MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas downs Philadelphia, 2-1, in front of 21,182 fans at Toyota Stadium

Published on July 4, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas (7-7-5, 26 points) defeated the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, tonight in front of the sixth-largest MLS crowd (21,182) in Toyota Stadium history.

FC Dallas charged out of the gate, outshooting Philadelphia five to two and producing five corner kicks early in the match. Spearheading the attack was rookie Tesho Akindele, who has been consistently getting himself into goal-scoring situations after recently fighting his way into the starting rotation. The Colorado School of Mines product nearly picked out the top corner of the net from just outside the area in the seventh minute after receiving a lateral pass from Moises Hernandez. He didn't miss when Blas Perez offered him a second opportunity in the 26th minute.

The play began when Perez received a pass at the top of the area, turned and flicked a ball over the head of his defender and into the path of Akindele. From 12 yards out, the forward struck a first-touch volley at the near post, giving Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath little chance to make a save on the play. Akindele's second goal of the season gave Dallas a 1-0 lead midway through the first half. The assist was Perez's fourth of the season, which matches his MLS high, recorded during the 2012 season.

Philadelphia fired back just before halftime when Danny Cruz flew up the left flank and jumped to keep a loose ball alive despite a strong slide-tackle attempt by FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd. Cruz did just enough to get the ball into the area, where Cristian Maidana cut back and sent a ball on the floor across the face of goal. FC Dallas midfielder Victor Ulloa nearly cut out the pass, but the ball found Amobi Okugo at the back post and the midfielder was able to slip a low shot just inside the post to level the score, 1-1, in the 43rd minute.

Akindele and Perez did enough to get the ball past MacMath a second time in the 49th minute. Akindele started the play by dribbling across the top of the area and attempting to play a one-two ball with Perez. The Panamanian's return pass, however was intercepted by Union left back Fabinho. The Brazilian's first touch clearance towards the touchline slammed into the left knee of his teammate Sheanon Williams and caromed past the Philadelphia goalkeeper to give FC Dallas the 2-1 victory.

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