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If there is going to be a team from MLS in this year's CCL final, FC Dallas is the favorite to be that team. Carrying a narrow lead to Mexico for the second leg, FCD's task is primarily not to lose: a tie sees the reigning MLS Supporters' Shield and US Open Cup champion (but qualified for this tournament as the 2015 Western Conference winner) through to the final.
Easier said than done against what should be a well-motivated Pachuca side that knows a goal at home swiftly tilts the semifinal its way. In the first leg, Los Tuzos scored first. A repeat of that achievement would suit them very well.
The away goal Pachuca scored in Dallas could be significant in breaking a tie on aggregate. But to make that away goal count, Los Tuzos must overturn the 2-1 deficit they incurred in the first leg.
FCD is a generally positive team on the field, so it will be a surprise if the team decides to try to defend a 2-1 lead for 90 minutes. Expect Dallas to have plenty of ideas about how to score, and extend its lead in the series. If the MLS team can get on the board first in this game and establish a 3-1 advantage that also cancels out any benefit to Pachuca from its away goal - and that will ratchet up the pressure on the home team.
The first goal is important in any game, but it will be potentially decisive in this one: whichever team scores it will feel it has one foot in the final.
Per livesoccertv.com, here's where to find the game.
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