In a battle of two likely Western Conference playoff teams, FC Dallas emerged with a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night at Toyota Stadium.
A first half dominated by FCD ended with a just reward, as Ryan Hollingshead finished off a beautiful team goal to put his team up in the 43rd minute. Andres Ricaurte beat a defender with some beautiful individual skill and passed it off to Bryan Reynolds. The right back found Hollingshead on the back post, who finished first time past Tim Melia.
Peter Vermes was clearly frustrated at the break, making three substitutions. But they did little to affect the match for much of the second half. A chaotic sequence unfolded in the closing minutes that was Sporting's best chance at an equalizer.
Off a short corner, FCD 'keeper Jimmy Maurer made a save on a Luis Martins shot that led to a perfect rebound for Gadi Kinda. Maurer made the save on Kinda's shot, but the ball landed next to him close to the goal line. The two fought over possession of the ball with Maurer appearing to tackle Kinda, but a foul was called on the Sporting midfielder.
Goals
- 43' — DAL — Ryan Hollingshead | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Sporting will rue the opportunity missed in the final minutes of regulation, but will be fine knowing their opportunity of finishing in the top four in the West is not hurt much by the loss. FCD's win puts them further above the playoff line as they try and secure a playoff berth. It was also their first win in five matches.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Hollingshead's goal was much deserved and Ricaurte's assist is indicative of his overall performance on the night.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Ricuarte doesn't show up on the scoresheet, but he was a midfield maestro in this one. His work controlling the ball and creating chances allowed Dallas to put a stranglehold on the match.
Next Up
- DAL: Tuesday, October 20 at Nashville SC (8:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports App in US; TSN 3/5 in Canada)
- SKC: Saturday, October 17 at Chicago Fire FC (3:30 pm ET | Univision, TUDN, Twitter (English) in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
