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Containing LAFC\u2019s attack<\/p>\n
LAFC comes into 2026 with one of the most dangerous attacking groups in MLS. <\/p>\n
Heung-min Son and Denis Bouanga run the show, as they are arguably the league\u2019s best attacking duo. Bouanga\u2019s ability to cut inside from the wings and attack defenders one-on-one forces defenses to constantly adjust. Son brings elite movement and finishing ability in the final third.<\/p>\n
For FC Dallas, the defensive priorities are simple in theory, but are much harder in practice:<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t allow Bouanga space to run at defendersTrack Son\u2019s movement off the ballLimit the free kick chances around the penalty areaLimit the transition chances where LAFC thrives<\/p>\n
Dallas will need to have discipline in their defensive shape. <\/p>\n
Continue 2025\u2019s road form in 2026<\/p>\n
Last season, FC Dallas was weirdly better away from home than they were at Toyota Stadium. Part of that was a mentality that Eric Quill managed to get out of his team, and the other part usually came down to tactics. <\/p>\n
Against LAFC, the priorities should be clear:<\/p>\n
Survive the opening pressureStay compact defensivelyTake advantage of the moments in transition<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s also be honest, a road point against LAFC is not a bad result. But the bigger question may come down to whether or not FC Dallas can look composed and confident away from home in a new season.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/FC-Dallas-ties-Nashville-0_0-56.jpg\")
Photo via Mike BrooksThe attack has to respond<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s scoreless draw against Nashville SC produced very little from the Dallas attack. Depending on which stat service you view and trust, they only had a couple of shots on target. <\/p>\n
Against a team like LAFC, in their own building, two shots on target won\u2019t cut it. <\/p>\n
FC Dallas has to be more aggressive going forward, especially when counterattacking opportunities appear. Petar Musa needs to be higher in the formation this weekend, not dropping deep to collect the ball like we saw against Nashville. He needs service in the penalty area, too. <\/p>\n
The chances will likely be limited against LAFC, so this group has to make the most of what they do end up earning in this one. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/FC-Dallas-ties-Nashville-0_0-172.jpg\")
Photo via Mike BrooksDoes Joaquin Valiente Start?<\/p>\n
After earning his MLS debut last week, Quill told the press that he was hoping to start getting more minutes for Joaquin Valiente as he worked to push him into a larger role with the team. <\/p>\n
Quill stated that he had about 30 minutes against Nashville, so could he double that this weekend on the road? <\/p>\n
Valiente brings a different profile to the Dallas midfield:<\/p>\n
He is active on and off the ballHe can open up defenses in the transition gameAnd he is someone who other teams lack film on right now<\/p>\n
Against a team like LAFC, his ability to keep the ball moving forward could be extremely valuable. Also, we can\u2019t sleep on the fact that he could be a player that picks up a lot of fouls around the penalty area. LAFC is a team that Dallas can expose on free kicks. <\/p>\n
If anything, we know we should see him get more minutes this weekend. The question comes down to whether or not Quill trusts him to get a start on the road or if he thinks he needs to wait for that until next weekend at home. <\/p>\n
The Bottom Line<\/p>\n
Usually three matches into the season, patterns begin to emerge. <\/p>\n
If FC Dallas can defend with discipline, generate more attacking chances than it they did last week, and steal something on the road in LA, the early-season optimism will only grow. <\/p>\n
Beating teams at home is one thing. But beating teams that are expected to contend for titles on the road are a totally different animal. <\/p>\n
If you pick up a win or even steal a point in this environment, people around the league will have to start paying attention. <\/p>\n
The free stuff tells you what happened. A paid subscription tells you why it happened, what it means for FC Dallas, and what\u2019s coming next\u2014before anyone else catches up.<\/p>\n