Foreign Exchange: Three questions (once again) with Big D Soccer's Drew Epperley
It was just 28 days ago that we checked in with one of our favorite FC Dallas experts about the Copa Tejas rival. We're doing it again.
Oh, it's you again.
That's what Austin FC and FC Dallas will effectively say to each other in their second tilt in 28 days on Saturday night, with this one happening at Toyota Stadium in South Oklahoma. To prepare, we once again checked in with Drew Epperley of Big D Soccer, and as we enjoy doing, we returned the favor for their Opposition Research feature.
We also got into the matchup some in our most recent version of Emergency Podcast.
To the questions!
When last we checked in, you predicted, "I think they’ll actually sneak into the playoffs" if they keep scoring and eliminating defensive mistakes. How are you feeling now, after three straight draws?
Well, I want to remain positive here. Given how much of a crap shoot the Western Conference is at the moment, I still believe that if they can sort out those two things, which I do think they’ve been getting better at in recent weeks, the playoffs could still be a reality. The attack has found some positive momentum at times in recent weeks, though they cannot rely on picking up wins with three to five shots on target in a game. That has to improve. And the defense has figured out a way to come together and play as a complete unit in Eric Quill's 5-3-2 setup. They're still giving up too many chances on goal, but for the most part, clubs aren't getting that many great looks on net. But the draws have to stop, and the wins have to pick up. They cannot rely on teams like San Jose and Colorado to continue to cough up points while they only get draws.
The most recent draw was against St. Louis; Dallas weathered 43 shots and escaped with a 1-1 draw. Here's your chance to brag about Jacob Jackson, who I assume will start ...
Yes, he will likely be the starter on Saturday night. Maarten Paes doesn't appear to be coming off the injury report just yet, and Quill has already been praising Jackson for his work in training this week. And really, big props to the guy for coming into a game cold, on the road, and taking on that kind of pressure. It really was something that I don’t think we’ll ever see again for some time. I also think that there needs to be more props given to the club’s goalkeeping coach, Drew Kesshan, who has been with the team for ages now.
FC Dallas got a throwback Burn jersey this year, and everyone seems to love them. How are they contributing to whatever vibe is around the team right now? (And is it a good vibe?)
Oh boy, I've gone on record saying this is the best kit that the club has had, ever. I really believe that. I don't normally purchase club kits, mostly because they are pretty boring or lack that special spark that makes me want to spend money on them to get. But this one was worth the money in my book. I've worn it out a couple of times now, and it always seems to spark up a conversation about the team in a way that I don't think their regular kits are able to do. The best part, I think, from it has been how it has sparked up a debate among fans as to whether or not the club should go back to the Burn name. While I don't think the Hunts will go that far, it would be pretty hilarious to see them be the first MLS team to adopt an "FC" name and then be the first to revert to a "retro" name.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
Both Davy Arnaud and Brad Stuver indicated that it wasn't a good night for Verde and the transformed stadium energy was noticeable, while acknowledging Nashville SC was a formidable opponent.
Against the backdrop of a stadium atmosphere different than anything Verde have experienced before, the team let in three second-half goals to see its eight-match unbeaten streak come to an end.
Austin FC returns to MLS play on Saturday to face the Supporters' Shield leaders. We spoke to the journalist who perhaps knows them best to get some perspective.
If a top seed falls in Soldier Field on a random Tuesday during the international break, does it make a sound? Here's how Vancouver's loss to Chicago sets up potential shifts in table math.
Oh, it's you again.
That's what Austin FC and FC Dallas will effectively say to each other in their second tilt in 28 days on Saturday night, with this one happening at Toyota Stadium in South Oklahoma. To prepare, we once again checked in with Drew Epperley of Big D Soccer, and as we enjoy doing, we returned the favor for their Opposition Research feature.
We also got into the matchup some in our most recent version of Emergency Podcast.
To the questions!
When last we checked in, you predicted, "I think they’ll actually sneak into the playoffs" if they keep scoring and eliminating defensive mistakes. How are you feeling now, after three straight draws?
Well, I want to remain positive here. Given how much of a crap shoot the Western Conference is at the moment, I still believe that if they can sort out those two things, which I do think they’ve been getting better at in recent weeks, the playoffs could still be a reality. The attack has found some positive momentum at times in recent weeks, though they cannot rely on picking up wins with three to five shots on target in a game. That has to improve. And the defense has figured out a way to come together and play as a complete unit in Eric Quill's 5-3-2 setup. They're still giving up too many chances on goal, but for the most part, clubs aren't getting that many great looks on net. But the draws have to stop, and the wins have to pick up. They cannot rely on teams like San Jose and Colorado to continue to cough up points while they only get draws.
The most recent draw was against St. Louis; Dallas weathered 43 shots and escaped with a 1-1 draw. Here's your chance to brag about Jacob Jackson, who I assume will start ...
Yes, he will likely be the starter on Saturday night. Maarten Paes doesn't appear to be coming off the injury report just yet, and Quill has already been praising Jackson for his work in training this week. And really, big props to the guy for coming into a game cold, on the road, and taking on that kind of pressure. It really was something that I don’t think we’ll ever see again for some time. I also think that there needs to be more props given to the club’s goalkeeping coach, Drew Kesshan, who has been with the team for ages now.
FC Dallas got a throwback Burn jersey this year, and everyone seems to love them. How are they contributing to whatever vibe is around the team right now? (And is it a good vibe?)
Oh boy, I've gone on record saying this is the best kit that the club has had, ever. I really believe that. I don't normally purchase club kits, mostly because they are pretty boring or lack that special spark that makes me want to spend money on them to get. But this one was worth the money in my book. I've worn it out a couple of times now, and it always seems to spark up a conversation about the team in a way that I don't think their regular kits are able to do. The best part, I think, from it has been how it has sparked up a debate among fans as to whether or not the club should go back to the Burn name. While I don't think the Hunts will go that far, it would be pretty hilarious to see them be the first MLS team to adopt an "FC" name and then be the first to revert to a "retro" name.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
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