FC Dallas captain Luciano Acosta said FC Cincinnati fans "should be grateful" after he was booed on his return to face his former side.

Acosta played for Cincinnati from 2021 to 2024. He had a brilliant season in 2023, earning the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year, while helping the club win the 2023 Supporters' Shield.

The playmaker was traded to Dallas after Cincinnati were knocked out in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024.

Despite going 2-0 down in the match, Dallas fought back to eventually draw 3-3 thanks to a 92nd-minute equaliser from Sebastien Ibeagha.

Acosta was more focused on pushing forward with his current side rather than focusing on his past.

"They scored two goals in the first half, which were very easy," said Acosta.

"We said in the second half that we had to come out differently, with more intensity. We did it. We were able to get a point here at their place, which is very difficult, and we are very happy."

Acosta added: "The truth is I know very well what I did here. I know what I gave to this club and the truth is that people should be grateful.

"I think we gave them a Supporters Shield, I gave them an MVP campaign and a Goal of the Year. I think they should be grateful, but I hold my head high with what I did for the club."

Dallas are 11th in the Western Conference and face a tough test next against Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, with their most recent defeat coming against New York City FC on April 12.

The Union came from a goal behind to beat Toronto FC 2-1 in midweek, and head coach Bradley Carnell is hoping his team can continue their recent winning streak. 

"We know we're a real weapon with set piece delivery and when you need a set piece to come out most, we delivered on the night," Carnell said.

"And then, through momentum and sheer energy and commitment and belief and hunger, we find a way to win the game.

"The energy is incredible within the group right now, and we just keep finding a way to ride the wave of momentum." 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas – Luciano Acosta

Acosta has been one of the better players in this struggling Dallas side, along with Petar Musa and Anderson Julio.

During their six-goal thriller against Cincinnati, Acosta registered team-high totals for final third entries (eight), touches (69), total passes (48) and successful dribbles (three).

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Baribo has been in fine form for the Union this season, leading the way for the Golden Boot with 13 goals in 15 matches so far this campaign. 

His goals have come at important times for Carnell's team, too. Three of his 13 goals have been match-openers. 

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Philadelphia travel to face Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday with the two sides on opposite paths, as the visiting side are unbeaten in eight straight while the hosts hope to end a five-match MLS winless streak.

Philadelphia's last MLS match saw them beat Toronto at BMO Field, leaving them atop the table on 33 points, three points above Cincinnati through 16 matches.

However, Dallas have got the better of Philadelphia of late, and are unbeaten in the last three MLS matches between them. Philadelphia are looking for their first league win in fixtures between the two clubs since April 2019.

Hosts Dallas will seek to address a poor run of results at Toyota Stadium this season with one draw, four losses, and just one win in six MLS contests. The Toros are looking to reverse a three-match MLS home winless streak dating to April 13 against Seattle Sounders. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Dallas – 30.2%

Draw – 24.9%

Philadelphia Union – 44.9%