May doesn't just test FC Dallas; it threatens to expose them.
As we dive deeper into the year, the looming threat of the nine-game road trip that will take us until the end of August is upon us. The two home games that pop up in the middle will be against some of the better sides in the Western Conference this season, too. You'll notice a theme with the road games this month, as well.
Since FC Dallas struggled to pick up the points that they needed in April, this month carries little margin for error. If Dallas wants to stay afloat in the Western Conference, this month is going to be about survival and stealing points where they usually do not.
Let’s dive into this month’s schedule to see where the points could come from.
New York Red Bulls - away - May 2
This is one of those fixtures where history presents a bit of a warning. FC Dallas hasn't won in New York (or rather, New Jersey) since 2006, and Sports Illustrated Stadium has consistently been a nightmare through the years, given how the Red Bulls typically bring a high press and relentless tempo.
All-time at NY: 8-14-3
Last win at NY: 2006 (Yeah, what were you doing in 2006?)
With everything happening on the roster right now, this is genuinely
the best time of the season to have access to the salary cap estimates.
If you've been curious what Dallas actually has to work with this
summer — it's all there for members.
Real Salt Lake - home - May 9
Back at home, Dallas gets a matchup that looks favorable on paper, but always turns out to be a grind. FC Dallas has only lost once in their last ten home matches against RSL, which sounds great until you realize the bulk of those meetings have ended in a draw. RSL has been one of the surprise teams (at least for me) this season, with Diego Luna leading the charge.
All-time at home vs RSL: 14-2-8
Last win at home vs RSL: 2023
Vancouver Whitecaps - home - May 13
Boy, talk about a hell week for Dallas. First RSL, then Vancouver, before the long road trip begins. Vancouver's current 8-1-0 start is something historic when you look at about any metric out there. They've largely been perfect this season, but this will be the end of a three-game road trip for them, which also includes a visit to San Jose on the Saturday prior.
All-time at home vs Vancouver: 8-4-3
Last win at home vs Vancouver: 2023
San Jose Earthquakes - away - May 16
I thought San Jose was going to be a mid-level team at best this season. But, I guess Bruce Arena has reminded us all that you should never doubt him. San Jose is another house of horrors, where Dallas has yet to win a game there since the 2016 season. Oh, and this one kicks off that long, long road trip.
All-time at San Jose: 8-18-13
Last win at San Jose: 2016
Colorado Rapids - away - May 23
To wrap up the month before the World Cup break is a trip to the Mile High City, where Dallas hasn't picked up a win since 2014. The altitude alone is always a factor late in matches. Closing out the month here and kicking off the long road stretch means this one could be more about grit than style.
All-time at Colorado: 9-21-12
Last win at Colorado: 2014…yep, it has been a while there too.
Outlook
This month isn’t going to be about perfection for FC Dallas. It really may come down to survival and positioning.
There are points to be had at home with RSL and Vancouver, but neither one of those have been an easy win in recent years in Frisco. The three road matches? All come at venues that Dallas has been historically bad in.
Realistically, you’re looking at maybe 5-7 points as a solid return this month. That feels like if everything goes well, too. Anything more, you’re suddenly taking on the brutal summer away stretch with a solid footing. Anything less, and you’re heading and this could be a really tough summer.
May doesn’t need to be pretty. It just needs to keep you alive.
