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The final score will read 3-0 for FC Dallas over Columbus Crew SC, but it's not indicative of the home team's play.
The Black & Gold had the chances to get goals. The team had chances to earn points. In the end though it could not get anything done against a tough Dallas defense.
Both teams were without some of their best players in this one due to international call-ups. FCD found a way to make things work without their top players, staying compact and taking advantage of chances while Columbus struggled to breakdown
It was Crew SC who had the best chance to open the scoring in the first half. After 24 minutes, forward Jack McInerney was taken down inside the 18-yard box and the center referee awarded Columbus a penalty kick. Federico Higuain stepped up to take the spot kick, but put the shot wide of the net.
Just three minutes after the miss Dallas opened the scoring through defender Atiba Harris. Forward David Texeira headed a corner kick back across the box and Harris was on the post to head it home.
To start the second half, Crew SC came out aggressively attacking the Dallas back line. FCD was content to sit back and attempt to hold the 1-0 advantage, shutting down the Black & Gold's attacks time after time.
It was Michael Barrios that capitalized on a counterattack in the 69th minute to double Dallas' advantage. The forward got on the end of a long clearance by the FCD defense, beating defenders Michael Parkhurst and Tyson Wahl to the ball. Although Parkhurst closed well, Barrios was able to get off a shot that beat Clark for the 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later FCD took advantage of another Crew SC mistake after a turnover. Barrios again played his part, firing a shot that was saved by Clark, but the rebound was fired home by Texeira.
Columbus will get the players back for next week's game at the Philadelphia Union and look to turn the results around. With only six games remaining in the MLS season, the Black & Gold needs points as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.