Massive Predictions: FC Dallas at Columbus Crew SC

Yep, we’re back.

Once again, Columbus Crew SC is completing a three-games-in-eight-days stretch. And for once, it’s actually worked out for the Black & Gold.

Crew SC went to Orlando last Saturday and came away with a 1-1 draw before returning home for a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy midweek.

The soccer gods have not smiled so kindly on Saturday’s opponent, FC Dallas. The Hoops have no wins in the last five Major League Soccer outings and are slipping down the Western Conference standings.

Both teams could use all three points in this one. Do our staff members believe those will come Columbus’ way?

Let’s take a look.

Josh Mlot

I expect Dallas to come in and play very conservatively. That's problematic. I think, though, we see Federico Higuain and Pedro Santos, and based on Wednesday they do offer Columbus a chance to break down a defensive FCD.

This is one where if Crew SC can get the first goal sometime in the first half, it's got a chance to open the game a little. Dallas had to also deal with a midweek game and over the last month has not been in the same form that made them favorites in the West.

I think being at home will give the Black & Gold enough of an edge to get a result, but I'm predicting this game may be tough sledding for long periods.
Columbus Crew SC 1 FC Dallas 1

Ralph Schudel

FC Dallas always begin the season on an impressive note but have come back down to Earth recently. The team hasn’t won in five and just can't seem to get things going, and that is surprising given the talent that head coach Oscar Pareja possesses.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to this one because we get to see one of the underrated strikers in the league in Maxi Urruti and U.S. Men’s National Team member Kellyn Acosta.

I think Crew SC have a great chance to win this one and will look to build off its momentum from from Wednesday night's victory against the LA Galaxy.
Columbus Crew SC 2 FC Dallas 1

Collin Johnson

Many Crew SC fans won't be happy to see Hernan Grana return to MAPFRE Stadium for the first time since his early season exit in 2015, but Columbus haS little time for reminiscing with three important points on the line. Like much of MLS, Dallas has a losing record on the road. FCD played to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Houston on Wednesday (the same day the Black & Gold beat LA), so Crew SC have little excuse not to come away with at least a point against the much-hyped team from Texas.

On the other hand, Columbus has never beaten the Oscar Pareja-led FC Dallas (going 0-1-2 in three matches). After successfully switching back to the 4-2-3-1 against LA, I would not be surprised to see the Black & Gold play for a point in this match, shift back to the 3-4-2-1, and "rest" Federico Higuain after the attacker played 63 minutes on Wednesday in his first match back from a lengthy layoff.

With an excellent match from new Designated Player Pedro Santos in the books, Columbus could use some Pedro-magic on the counter against Dallas. Crew SC absolutely need a point in this match, but a win would provide the Columbus with some room for error in their next home match against Western Conference standouts Sporting Kanas City.
Columbus Crew SC 1 FC Dallas 1

Josh Enke

FC Dallas kicked off the season looking like title contenders. It took until May 20 for the Texas-based club to suffer a league defeat. Since then, the fates have dolled out mixed results, and of late, positives outcomes have been evasive for the Burn.

Crew SC is now three games unbeaten. Considering the win/lose form that's summed up most of the Black & Gold's season, fans should be encouraged by recent results.

Another two games await MAPFRE Stadium during the homestand. Getting three points against Dallas seems more likely than three against Sporting Kansas City. I expect another special performance from our new face Pedro Santos.
Columbus Crew SC 2 FC Dallas 1

Patrick Guldan

Columbus Crew SC might finally be rounding into the form that fans and league watchers expected at the beginning of the season. The offense showed how exciting it can be with the addition of Pedro Santos. Jonathan Mensah may have finally started to settle in MLS and the defense looks better for it. This may be a small sample size against some poor teams, but there are signs that Columbus is turning the corner.

Saturday’s opponent comes in after a tiring midweek game and an underperforming offense. It’s the recipe for Crew SC to get its second-straight win built off a stiffening spine and an improving offense.
Columbus Crew SC 1 FC Dallas 0

Patrick Murphy

I think the one thing you can expect from this match is goal. I know both teams are at the end of a three-in-eight-day stretch, but that impacts the defense just as much as the offense.

Given Crew SC have a full week off after this match, I expect an aggressive outlook from Gregg Berhalter. That means more of the 4-2-3-1 that makes Columbus more dangerous offensively, but can leave the team vulnerable on the counter.

I expect an open match which should be entertaining for what will likely be a good crowd at MAPFRE Stadium.
Columbus Crew SC 3 FC Dallas 1

Nathaniel Marhefka

FC Dallas, a team that just a few weeks ago I felt was destined for an MLS Cup this season. That prediction has been looking bleak, as the last match won by the Texas side was six games ago.

Coming to Columbus sparks a difficult test, as Crew SC seems revitalized and the addition of Pedro Santos and the return of Federico Higuain is promising. FC Dallas' 4-4-2 seems to be a stall offensively, as it appears the team may have been over preforming in the first half of the season. Moreover, Dallas has struggled against wide, position-based sides like Columbus. With their recent struggles, and track record against teams similar to Crew SC I have a hard time envisioning a victory for FC Dallas.
Columbus Crew SC 3 FC Dallas 0

There they are. Do you agree with our, mostly, positive attitude towards Crew SC in this one or will the inconsistencies of earlier in the season return? Let us know in the comments below.