FC Dallas Protects Homeground with a 2-0 Win over LAFC
With questions swirling over an injury-ridden time, FC Dallas found a way, a big way, with goals from Bernard Kamungo and Sam Junqua to send Los Angeles home with nothing.
On a hot night in Frisco, FC Dallas found a way - a performance that in some ways vindicates Nico Estevez’s patience with his injury-ridden team.
Los Angeles FC, dealing with injuries of their own but coming off of a MLS Cup championship last season, still seem one of the most talented and dangerous teams in Major League Soccer. Their schedule has been dense, no doubt contributing to performances recently that have questioned their depth and form. Basically, you can’t take this squad for granted.
FC Dallas meanwhile has not been in good form, struggling to find goals while star striker Jesus Ferreira is out banging them in for the US men’s national team and missing numerous players. They had a bit of boost with Sebastian Lletget getting a start and both Paxton Pomykal and Tsiki Ntsabeleng on the bench. Jader Obrian was a mysterious scratch… for personal reasons.
When the lineups were announced, many of us questioned whether any positive result was possible. Who would scores the goals? Would the team have enough to hold off Los Angeles?
Defensively, we knew this squad has the potential to be very good, and in fact, behind another stalwart performance from Maarten Paes, Dallas did an excellent job fending off Los Angeles FC’s attack, including some dangerous opportunities from Dénis Bouanga. Going into halftime with a 0-0 draw was something to build on, especially with the Texas heat working in their favor.
Scoring-wise, Bernard Kamungo was the answer, doubling his tally for the season on a lunging shot off of a bouncing ball from a throw in. It was a bit of luck, but for a team that has been needing a visit from the soccer gods, it was a huge moment for the youngster and the team. He rightly celebrated in front of the huge crowd.
Head Coach Nico Estevez acknowledged after the game that there was a lot to like about the defensive fight and cohesion of the squad against a potent opponent.
“We were very strong in the first half,” Nico said to media after the match. “When it came to the second half we pressed more and continued to attack. It definitely helped us a lot in the second half as we did a better job and managed to score two goals. ”
Alan Junqua, a player signed mostly to back up Marco Farfan, has suddenly emerged as an interesting contributor as a backup on the wings. He scored a fierce shot off of his left foot to double FC Dallas’ lead.
“It’s a great feeling, especially because it was a good effort from the team. We deserved to get something out of this,” Junqua said about scoring his first FC Dallas goal. “We got the three points tonight at home in front of our fans who we have not seen in a long time.”
Overall, the team can turn the page on a disappointing June and look to a quick turnaround with their traditional 4th of July match on Tuesday against visiting DC United.
“This is a pretty good feeling, this is fun and we just need to keep working and show people what this team is all about,” said Kamungo after the match.