Hope #1: That they can somehow hold Nicolas Lodeiro.
In their first match against Mr. Lodeiro FC Dallas were burned by an incredible free kick that not just put their chance at a win in danger, but also their Supporters Shield aspirations. The Uruguayan international has completely changed the attitude in Seattle and given the side a boost late in the season. All of that is bad news for FC Dallas who will need to find a way to limit his influence on the match.
Last night was more of the same for Dallas. Lodeiro notched two goals in a span of three minutes to put the match out of reach for the Hoops. However as opposed to the previous two goals these were in the field of play and came during a time when the Dallas defense was under siege.
Make no mistake about it: if Dallas wants to make it past the Sounders they are going to have to find a way to limit Lodeiro’s influence in the match. That job would seem to fall to Kellyn Acosta. The United States Men’s National Team defender can also play as a defensive midfielder and has the speed and pace necessary to take on the quick, elusive Lodeiro.
It is going to be a heck of a challenge for Acosta but as with so many of these young FC Dallas players this is something that he has been developed to do. Now it is just a matter of applying the things that he has learned in his young professional career to the pitch against one of the best midfielders in the league.