Zoomed N on FC Dallas with 3rd Degree

Nashville SC continue their road trip this weekend. After taking four points from their first two matches, the ‘Yotes head south to take on FC Dallas. Nashville has gone 2W-1D-1L in their four matches all time, including the first win in club history back in 2020.

To catch up on a new-look Dallas side, we spoke with Buzz Carrick, who has covered the team since 1997 with 3rd Degree. Here are his thoughts on the upcoming match.

Ben Wright: Dallas made some significant roster moves this offseason, including trading for Paul Arriola and making Jesus Ferreira a DP. What’s your opinion of their roster at this point, and how do you see them holding up across a full season?

3rd Degree: Dallas’ moves have been more about setting up for a cycle than an instant turnaround. Getting players who fit the new system rather than trying to patch a hole or two. The reliance on four players in the heart of the shape that are all roughly 22 years old indicates an attempt to grow those players into a top-tier team. It’s going to take some time and this season will perhaps suffer a bit for it.

BW: It hasn’t been the easiest start for Dallas, drawing Toronto and losing to New England. Have their performances matched the results? What do they need to do to improve?

3D: The road performance in New England, against a very good team, was actually a positive step, that was a better road showing than we’ve seen in a while. There’s no shortlist of things they need to do other than to keep playing in the new Coach Nico Estevez system and, hopefully, improve. Although, something as simple as finishing a couple of changes would go a long way.

BW: Dallas and Nashville are pretty familiar with each other, despite having been in separate conferences until now. How do you think Dallas matches up with Nashville, and how can they hand them their first loss of the year?

3D: Under Coach Luchi Gonzalez, Nashville was a really tough matchup for Los Toros. I think the new system will allow FCD to compete better against NSC than they have in the past two seasons but it’s pretty clear Nashville is the better team. A tie in this one would be a positive result.

BW: Do you have a lineup/score prediction?

3D: I’ll go with a 1-1 tie, Jesus Ferreira with the goal for FCD, and Dallas will be very happy with that. 

Thanks to Buzz for helping us preview the match! Make sure to check out his coverage of FC Dallas on Twitter @3rdDegreeNet.

Author: Ben Wrightis the Director of Soccer Content and a Senior MLS Contributor for Broadway Sports covering Nashville SC and the US National Team. Previously Ben was the editor and a founder of Speedway Soccer, where he has covered Nashville SC and their time in USL before journeying to Major League Soccer since 2018. Raised in Louisville, KY Ben grew up playing before a knee injury ended his competitive career. When he is not talking soccer he is probably producing music, drinking coffee or hanging out with his wife and kids. Mastodon

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