FC Dallas ensured their standing atop the Western Conference, after defeating Orlando City SC, 2-0, at Toyota Stadium on a rainy Saturday in Frisco, Texas.
The loss officially eliminated Orlando City from Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs contention. While Dallas booked their postseason ticket last week, they are aiming to remain in first place and ensure home-field advantage and a Knockout Round bye.
Dominique Badji almost completed a sort of self-assist with a takedown and spinning shot in the box in the opening 10 minutes, but the Dallas forward's effort clanged off the crossbar. A few minutes later, at the other end Mohamed El-Munir's shot thumped the post.
The scoring didn't come until the second half. Dallas found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute, as Michael Barrios streaked down the right flank with the ball, sent a cross back into the box, and found Santiago Mosquera, who made no mistake with his one-timer. They doubled the lead six minutes later, as Maxi Urruti's free kick was headed in by Victor Ulloa.
The game entered a weather delay in the 81st minute, as the skies opened up with an instant downpour and lightning struck near the stadium. After a 68-minute delay, the teams resumed play to close out the match.
Goals
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: With
Cristian Colman
going down with a
torn ACL
this week, Mosquera figures to play a significant role in the playoffs, and in gearing up for the postseason, he delivered.
Next Up
- DAL: Saturday, October 13 at D.C. United (4:55 pm ET | Univision - Full TV & streaming info)
- ORL: Saturday, October 13 at New England Revolution (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
