 matches.
It was one of many uncommon matches this 12 months during which St. Louis has persistently carried play to its opponent for a full 90 minutes. It completed with a 21-10 benefit in pictures and an 8-4 edge in pictures on body.
It was a much-needed consequence for interim coach David Critchley and his group, which stays 11 factors outdoors the West playoff image.
“I feel the blokes, they’re on this journey the final eight weeks with me,” he stated. “We’re on this journey collectively and the efficiency, as properly. I am excited for them.”
–Subject Stage Media