Minnesota United will face off against FC Dallas at 7:55 p.m. on Friday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The match will be streamed on FS1 and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with radio coverage on KSTP-AM, 1500. The weather forecast predicts 85 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a 12 mph north wind. As the Loons aim to maintain their strong form, the betting line favors them slightly at plus-135, while a draw is at plus-250 and a Dallas win at plus-180.
Minnesota United (9-4-7, 34 points) have only one loss in their last seven MLS matches, though they conceded a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday. Meanwhile, FC Dallas (5-8-6, 21 points) have struggled, securing just one win in their last nine matches since May. Their recent 3-2 defeat to San Diego was sealed by a 96th-minute goal.
Recent Encounters and Tactical Insights
The last meeting between these teams ended in a scoreless draw in St. Paul, a match where Dallas was without their leading scorer Petar Masa due to an ankle injury. Minnesota’s attacking duo, Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi, managed only 0.5 expected goals in that encounter. This time, both teams are eager to capitalize on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Dallas has struggled at home, collecting only five out of a possible 27 points at Toyota Stadium. The venue is currently undergoing a $182 million renovation, which has left prime seating areas covered in tarps. This could impact the home-field advantage typically enjoyed by Dallas.
“I would much rather spend the final 20 minutes in their half, but that unfortunately isn’t a huge strength of ours at the moment,” Loons head coach Eric Ramsay commented on his team’s possession struggles.
Key Players and Lineup Projections
The return of forward Tani Oluwaseyi, known for his improved hold-up play, is expected to bolster Minnesota’s possession game. Alongside him, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and midfielder Carlos Harvey are back from international duty with Canada and Panama, respectively. However, Minnesota will be without Joseph Rosales, who is on international duty, and Morris Duggan, who is sidelined with a back injury.
FC Dallas is also missing key players, including forward Anderson Julio and defender Osage Urhoghide, both of whom have been crucial this season. Their absence could provide Minnesota with an opportunity to exploit gaps in Dallas’ lineup.
Minnesota is expected to line up in a 5-4-1 formation with Tani Oluwaseyi leading the attack. The midfield will likely feature Joaquin Pereyra, Robin Lod, Owen Gene, and Wil Trapp, while the defense will include Anthony Markanich, Niko Romero, Michael Boxall, Jefferson Diaz, and Julian Gressel, with Dayne St. Clair in goal.
Strategic Outlook and Predictions
Dallas has conceded an average of three goals per match in their last three games, while Minnesota has averaged 2.5 goals over their last four. This suggests that fans might witness an exciting, high-scoring encounter.
Historically, Minnesota has followed every draw this season with another draw. However, given the current form and circumstances, this pattern might change. The Loons are poised to secure a 2-1 victory, capitalizing on Dallas’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead
Beyond this match, Minnesota United is nurturing young talent, with Under-16 academy forward Tim Dennis set to play in the MLS Next All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, on July 21. Dennis, who joined the Loons academy in 2021, is the fourth United product to participate in the youth showcase since its inception in 2022.
As the MLS season progresses, both teams will look to solidify their standings. For Minnesota, a win could further cement their position in the league, while Dallas will aim to halt their downward spiral and regain form.
