After much-needed break, FC Dallas host Minnesota United
FC Dallas will count on familiar surroundings to help them out of an early season funk when they play host to Minnesota United on Saturday.
In last place in the Western Conference, Dallas (1-3-3, 6 points) has not lost in four home games, with three ties. The club also is 4-0-0 all-time against Minnesota at home.
Dallas, which has two defeats and two draws over its last four games, will get a boost in its first action after the international break. Midfielder Brandon Servania and defender Justin Che have returned, while forward Jesus Ferreira trained with the first team after missing the first seven games of the campaign with a shoulder injury.
FC Dallas also added depth in defensive midfielder Facundo Quignon from Lanus in Argentina's top division.
"Whether a player is here or on loan, they're connected with us every week," head coach Luchi Gonzalez said. "We're in communication and we feel that, at any moment, they can be a solution to our next opportunity or challenge.
"So the decision will be very difficult but they're going to help us be better and approach Minnesota with everybody competing and on their toes for our next step forward."
Minnesota (2-4-1, 7 points) sits one spot ahead of Dallas in the standings and has two victories and a tie in its past three games after four straight losses to open the season.
Offense has been a struggle for the Loons with six goals in seven games, including one goal in each of its previous three. Minnesota United have been blanked twice, but also have a pair of shutouts.
Forward Adrien Hunou will play his second game for Minnesota after making his debut against Real Salt Lake prior to the break. Winger Franco Fragapane is expected to make his debut after a paperwork issue kept him out of game action before the pause.
"(Dallas is) never easy at home," Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath said. "They beat Portland there recently. The games we've played there have always been difficult and I don't expect anything different.
"It's the start of what's going to be a really busy period for us. A lot of games coming up and we'll go there fully prepared and it's going to be difficult but if we play the way we can and commit to the game plan, I don't see any reason we can't win the game."
Minnesota is 0-2-1 on the road this season, where it will play two of its next three games over the next eight days.
--Field Level Media
