Eric Quill lauded Ramiro’s leadership after FC Dallas’s 2-0 win over Portland Timbers. Ramiro, stepping in as captain after Luciano Acosta’s exit, is praised for his versatility and leadership qualities. The team prepares to face Austin FC, with key players like Myrto Uzuni and Petar Musa in focus. Bookmakers favor Austin FC, but FC Dallas aims to capitalize on Ramiro’s influence and their strong away record to secure a crucial victory.
Following FC Dallas's recent 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers, head coach Eric Quill was effusive in his praise for midfielder Ramiro, describing him as "a massive piece of our puzzle." The win, fueled by goals from Petar Musa and Lalas Aboubakar, has propelled FC Dallas closer to a coveted playoff spot in the Western Conference. What makes this victory even more significant is the leadership displayed by Ramiro, who stepped up as captain in the wake of Luciano Acosta's departure to Brazilian side Fluminense.
Ramiro, a seasoned 32-year-old who joined the club at the start of the season on a two-year contract, is poised to continue his role as captain in the upcoming MLS fixture against Austin FC. The stakes are high, as only six points separate the two teams in the Eastern Conference standings. Quill is confident that Ramiro's leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team towards their ultimate goal.
Quill's admiration for Ramiro extends beyond his on-field performance. "He [Ramiro] has shown this since day one, coming in the building. This is who he is," Quill stated, highlighting Ramiro's innate qualities. "It is in his DNA. He cares deeply, he is a competitor, but he cares about the guys. And he is a footballer."
What sets Ramiro apart is his versatility and adaptability. Quill emphasized, "You can play him as a nine or an eight, seven, six, five. Whatever position you put him in, he is going to perform at a high level." This adaptability stems from his "really smart brain and a huge heart," qualities that make him a formidable force on the field. Above all, Ramiro's unwavering desire to win permeates every aspect of his game. "What you see out there is how he trains every single day of his life and how he lives his life, so he is a massive piece of our puzzle," Quill added, underscoring Ramiro's commitment and dedication.
In Quill's eyes, Ramiro is more than just a player; he is a leader who inspires those around him. "Credit to him as our captain, we follow him," Quill concluded, encapsulating the team's trust and reliance on their captain.
However, the upcoming match against Austin FC presents a formidable challenge. Nico Estevez's side is currently enjoying a four-game unbeaten streak in the MLS, most recently securing a 2-2 draw against the Houston Dynamo. To secure a victory, FC Dallas will need to overcome Austin's resilience and capitalize on their own strengths.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on key players from both sides. For Austin FC, Myrto Uzuni has emerged as a crucial figure in the absence of Brandon Vazquez, who is sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season. Uzuni's ability to score or assist in three of his last five matches since Vazquez's injury highlights his growing influence on the team.
On the FC Dallas side, Petar Musa has been in scintillating form, scoring in each of his last four regular-season matches, amassing a total of six goals. With 13 goals and five assists this season, Musa is a constant threat to opposing defenses. Notably, Musa previously scored in five consecutive games in 2024, and another such streak would see him join Jason Kreis as the only FC Dallas player to achieve multiple goalscoring streaks of five or more games.
Despite Austin's recent success, bookmakers favor the home side with a 55.7% probability of winning, while the chances of a draw are at 22.9%. FC Dallas, on the other hand, has a 21.4% chance of securing a victory. The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to claim valuable points in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
While Austin has demonstrated resilience at home, losing only two of their last 14 matches in all competitions, FC Dallas boasts a strong away record, having lost only three of their last 14 away matches. In their recent encounters, Dallas has emerged victorious in two straight matches against Austin, both played in Dallas. However, Austin has triumphed in the last two meetings at Q2 Stadium, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming fixture.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the spotlight will be on Ramiro, whose leadership and versatility will be crucial for FC Dallas. With the support of his teammates and the guidance of Coach Quill, Ramiro is poised to lead his team to victory and cement his status as a key figure in the club's pursuit of success.