Minnesota spoils the party in Frisco

FC Dallas lost to Minnesota United 1-0 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco on the first day of Major League Soccer season on Feb. 25.

Dallas started the game in a tactical system 4-3-3, whereas Minnesota played in a flexible 4-4-2 with Robin Lod and Mender García as forwards who frequently changed to 4-2-3-1. On defense, Dallas, coached by Nico Estévez, did a good job in the first half with effective pressure. On FC Dallas’ left side, Marco Farfan and Alan Velasco defended properly, avoiding the attack of the Minnesota players Kemar Lawrence and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

The first serious attempt came from Minnesota through a free kick at 30 minutes. Kervin Arriaga was the player shooting the ball at the crossbar, while Dallas had a great chance with Sebastian Lletget heading a cross from Jesús Ferreira, but goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair blocked the attempt at minute 42.

The strong defense that Dallas showed in the first half was diluted at the beginning of the second one after allowing a goal in minute 47. García took advantage of a rebound that goalkeeper Maarten Paes left and scored the goal for the guest team.

After the goal, the game lacked offense for both teams and the turnovers were the main feature in the second half. Unfortunately for Dallas, they could not score and started the season with a loss.

The next game for Dallas was scheduled at press time against LA Galaxy on March 4, while Minnesota will play New York Red Bull on March 11.

Estévez is in his second year as head coach at Dallas, which won its opening playoff game against Minnesota in 2021 but lost against Austin FC in the conference semifinals.