FRISCO, Texas – Blas Perez and Tesho Akindele may get most of the attention for FC Dallas’ 2-1 comeback win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday night.
But without the field vision of midfielder Mauro Diaz, who now has two goals and four assists since returning to the lineup two weeks ago, tonight’s rally would not have seemed so effortless.
“With Mauro, you have to expect anything. He’s a magician with the ball at his feet,” Perez said via a translator. “Today he gave us a couple of examples of magic with the two passes that made the difference in the game.”
With FC Dallas down 1-0 in the 59th minute, Diaz took the ball at the top of the Galaxy box in the 77th minute and scanned the defense. After seeing Perez in the corner of his eye, Diaz alertly and precisely scooped the ball and lobbed it over the defense to give Perez a one-on-one opportunity right in front of the net, resulting in his team-leading fifth goal of the season and the 1-1 equalizer.
Fast forward to the 86th minute and Diaz orchestrated yet another opportunity, this time for the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year Akindele. This pass was arguably even more impressive going across the field from the far right side, soaring over both teams right to Akindele’s feet on the left, where he sized up a shot that he sent past goalkeeper Jaime Penedo for the game-winner.
“That’s why he’s one of the best players in the MLS, because he does stuff like that,” Akindele said after the game. “Even the first assist to Blas was ridiculous. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with.”
Diaz has been on a tear since returning from injury, but the timing of his heroics in tonight’s game are noteworthy. The Argentine went the full 90 minutes for the first time since the team’s November 10th playoff game against Seattle, and the first time in a regular season match since April of 2014.
“We’ve been concerned about Mauro lasting the 90 minutes and getting him to the end of games,” Pareja said after the match, noting that the team has played it safe all season with the talented midfielder due to his history with leg injuries. “And I thought tonight that the last 15 minutes for Mauro were great and unbelievable.”
Outside of the final 15 minutes tonight, there is a direct correlation between Dallas’ success and Diaz's ability to play significant minutes. When Diaz plays at least 45 minutes for the club, Dallas is an impressive 13-1-4.
But on Saturday night, it was his ability to play even deeper into a match that rewarded the coaching staff and team.
“I’m happy to see him that strong and brilliant still when he’s tired, because that’s when the game demands the most – when you’re tired,” Pareja said. “In the last 15 minutes, he was Mauro Diaz.”
Scott Sidway covers FC Dallas for MLSsoccer.com.
