FC Dallas: Player Ratings Against LA Galaxy

The big three for the LA Galaxy were too much for FC Dallas to handle, as our hometown boys fell to the boys from Hollywood by a score of 3-2.

Goals from Keane, Gerrard, and Giovanni Dos Santos ensured that LA would steal all three points on offer from last night’s Western Conference clash. The win catapults the Galaxy into first place in the West, while Dallas fell to third, still with two games in hand.

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Despite the loss, there were a few positives from a match that saw FCD come from behind twice, only to eventually fall short. Below, we break down individual performances and give you some player ratings to digest.

Jesse Gonzalez – 4

The FC Dallas homegrown struggled in this one. Made a convincing save from a Gerrard free kick in the first half, but failed to parry a save that left Gerrard with an open net. Overall, not a convincing performance from a player that has otherwise shown some promise.

Je-Vaughn Watson – 5

Not all bad from the Jamaican in this one. He was, again, played in a position that does not favor him, being a right footed player on the left. His work rate and physical prowess often makes up for that, though.

Matt Hedges – 4

Hedges, while he made some good, timely tackles like he always does and even provided a beautiful flick for the second goal, struggled with the pace of Gio. He was hesitant to close down the Mexican on the buildup to the first goal, and it cost him. It wasn’t quite the display we’re accustomed to seeing from the center back.

Zach Loyd – 4

Loyd had some strange, strange plays in this one. He was able to pluck a few balls out of the air and neutralize some counter attacks (which always surprises me, considering his size), but he also had moments where he committed WAY too far forward and left us vulnerable in the back.

Atiba Harris – 6

Harris, like Watson, was playing out of position last night. For that reason, it was no shock to see the “defender” on the end of the second goal. The attacking threat was there for Harris, but the defensive solidity was understandably lacking.

Ezequiel Cirigliano – 3

The defensive midfielder really struggled to exert his presence in this one. On multiple occasions in the first half, he looked to half-heartedly go in for tackles, flatfooted, only to then see the attacker run past him. In only his second start, he did nothing to assuage any feelings that he might not be a mainstay in this team.

Victor Ulloa – 6

Dictated play as best he could in the midfield. In what was a rather disjointed attacking night for FC Dallas, Ulloa did what he always does, broke up attacks and launched counters. Really, with Ulloa on the pitch, there was no need for Cirigliano.

Mauro Diaz – 5

While it was good to have Diaz back in the starting lineup, his influence on the game was really limited. He played a beautiful ball over the top for FC Dallas’ first goal, but struggled to establish himself in the game. Chalk it off to rust; he’ll be back in form in time for the playoffs.

Michael Barrios – 7

Easily the best attacking player for FC Dallas on the night. He was causing fits down the right side for LA and his pace proved vital in the team’s first goal. He has solidified his place in the starting lineup and continues to put in good shifts for Oscar Pareja.

Fabian Castillo – 6

This was a tale of two halves for the Colombian. In the first, he struggled to find his groove down the left. In the second half, when the game was on the line, he started his darting, weaving runs down the left and created a number of chances. In the end, he failed to stamp his mark on this game the way he has on others.

Tesho Akindele – 4

A quiet night for the 2014 Rookie of the Year. He’s intelligent enough to play as a striking forward, but it’s really not his best position. He had moments of technical skill that reminded us of his quality, but the Canadian didn’t have the goods on this occasion.

Substitutes

Kellyn Acosta proved why he should be on the pitch from the start with his 25-minute cameo.

Ryan Hollingshead had some great play that led to the second goal. He was a breath of fresh air, like he was early in the season.

Blas Perez failed to do too much with the little time that he had. Great to see him, though, asking for the ball immediately upon coming on. He’s clearly the most direct and striker-like forward FC Dallas has.

Next: FC Dallas: First Place Not Far Away

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