Creating A FC Dallas Lineup For Decision Day

FC Dallas had a simple path to the MLS Cup Playoffs: Defeat the bottom dwelling LA Galaxy in Los Angeles last Saturday and their ticket was punched. Considering the team did just that one week prior in Frisco, it seemed an achievable feat.

Nothing ever comes easy for the Burn however.

A disgraceful red card to Logan Farrington in the first 20 minutes put Dallas a man down for the remaining duration. Creating more problems were the yellow cards picked up by Ramiro and Petar Musa, disqualifying them along with Farrington for the final match day against Vancouver.

Capping it all off was an 87th minute goal by LA's Gabriel Pec, edging the reigning MLS Cup winners past Dallas. The loss complicated the Toros' playoff hopes; a win still gets them in but a draw or loss requires other results to go Dallas' way.

Missing any three of the starting eleven would be a challenge. Missing these specific three creates an even harder mountain to climb. Dallas lacks a true traditional nine with Musa/Farrington out, and Ramiro represents the on-field leader and communicator of the back seven. It's impossible to replace them, instead three people will play in their places.

But who? I've got some ideas, including one that is sure to raise eyebrows.

Goalkeeper: Maarten Paes

For the first time in months Dallas looks to have all three of their keepers available for selection. This creates a fortunate conundrum for Eric Quill, one that could determine the season's fate.

Michael Collodi and Jacob Jackson have both been in good form. The only thing that removed one or the other from the lineup was injury or suspension. They both offer a strong passing game along with aggressive shot stopping. Without them, Dallas' hopes might have evaporated long ago.

Even so, Paes should reclaim his space between the sticks in Vancouver. Despite not playing in MLS in weeks, he started both of Indonesia's World Cup Qualifiers during this last international break. While the Red and White dropped both games against Saudi Arabia and Iraq respectively, it wasn't Paes' fault. Against the Green Falcons Paes had seven saves on 10 on target shots. Meanwhile the Lions of Mesopotamia only forced Paes into one save.

In both matches Paes looked back to form, with diving saves keeping his team in both matches until the final whistle. He even snapped off a few long passes that might have been goals in the hands of more capable attackers. Paes remains the lesser of the three passing wise, but those two performances inspired more confidence in his feet.

All that combined with the boost of having their top keeper back in the fold could be a huge boost for the Burn. You want Paes in the big games, and Decision Day is the biggest game left.

Center backs: Lalas Abubakar, Osaze Urhoghide, Sebastien Ibeagha

This one requires less explanation. Ibeagha sat out last week with the birth of his daughter (congrats to him and his family on baby Nola's arrival), which meant Abubakar took his place.

This week however its all hands on deck. Dallas needs its top three central defenders, and even with Shaq Moore's recent emergence this trio is just that. Plus Moore is otherwise occupied as you'll read soon.

This group represents the most experienced trio, and on the road against the Western leading Whitecaps that will be valuable. As well, all three are set piece threats. With a weakened Dallas attack, every edge counts.

Wing backs: Shaq Moore and Nolan Norris

The first real change to the lineup comes here. Moore will head to right wing back to take over for the suspended Ramiro. That's been the preferred change since the move to the 5-2-3. Moore isn't the communicator Ramiro is, but he brings plenty to the table. There should be minimal issues on this one.

Norris coming into the eleven is unconventional, but stick with me here. Norris is coming off a strong campaign at the U20 World Cup with the United States. A pair of goals scored against New Caledonia, a penalty drawn against Morocco, and strong overall performances in all four matches he played in earns him this spot for me.

Yes it was at traditional left back, but Norris is a warrior. With Moore creating width on the right side, and the other changes coming there's a real chance that Dallas might need a more defensive body at times during the Vancouver match. Not that he's a liability on offense; Norris has above average passing abilities that could help Dallas build out better from the back.

You might wonder where normal left wing back Bernard Kamungo is. More on that later.

Midfielders: Christian Cappis and Kaick

Another easy choice for Dallas. Cappis has stacked stellar performances since arriving in the starting lineup. One could argue he's the biggest mid-season addition for Dallas ever. He's become a Sharpie'd in starter.

Kaick meanwhile retains his spot because there's no real better option. Sebastian Lletget is coming off a knock, meaning he isn't in starter form. Paxton Pomykal meanwhile is also returning from long term injury, but has only played once since his clearance for about five minutes. Risking him against Vancouver on turf is a gamble not worth taking.

With Diego Garcia with the U19 US National Team, it adds up to a tough midfield depth chart for Quill. The best option is to run the Cappis/Kaick duo until a change is needed, shift Norris inside and put Torquato in at left wing back. If Pomykal can go, he'd be a strong choice also.

Forwards: Anderson Julio, Bernard Kamungo, and Alvaro

Here's where I get wild.

Julio is a no-brainer; he's a speed winger who Dallas can use to push the pace and get behind the Whitecaps defense. He's also coming off a goal scored against the Galaxy last Saturday. He represents the most senior forward available, and that means he should start on the right side.

Kamungo meanwhile takes up the left side as a traditional winger. He's played it before, and while he's been a wing back this shouldn't be that big a change. Even so, in defensive situations it can push Norris inside creating a line of six that will be hard for Vancouver to penetrate. It's not ideal, but Kamungo's versatility gives Quill an option that might not have been viable months ago.

I can hear the sound of heads scratching everywhere upon seeing Alvaro in the forward spot. It's a huge risk, but it's not without logic. With Musa and Farrington out, Dallas lacks a hold up striker with good size who can move the ball onto his fellow attackers. It's a reference point for whoever is playing long balls to start the attack.

Dallas doesn't have a bench option that can replicate that at forward, but Alvaro is a super athletic 6-4 center back who has shown a wicked shot during training this year. His primary job will be securing the ball on direct passes and creating problems for opposing center backs. The hope is that he knocks balls down for Julio and Kamungo, and when Moore gets the chance to cross he presents a huge target in front of net.

You don't need Alvaro to be Musa forever, or even 90 minutes. If you can get him to masquerade at this position for 60-70 minutes, there's a real chance you can replicate some facsimile of your normal offense long enough to get the edge. The way Dallas plays maintaining a lead is easier than keeping it.

Bench: Michael Collodi, Josh Torquato, Paxton Pomykal, Sam Sarver, Patrickson, Deedson, Sebastian Lletget, Pedrinho, Enes Sali

There's not much tactics to the bench; if you're an eligible player you're on there this week. Yes there are good tools available here: Sarver and Pedrinho could be strong late game attacking options while Pomykal and Lletget(assuming he's ready) could try and batten down the midfield hatches in case of a late lead.

If I understand the roster freeze rules correctly Dallas can't do a loan from North Texas SC of a player that isn't a Homegrown anymore save for Extreme Hardship. Otherwise I'd have replaced Sali with NTSC's Momo Cisset. It'd give Dallas a backup center back since I have Alvaro up top. The former SuperDraft pick has a decent ceiling, but would be here more as in case of emergency.

Alas, that's not possible. Which means it's up to this group to somehow get the job done. All year we've heard Quill tell us about how competitive this group is, how their warrior mentality serves them well, and how they're better than their standings have indicated previously.

We're about to learn the truth of that statement. A weakened crew heads into the breach against Vancouver, who themselves are fighting to secure the West's #1 seed. Players like Thomas Muller, Ryan Gauld, and others await. Dallas will be out talented, out numbered, and in enemy territory on this season saving rescue mission.

Outcome regardless, Saturday's contest will teach us a lot about this team's fortitude. The hope is that it won't be 2025's last chance for learning.