FC Dallas Defeat Colorado Rapids
Few would’ve predicted FC Dallas set piece wizard Michel would be leading FCD in goals at this point in the season, but no one is complaining.
Inserted back into the lineup for his 11th start of the season, Michel played a man-of-the-match performance with a big hand in FCD’s two-minute double salvo of goals that sunk the Colorado Rapids 3-1.
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“This is the most goals I have ever scored in one season…” Michel said after Saturday’s win. “The most I had ever scored before this was six. I am glad. I’ll continue to work hard and try to do well for this team.”
Michel’s cross in the ninth minute found the head of Walker Zimmerman with his header saved straight into the path of Matt Hedges for the first goal, while Michel bagged the second from the penalty spot just two minutes later and had the cross that Fabian Castillo eventually finished for FCD’s third goal of the match. Michel’s goal was his fifth penalty kick strike of the season and seventh overall, placing him one goal above Blas Perez in the team.
“We have a tremendous weapon there with Michel,” said Oscar Pareja. “His left leg is
efficient. He made our center backs be very close to score. That’s certainly something we have in our side and I’m glad to have it…He was really efficient today. Three goals and he was a part of all three.”
The Brazilian showed once again on Saturday night what an important part of Pareja’s side he has become since arriving before the start of the 2013 season. Tonight’s goal was his 10th career goal with FCD.
“There was good movement in the middle from Tesho [Akindele]. Blas [Perez] was in there as well,” Michel said about the third goal. “I saw the runs and I tried to give him the best cross I could and the ball got deflected. Fortunately, Fabian [Castillo] was in a good spot and was able to score another beautiful goal.”
With the win, FCD moves six points clear of Colorado and takes sole possession of third place in the Western Conference standings while extending their unbeaten streak to eight games in MLS and 11 games in all competitions.
“I love this team. I feel so comfortable here,” said Michel. “I hope to be with FC Dallas for a long time.”
