FC Dallas 4-2 D.C. United
The game in 100 words (or less): We’re only just beginning to see anything resembling the very best FC Dallas have to offer, now that Mauro Diaz, the magical unicorn no. 10, is back. The Argentine playmaker returned to the starting lineup a week and a half ago, and Oscar Pareja’s side have two wins and a draw (combined score of 8-4) to show for their efforts. Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over D.C. United had Diaz’s fingerprints all over the film, as he tallied an assist for the third straight game and masterfully dictated tempo for an FCD side so happy to have its midfield metronome back in tow. Roland Lamah has been the biggest beneficiary of Diaz’s presence, scoring twice more on Tuesday to take his season tally to eight goals, including seven in his last five games (four while playing with Diaz). The victory pushes FCD level on points (31) with Sporting Kansas City atop the Western Conference, and ahead on goal differential. Ian Harkes and Deshorn Brown scored DCU’s goals on the night, the first for each player this season.
[ MORE: Dwyer, Acosta power USMNT to win over Ghana | Three things ]
Three Four moments that mattered
41' — Harris rises above, heads home for 1-1 — Victor Ulloa’s corner kick found Harris atop the six-yard box, and it was all pretty straightforward from there.
Game on! @FCDallas' Atiba Harris scores his first goal of 2017 and it's 1-1. #DALvDC https://t.co/QvIUxOHIez
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
45+3' — Lamah pounces on a loose ball, 2-1 — Failing to clear the ball from inside your own penalty area, on multiple occasions, will cost you every single time.
HT: @FCDallas takes a 2-1 lead just before the break thanks to this Roland Lamah goal. ⤵️ #DALvDC https://t.co/kF4Y1whApP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
47' — Urruti forces Worra into a blunder, and it’s 3-1 — Travis Worra should do something — anything — else here.
That angle 😱
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
Maxi Urruti makes it 3-1 for @FCDallas. #DALvDC https://t.co/9fFA8gZ3te
55' — Lamah bundles home from close range for 4-1 — Diaz started the entire move (shocker, right?), Michael Barrios picked out Lamah inside the box, and it would have been tough to miss from there.
From down by one to up by three. Roland Lamah scores his second of the night for @FCDallas. #DALvDC https://t.co/LBPBhNCcaN
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
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Man of the match: Roland Lamah
Goalscorers: Harkes (30'), Harris (41'), Lamah (45+3', 55'), Urruti (47'), Brown (57')
Colorado Rapids 1-3 Seattle Sounders
The game in 100 words (or less): The key to winning in Colorado, or against any other side that sits ultra-deep defensively, is to score early and force them out of their defensive shell, wait for the spaces to open up when they creep forward in search of the equalizer, and strike on the break. Seattle executed that particular game plan with aplomb on Tuesday, thanks to Clint Dempsey’s 6th-minute opener, Will Bruin’s 30th-minute tally to make it 2-0, and the icing on the cake from Dempsey in the 85th minute — the latter two of which capped off quick counter-attacking moves. The victory pushes Seattle past Vancouver Whitecaps and LA Galaxy as the defending champions move into the sixth and final playoff place in the Western Conference (for the time being).
[ MORE: Dwyer, Acosta power USMNT to win over Ghana | Three things ]
Three Four moments that mattered
6' — Dempsey finds some space, makes it 1-0 — The invisible forcefield around Dempsey not only prevented anyone from closing to within five yards of him, but seemed to actively push everyone wearing a burgundy shirt farther and farther away.
Deuce with space in the box? Done deal. ✌️ #COLvSEA https://t.co/NBkPUPU1fH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
30' — Bruin pounces on a mistake for 2-0 — Route 1 soccer is rarely pretty, but it’s often effective — especially when the would-be clearances are this poor.
Lodeiro ➡️ Dempsey ➡️ Bruin. 2-0. #COLvSEA https://t.co/O8d2YGMDtg
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
78' — Badji pokes home Hairston’s cross for 2-1 — Marlon Hairston delivered the inch-perfect ball for Badji, and there was no missing from there.
Game on! @dbadji14 pulls one back for Colorado. #COLvSEA https://t.co/pVqP3TrHqD
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
85' — Dempsey beats Howard in spectacular fashion for 3-1 — Tim Howard will be having a word with Dempsey post-game after beating hit this first-time, left-footed lob to ice the game.
What. A. Finish.@clint_dempsey gets his second! #COLvSEA https://t.co/DGTFkrMvrJ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2017
[ FOLLOW: All of PST’s MLS coverage | Standings | Stats | Schedule ]
Man of the match: Clint Dempsey
Goalscorers: Dempsey (6', 85'), Bruin (30'), Badji (78')
