FC Dallas 4, Orlando City SC 0 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Franco Panizo

FC Dallas dominated. Orlando City were overwhelmed.

FC Dallas gave their fans quite the treat on Independence Day, as the Western Conference club cruised to a 4-0 victory over Orlando City at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Monday night. Walker Zimmerman opened the scoring in the one-sided affair after just 11 minutes, and it was smooth sailing for Dallas from there.

The other goal-scorers for Oscar Pareja's side were Michael Barrios, Matt Hedges, and Fabian Castillo. Argentine playmaker Mauro Diaz had two assists in the game.

With the victory, FC Dallas assumed the top spot of the Western Conference with a 10-5-4 record. Orlando City are seventh in the East at 4-4-8.

Box Score

11' -- DAL -- Walker Zimmerman (Mauro Diaz)
21' -- DAL -- Michael Barrios (Maximiliano Urruti)
61' -- DAL -- Matt Hedges (Mauro Diaz)
90+2' -- DAL -- Fabian Castillo (Tesho Akindele, Kellyn Acosta)
Full Box Score
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Three Things

IN CONTROL: FC Dallas were on top of Orlando City from the opening whistle, and were never really threatened. Dallas' midfield and attack were far superior to those of Orlando, especially in the first half, and the hosts' defense also held firm against the likes of Kaka and Cyle Larin. FC Dallas finished with 10 shots on target compared to Orlando City's zero and won the possession battle by a 56.6-to-43.4 mark.
DIAZ-ZLING DISPLAY: Mauro Diaz had himself quite a day at the office. The Argentine not only set up Walker Zimmerman's well-taken opener with a corner kick whipped towards the near post, but he also showed off his wide range of skills by pulling off dribbling moves, connecting on passes with teammates, and even dummying a throw-in in the first half to set up a chance for Maximiliano Urruti.
SAVING GRACE: Not many of Orlando City's players looked up to the task on Monday night, but one who did was Joe Bendik. The veteran goalkeeper prevented Orlando from suffering a wider defeat, making six saves, including some of the impressive variety, as his team struggled to cope with Dallas' attack.