FC Dallas’ Maximiliano Urruti (pictured) has four career goals in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. (Photo: Mexsport)
In the tenth of a series of articles taking a closer look at each of the 16 teams in the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL), CONCACAF.com goes in-depth on Tauro FC.
By The Numbers
2017 Regular Season Record: W11 D13 L10 GF48 GA48
Final Position (Regular Season): 7th Place, MLS Western Conference
Final Position (Playoffs): did not participate
Playoff Results: did not participate
Top Scorer (Regular Season): Maximiliano Urruti, 12 goals
Season Summary
A year after capturing the MLS Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best regular-season record, FC Dallas missed the MLS Cup playoffs in 2017. On the final day of the season, FCD defeated the LA Galaxy, 5-1, but were eliminated when San Jose dramatically downed Minnesota United on a stoppage-time goal.
Season Highlight
FC Dallas burst out of the gate strong, opening the 2017 campaign on a nine-game unbeaten streak (5W-4D-0L). During that stretch, the FCD defense conceded a paltry six goals, only two of which came in the first half.
Key Player: Michael Barrios
The 26-yer-old Colombian was a threat on the right side of the FC Dallas midfield, either setting up teammates with superb service or using his elusiveness to cut inside and create for himself. His 14 assists, which went along with three goals, was tied for fourth best in MLS.
Player to Watch in 2018: Roland Lamah
In his first season in MLS, the 29-year-old left winger got more comfortable as the season went on and ultimately netted 11 goals after going scoreless in his first 10 games. With FC Dallas desperately needing a result on the final day of the regular season, he struck for a brace in a 5-1 win over LA Galaxy.
Fabulous Facts
With 22-year-olds Kellyn Acosta and Carlos Gruezo in the middle of a 4-2-3-1 formation, FC Dallas has one of the best young midfield pairings in MLS. In fact, the FC Dallas had the youngest roster -- on average -- in MLS at 24.31.
SCCL Round of 16 Outlook
The best way to bounce back from a disappointing domestic season would be to advance to the 2018 SCCL quarterfinals. FC Dallas is hoping history doesn’t repeat itself against Round of 16 opponent Tauro FC after tying the Panamanian side 1-1 at home and losing 5-3 on the road in the 2011/12 group stage. FCD reached the 2016/17 SCCL semifinals, falling to eventual-champion Pachuca (agg:3-4).
