MLS week 32: FC Dallas 1-0 Los Angeles Galaxy
FC Dallas solidified its first place in the standings with a close win against Western rivals. With 56 points and 5 points clear of second place in the table, Dallas is coming closer to clinch Supporters’ Shield and home field for the playoffs.
FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja
“I thought we won a playoff type of game. During the first half we played with intensity. The opportunities that we had keep us optimistic about what is coming next, which is to find a way to get points in the last two games and also chase big things in the playoffs.
Last year it took us a little bit, because we were still young, but tonight was one of those performances where we showed that we can be the guys who are supposed to win the league – and we’re proud. It was some great soccer right there.”
On preparing for the next games:
“We have two games. We’re going to prepare for Seattle [Sounders] now, and then we need to get to LA [Galaxy]. We do have the opportunity to win the Supporters Shield, but as I have said from the beginning, you cannot hold too many objectives at a time and try to sort them all. We have to take things one game at a time; at this time we will recover this group and make sure that they have the energy to face the last two teams.”
LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena
“I don’t think it was a very good game. I don’t think either team played well. I thought it was a little sloppy. Some decent chances created by both teams in the game. Obviously, one goal off a corner kick. We had a chance early in the game with (Steven) Gerrard’s chance to maybe get ahead and put a little pressure on them. I didn’t think we played well in the first half. Second half, it got a little bit better.
We work on that a lot. Guys are well aware of it. Pretty foolish goal to concede at the end of the first half. Really that simple. Everyone knows their responsibilities. We shouldn’t be conceding that goal.”
