FC Dallas 2, Real Salt Lake 0 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

FC Dallas won in MLS play for the first time in more than a month, as they defeated Real Salt Lake 2-0 at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 18th minute. On a quick restart in the middle of the field, Mauro Diaz sent a quick pass ahead to Michael Barrios on the flank. Barrios, who had already had two chances in the game which he couldn't convert, sent a neat square pass in the box to Kellyn Acosta, who buried the shot.

Fabian Castillo doubled Dallas' lead just before the hour mark, taking an audacious bicycle kick pass from Diaz, dribbling upfield and finishing it past RSL goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.

Box Score

18' - DAL - Kellyn Acosta (Michael Barrios, Mauro Diaz)
58' - DAL - Fabian Castillo (Mauro Diaz)
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Three Things

DIAZ DAZZLES: There's a reason Mauro Diaz is periodically in the MLS MVP discussion: When he's on, he's absolutely electric. This match was one of those performances. From pinging passes all over the field to teammates to initiate chances, or setting up both of the goals on the night with quick thinking and stellar skill, Dallas will surely hope this version of Diaz will emerge on a regular basis over the second half of the season.
DEBUT FOR HOLNESS: The facial injury suffered midweek by Sunday Stephen was a blow for RSL, but from that came the MLS debut for midfielder Omar Holness. More impressive than simply reaching the field, perhaps, is the road that Holness took to get to this night – he suffered a seizure on-field for RSL's USL side, Real Monarchs, back in March, and hurt his shoulder in the process. With a clean bill of health, Holness saw his first action in MLS, and put in a promising shift.
QUICK TURNAROUND: Both teams have a short rest ahead of their next games, as each will be in the U.S. Open Cup midweek, taking on other MLS sides. For RSL, the stretch is particularly rough, as they will play three games in seven days, and ultimately four in 10 days. As a result, the reserve-heavy lineup played in Dallas is much less of a surprise, with the games coming thick and heavy for the club.