FRISCO, Texas — It took three years, but FC Dallas is back in the playoffs.
With an energized crowd of 19,039 in the building, the Texas club clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium Sunday evening thanks to goals from David Texeira and Fabian Castillo.
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“The fans were out in full force and we want to reward them,” said team captain Matt Hedges. “To be able to get into the playoffs in front of a crowd like that was fantastic.”
“It’s great to bring the playoffs back to Frisco,” said head coach Oscar Pareja. “It’s well deserved for the whole community.”
Hedges said the crowd was a big part of the team’s ability to come back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to get the victory against a Galaxy side that also had plenty to play for. Had LA gotten a result, they would have nudged ahead of the Seattle Sounders in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. Instead, Dallas is back to winning ways when it matters most, snapping a cold spell where they had lost four of the previous six matches.
“Playing at home is always an advantage, but when you have a crowd like that it’s an even bigger advantage,” Hedges said. “It’s something our fans deserve after a couple of years of struggling and to do it in front of them is great.”
Veteran goalkeeper Chris Seitz reiterated the sentiment, and was happy for the fans that stood by the team throughout the season.
“It’s a special moment for them,” Seitz said. “It’s been a long time. To be able to do it and do it at home is always special. It was awesome. I think they knew how big it was for us.”
Defender Zach Loyd is one of a small handful of players remaining from Dallas’ last playoff run in 2011, when they lost in the Wild Card round to the New York Red Bulls.
“To finally get into the playoffs, it’s a great feeling,” the UNC product said. “It’s been a great team effort all year. We’re looking forward to the playoffs.”
Making the playoffs is a goal achieved, but not the last one Dallas has in their sights.
“I feel great but the job is not done yet,” Pareja said. “Tonight we're going to enjoy the fact that we're back, but tomorrow I will come out eager to fight for the third spot.”
