Both FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids will be aiming to end a winless streak when they meet in Frisco on Saturday, and both will rely heavily on their creative players.
For the Rapids, the return last weekend of Albania international Shkëlzen Gashi was met with relief. The Designated Player had missed the previous seven league games, and his presence over the next 13 games will be crucial.
Dallas have a small player who has made a big impact this term in Colombian midfielder Michael Barrios. He is in his third season in MLS. In the previous two seasons, the five-foot two-inch winger managed a total of four assists. He has 10 assists in 2017 already.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Shkelzen Gashi.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/MichaelBarrios.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center">Shkëlzen Gashi</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Michael Barrios</p> |
<p align="center">11</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">21</p> |
<p align="center">Forward/Midfielder</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Midfielder</p> |
<p align="center">29</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">26</p> |
<p align="center">6'0"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">5'2"</p> |
<p align="center">165lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">143lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Albania.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Flag_of_Colombia.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<p align="center">2016</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2015</p> |
<p align="center">2nd season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">3rd season</p> |
<p align="center">36</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">79</p> |
<p align="center">FC Zürich, FC Schaffhausen, AC Bellinzona, Neuchâtel Xamax, Grasshopper Club Zürich, FC Basel</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">Uniautónoma</p> |
<p align="center">He has a dangerous left foot that allows him to locate shots from distance, and to set up teammates. He can put opposing defenders on their heels thanks to his technical ability.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">Small in stature but lightning-quick and dangerously shifty on the ball. An out-and-out winger, Barrios has partnered Roland Lamah to get in behind opposition backlines and create danger.</p> |
