FC Dallas riding a hot start on way to Houston
FRISCO — FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja told his players he wanted to start this season with the same intensity they had at the end of 2015 .
Mauro Diaz was listening.
The Argentine playmaker set up both of his team’s goals in Sunday’s 2-0 win against the Philadelphia Union.
Pareja praised the 24-year-old but also noted that it’s what the team has come to expect from Diaz.
“That’s his job, creating options, putting himself in a good spot to score and creating his options for his fowards or somebody else,” Pareja said.
What’s scary for the rest of MLS is that Diaz said he’s still very much knocking off the dust of the offseason. FC Dallas plays at the Dynamo on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.
“I felt a little imprecise, with the weather also, there was a lot of wind so we couldn’t always play how we wanted to,” he said after the match. “But it’s good that the team attacked, attacked and found two goals and got the three points.”
While it looked to be a nearly perfect opening day for FCD, fans will be concerned about Castillo’s status. The Colombian attacker went down in pain against Philadelphia and was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
After the match, Pareja said Castillo suffered an adductor injury. “I think he will be back soon,” the coach said. “We understand as well the nature of the game. Sometimes you want everything to come perfect, but it’s impossible. We have to be pleased.”
Three players made their FC Dallas debuts in Sunday’s match, but the trio has learned quickly.
Maxi Urruti opened his FC Dallas account from a Mauro Diaz assist and joined in on the team’s boat celebration.
“He’s putting himself in good spots, which is his first priority. He’s working very hard defensively. He’s combining and helping the other ones to score,” Pareja said. “And beside that he’s creating a good atmosphere in the locker room, which is shown in the celebrations and all those things. So I can’t ask for more.”
Kellyn Acosta played in midfield Sunday next to young designated player Carlos Gruezo and said the match didn’t seem like Gruezo’s MLS debut.
“He’s a guy that brings a lot of quality to our side and adds a little something that we needed,” Acosta said. “The other day, I thought he did a tremendous job. It looked like he’s adapted to the league already. He’s comfortable there.”
And Maynor Figueroa, a Honduran who brings Premier League experience to Dallas, won praise from the coach.
“He’s a very versatile defender. You can use him as a central back any time naturally and you can use him as a left back naturally. That’s a fantastic player.”
Figueora played some center back during preseason but started at left back in Sunday’s win.