FC Dallas vs. LAFC: Another Big Test Under the Lights

Saturday, September 26 | 7:30 PM CT | Toyota Stadium

The Copa Tejas celebration is over. Now, FC Dallas has another challenge waiting.

Just one week after a goalless draw with Austin FC secured the Copa Tejas for FC Dallas, the club returns to Toyota Stadium on Saturday night for a very different kind of matchup. This time, Los Angeles FC ("LAFC") comes to Frisco.

And there is plenty to watch.

FC Dallas enters the weekend sitting fourth in the Western Conference with 44 points, while LAFC sits sixth with 41. Both teams are firmly in the postseason conversation, which gives Saturday’s matchup some extra weight as the regular season enters its final stretch.

For Dallas, the biggest question is simple: can the attack get going again?

The answer could start with Petar Musa.

The FC Dallas striker has been one of the league’s most productive players this season, with 18 goals. Behind him, Joaquín Valiente has continued to create chances, while Logan Farrington has provided another attacking option. FC Dallas has averaged nearly two goals per game this season, so the 0-0 against Austin was certainly not representative of what this team has been capable of producing.

But LAFC won’t make things easy.

The visitors are coming off a wild 2-2 draw against San Jose, a match they played largely with 10 men after a first-half red card. Denis Bouanga remains one of their biggest attacking threats, while Heung-Min Son gives LAFC another player capable of changing a game in an instant.

Then there is the atmosphere.

FC Dallas has sold out its last 46 regular-season home matches at Toyota Stadium. Saturday’s game is also Y2K Night, giving fans another reason to pack the stadium and make the night feel a little different.

Last weekend, the goals never came. This weekend, FC Dallas will be hoping the story is very different.

The Copa Tejas is safely in the trophy case. Now the focus shifts to the Western Conference and another opportunity to make a statement at home.