FC Dallas Defeats Mazatlan 2-1 to Advance
FC Dallas looks like a different team, buoyed by new signing Eugene Ansah, and they now prep to face Inter Miami this week in a huge match.
The Leagues Cup is turning out to be an interesting tournament and a good test for FC Dallas.
On a hot night in Frisco, FC Dallas took care of visiting Liga MX side Mazatlan to punch their ticket to the next round.
Overall, the team performed well. While the first half saw both teams held scoreless, FC Dallas looked more dangerous over the 90 minutes. Jader Obrian was active, even though at least two opportunities on the night were ruled offside. Jesus Ferreira is comfortable as a goal maker, not just a goal scorer. Alan Velasco may have had one of his strongest games, slotting home a penalty kick for the initial go ahead score. That PK was earned by Bernard Kamungo, who didn’t express himself as much in this one but is continuing to grow on the pitch.
An error by Jose Martinez led to Mazatlan tying things up, but FC Dallas found a way back as Jesus Ferreira served in a far post ball that Ansah was eager to head home.
What was most unusual about this game was that FC Dallas continues to get healthier and show potential to have one of the deepest rosters in the league. Paul Arriola and Eugene Ansah spelled Kamungo and Obrian in the second half, a problem for any team to deal with. Paxton Pomykal also came on late to run at their opponents and clog up the midfield.
Most importantly, Maarten Paes did what he had to do, dominating in goal with some huge saves to keep the result in FC Dallas’ favor.
Was it the best game yet of the season for FC Dallas? Hardly.
But whatever Nico has done to get more out of the attacking pieces on the pitch is paying off. My gut is that Alan Velasco is simply a terror in the middle of the field that opens up space for the other players, and when Jesus Ferreira goes wide or comes back to help in midfield, it draws defenders with him. Credit to Sebastian Lletget for returning to strong form after an injury battle on top of everything else.
The Leagues Cup is turning out to be a fun competition to watch, even if the crowds have been hit or miss.
On Sunday night, Lionel Messi will play in Frisco for the first time. It’s going to be a spectacle. Stay tuned for a lot more coverage as we go.