FC Dallas 2, Minnesota United FC 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

FC Dallas maintained their first-place standing in the Western Conference on Saturday, after beating Minnesota United FC 2-0 at Toyota Stadium. The win also marks head coach Oscar Pareja's 100th all-time in MLS.

The game, delayed two hours and 34 minutes before kickoff due to lightning and thunderstorms in the area, was dominated by the home side, as Minnesota missed captain Francisco Calvo (suspension) and star forward Darwin Quintero (injury), among others.

Dallas scored just before halftime off an indirect free kick, but the goal was waived off due to offside. However, following Video Review the goal was given, scored by Maynor Figueroa, because Minnesota defender Michael Boxall made the initial touch off the free kick, thus negating the offside call.

The home team doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark, as Michael Barrios hit a curling blast from the left corner of the box, eluding several Minnesota defenders and goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth on the way in.

Goals

44' – DAL – Maynor Figueroa | WATCH
57' – DAL – Michael Barrios | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: With Sporting KC winning elsewhere on Saturday, Dallas needed a result to keep lone control of first place and they got the job done. Minnesota did a decent job of defending for much of the game, but their attack was toothless without Quintero and Dallas were full value for the win.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Barrios' goal was a sweet strike.

Bend it like Barrios. 📐 pic.twitter.com/QflWec7FyQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 19, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dallas' midseason addition Pablo Aranguiz did not get on the scoresheet, but he was instrumental in setting the tone on the night and looks like he may settle in nicely in his new digs.