Two players who have been fixtures in the FC Dallas starting lineup the past few seasons started on the bench Saturday. Central midfielder Carlos Gruezo came on in the 68th minute of FCD's 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution while attacking midfielder Mauro Diaz was an unused substitute.
Diaz has a long injury history, but while keeping the Argentine off the turf field at Gillette Stadium may have played a role in coach Oscar Pareja's decision, the coach said it was mainly tactical.
"I think we considered a few things going to Boston, first that the game plan there was to go get a team who can give us structure and be especially in the first half tactically smart and intense," he said.