When former Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales came to FC Dallas this offseason, it seemed to be with the intent of filling the role of playmaker, or No. 10, to prod the attack while Mauro Diaz recovered from injury. Instead, the team largely has played two forwards up top in a 4-4-2 rather than using a playmaker in a 4-2-3-1.
After being mostly a locker room presence, Morales has started contributing in this crucial stretch run, partnering with Carlos Gruezo farther back in the midfield while Kellyn Acosta recovers from a groin injury.
"I think Javi's just been offering something different," Tesho Akindele said.