Having dropped their first contest of the season last time out, St. Louis City SC will look to return to the points column at home Saturday night against an FC Dallas crew desperate for a positive result.

Indiana Vassilev’s third-minute goal staked St. Louis (1-1-4, seven points) to an early lead against Real Salt Lake on March 30 before his team allowed Cristian Arango’s second-half hat trick in a 3-1 defeat.

“Some games get away from you,” St. Louis coach Bradley Carnell said. “Some games you win, some games you lose. Then you re-focus on a Monday and go again. That’s what pro sports is all about. We have an opportunity now to fight and work for three points again.”

Before that setback, St. Louis began the season unbeaten through five matches. St. Louis became the first expansion team in MLS history to accomplish that feat in each of its first two seasons.

St. Louis has had a very involved offense, as eight different players have deposited a score in MLS competition. That’s tied for the most in the league with Sporting Kansas City and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Dallas (1-4-0, three points) has lost four in a row for its longest skid since 2018. The team has been hampered by injuries to important contributors. Jesus Ferreira, the club’s top scorer over the past two years, and midfielder Asier Illarramendi have been sidelined due to muscle injuries. It appears both will be out this week, as well.

Forward Eugene Ansah scored Dallas’ only goal in the loss to Austin. Dallas had only 32 percent possession in that matchup and last won Feb. 24 against San Jose. It hasn’t scored more than one goal in any match since.

“For us, this game in St. Louis is very important to gain confidence,” forward Paul Arriola said.

These two clubs have met twice before, splitting the all-time series.

–Field Level Media