FC Dallas hope to build on a huge win over one of their rivals and take a step up in the Western Conference standings when they travel to square off against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday in Sandy, Utah.
Dallas (8-5-6, 30 points) is 1-1-2 since the World Cup break, with its latest outing a 2-1 victory on the road over Lone Star State rival Austin FC on Sunday. The Toros got the game-winning tally from Petar Musa in the 73rd minute, cementing Dallas’ first league win since a 2-1 triumph at Colorado on May 23.
Lalas Abubakar, in only his second appearance of the season, also scored for the Toros two minutes into first-half added time.
Musa’s goal was his 14th of the year, propelling him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
“I am having a lot of things go my way, but I am focusing on each game,” Musa said after Sunday’s win. “I’m happy with the goal, but not my performance. There are a lot of things to improve on, but we take three more road points.”
The Claret and Cobalt are still looking for their first win since the World Cup break after suffering two losses before a pair of draws, most recently a 1-1 tie at home with Minnesota on Saturday. Sergi Solans scored in the 82nd minute as RSL (8-6-4, 28 points) drew with the Loons for the second time this season.
RSL have not won since a 2-1 victory at home over Colorado on May 16, a stretch of five matches in which they have just three points. They have been at their best on their home pitch this year, going 7-1-1 to earn 22 of their points at home.
Defender Lukas Engel said it’s time for RSL to make the plays to win again.
“We need to win (this) game,” Engel said. “Three points are needed, and it’s a good chance to bounce back quick.”
Solans leads the Claret and Cobalt with eight goals in MLS play this season and has scored in four of his past five games across all competitions.
The Toros have had the better of the most recent matches with Real Salt Lake, holding a 2-1 edge and drawing twice over the past five meetings.
–Field Level Media
