Tie helps confirm belief in selves
Playing to a standoff against quality rival yields moral victory
The Dynamo might not have all the points they want from their first two meetings with FC Dallas, but they have something that could prove more valuable. Belief. For the second time in as many games this season, the Dynamo on Friday night played to a draw with their Texas Derby rival. The performances have been significant because of where the teams finished last season.
The Dynamo finished at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings in 2016. Dallas won the Supporter Shield. The fact that nothing separates them in 2017 is a big deal. Nothing separates them in the table, either, as they are tied for second place.
“They are a good team that always plays to win in any city, in any stadium,” Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “I’m really happy for the performance and the mentality of my team.”
That mentality has been strong all season, and the performances finally are becoming consistent, too. The Dynamo (7-6-4) have won only one of their last seven matches, but the last five of those have been quality performances. Three of them came on the road, where the team has yet to win.
When FC Dallas (6-3-7) scored an equalizer in the 59th minute Friday at BBVA Compass Stadium, the Dynamo did not sit on the tie. They went after a winner. Although they never got one, Cabrera was happy with the effort because it showed the Dynamo do not plan to back down no matter the opponent.
“We never quit trying to win the game,” Cabrera said. “We tried to push and find the goal. We had some options, some attacking, some crosses, but they defended well. It’s a credit for them and how they defended during the second half.”
The Dynamo will get one more crack at FC Dallas in league play Aug. 23. The race for the top spot in the Western Conference will have heated up by then.
The Dynamo have proved they belong in the conversation of the best teams in the West. Their next goal is to prove they are the best team in the West.
“Dallas is a strong team and a team with very skillful players,” said Erick Torres, whose goal in the 19th minute Friday gave the Dynamo a 1-0 lead. “We played a great game. We might not have gotten the three points, but we are content with the result.
“We are happy with our performance. We created chances, and we pushed forward. We have to keep working. We are halfway through the season and I think we are on the right path.”