When on their game, FC Dallas remains one of MLS’ most dynamic teams, and Monday night’s performance served as yet another example of their attacking abilities.
A pair of early goals headlined a dominant FC Dallas performance on Monday night in what ended as a 4-0 trouncing of Orlando City at Toyota Stadium.
Just 11 minutes in, the hosts struck through an unlikely goalscorer as the Orlando City defense crumbled to concede the game’s first goal. Following a trio of misclearances and a misplaced back-passes, Orlando City found themselves defending a corner kick. The set piece delivery from Mauro Diaz found the feet of Walker Zimmerman, who fired home first time to give FC Dallas the early lead.
The lead was doubled just 11 minutes later, as Michael Barrios darted through the Orlando City defense before being played in by Maxi Urruti. A chip up and over Joe Bendik trickled over the line, giving FC Dallas a 2-0 advantage just 21 minutes in.
Zimmerman’s centerback partner, Matt Hedges, finished off the scoring in the 61st minute. With yet another set piece, Diaz found the head of the FC Dallas defender, putting the game out of reach for an Orlando City team plagued by defensive errors. Fabian Castillo added a fourth in injury time, adding one final finish to a dominant performance.
The hosts never looked threatened throughout the match, as wave after wave attacked goalkeeper Joe Bendik, who made six saves on the night. In total, FC Dallas outshot Orlando City, 18-2.
FC Dallas will look to make it three wins in a row on Friday when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes, while Orlando City looks for a bounce-back performance against the Houston Dynamo that same night.
MAN OF THE MATCH
A pair of set piece assists headlined his performance, but Mauro Diaz was equally as vicious through the run of play. With four shots and several key passes, Diaz was at his best on Monday night.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Walker Zimmerman’s 11th minute opener set the tone in a match that ended as a blowout, as FC Dallas attacked early and often.
MATCH TO FORGET
The Orlando City defense was porous all night, but David Mateos likely had the roughest night in the heart of the Lions defense.