Preseason matches are rarely about what happens on the scoreboard, and this weekend’s match with the New York Red Bulls should be no different. For FC Dallas, there are tangible items that the team can take away from this match as they build toward their 2026 season opener later this month. How they handle pressure, which on the field combinations start to take shape, and which players continue to separate themselves on the depth charts.
With minutes still being managed and roles evolving (like Ricky Louis, Sam Sarver and Deedson all getting cracks at a fullback position so far this preseason), this is another opportunity for FC Dallas fans to gather information on this club rather than stress over a result. Here are a few key things to keep an eye on as FC Dallas continues its preseason preparations.
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1. How FC Dallas Handles Pressure
The Red Bulls are known historically for their high press, but under new boss Michael Bradley, it could evolve into something more. That kind of unknown is part of the fun of a preseason friendly.
Either way, this kind of opponent gives the Dallas defense an early test in how to be uncomfortable. We’ll get a chance to see how this team handles pressure and remain composed for 90 minutes.
2. Lineup Experimentation vs. Real Roles
We’ve seen a fair amount of lineup tinkering from manager Eric Quill so far in this preseason camp. This game should be a bit of a hybrid of that tinkering, as he and his staff should also be looking to fully lockdown some roles and spots in the lineup.
There are a couple of areas that I will be intrigued to see who is out there from the jump on Saturday:
- The starting three center backs
- The starting three center midfielders
Yes, I know that is more than half of the starting XI, but hear me out a bit. I believe there are some locks in both areas, so it really comes down to one or two spots. Does Nolan Norris get the nod as a starter over veterans Sebastien Ibeagha and Lalas Abubakar? Does Kaick continue to start over locker room leader Ramiro? Is it Chris Cappis or Patrickson Delgado at the attacking midfielder spot, at least until a new DP/TAM guy is signed?
Drew Epperley
3. Young Players Getting Real Minutes
Speaking of guys like Norris and Kaick, there are plenty of young guys on this roster that are gunning for early minutes this season. I’m eager to get a good first look, in person at least, at Ricky Louis, Nicholas Simmonds, and Ran Binyamin. Seeing how those guys compete against actual MLS competition is going to show us more than what we got out of the preseason camp in Portugal. Highlight reels are great, but we need to see which of those guys is a legit MLS-type player here.
4. Early Signs of Identity
I’m not looking for perfection on Saturday out of this bunch. But I am looking for consistency. Is this Dallas team going to continue to sit back and absorb pressure? Can they find ways to maintain quality possession that moves the ball forward into the attack? Are they still compact defensively when they are under pressure? Can the attack continue to find the right moments and convert?
It may seem like a lot, but this kind of preseason game should help us answer those identity questions.
5. Fitness and Sharpness (Ignore the Rust, Watch the Legs)
It is preseason, folks. There will be some heavy touches and missed chances. Some players will look a tad off, while others will look sharp. What matters most in this kind of game is seeing which players look physically ready and who fades late in matches.
And yes, the big one really will be whether or not we see Paxton Pomykal on the field at all.
6. Goalkeeping Usage
With all of the recent goalkeeper changes on the roster, this kind of game should give us a nice indication of what is next to come with the build out in this department. Michael Collodi should get the lion share of the minutes tomorrow afternoon, but will we see newcomer Jonathan Sirois? Or will he be reserved for the following friendlies next week against Houston and Atlanta?
Drew Epperley
As always in preseason, the result matters far less than the answers FC Dallas can take away from the performance.
The free stuff tells you what happened. A paid subscription tells you why it happened, what it means for FC Dallas, and what’s coming next—before anyone else catches up.
