MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas Draws 0-0 with Odense Boldklub in Preseason Friendly

February 2, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


MARBELLA, Spain - FC Dallas played to a scoreless draw against Denmark's Odense Boldklub Friday afternoon in its first action of the preseason training camp in Spain.

First Half Lineup: Jimmy Maurer; Sam Junqua, Nkosi Tafari, Carl Sainte; Dante Sealy, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Asier Illarramendi, Herbert Endeley; Paul Arriola, Diego Garcia; Logan Farrington

Dallas took control early on, creating a chance that fell to Herbert Endeley whose right-footed shot from the edge of the box was just wide. Seven minutes later, Endeley played creator, setting up Paul Arriola behind Odense's backline but FCD's captain saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper at close range. Dante Sealy, playing left wing back on the day, attempted an effort with his weaker foot that forced a diving save from the goalkeeper, who turned it around the post for a corner kick.

Defender Nkosi Tafari came close to opening the scoring 15 minutes in when he connected with Tsiki Ntsabeleng's cross but Tafari's downward header went inches wide. After creating a handful of chances in the first 25 minutes, Dallas' creativity waned as Odense grew into the game and closed out the first half more comfortably.

Second Half Lineup: Maarten Paes; Turner Humphrey, Omar Gonzalez, Sebastien Ibegaha; Marco Farfan, Nolan Norris, Liam Fraser, Bernard Kamungo; Enes Sali, Sebastian Lletget; Eugene Ansah

Eugene Ansah had the opening chance of the second half when goalkeeper Maarten Paes put him behind the backline with a pinpoint punt that flew 40 yards. Odense's defenders recovered, though, and stifled Ansah's ensuing cross. New signing Enes Sali showed a flash of skill in the 64th minute, beating two defenders with quick movement but his shot from distance was well wide.

Dallas wasn't as dominant in the second 45, and narrowly avoided falling behind thanks to Paes who made a diving save to stop a well-placed shot from outside the box. Liam Fraser had FCD's first shot on target of the half when Sebastian Lletget teed him up on the edge of the box but his left-footed shot was saved comfortably.

The last chance of the game fell to Ansah, who forced a good save from Odense's goalkeeper with a 90th-minute free kick from 25 yards out.

Scoring Summary:

N/A

Misconduct Summary:

Sebastien Ibeagha

Weather: Sunny, 64ºF

Attendance: Closed to the public

POSTGAME QUOTES FC DALLAS

Head Coach Nico Estévez

On tonights match...

"I think the physicality of the game was very high for both teams, and it was nice to see our team competing in this type of environment. Right now we see our physical side is pretty good and it is how we want to duel, how we want to press and I'm pretty, happy about that."

Continued...

"Also with the ball, I think we had control of the game, we found really good moments and really clear chances that we should have scored. But you know, it's the preseason and sometimes scoring goals in preseason is difficult and I think it was good to see everyone playing in the same page and getting some of the concepts that we are introducing this year. We have to keep progressing, we are trying to get better for next year."

Midfielder Paul Arriola

On tonight's game...

"It's good for us to be able to continue to grow. I think playing in a new formation it's obviously something new that we're all trying to adjust to. We created some good chances that we weren't able to put one away. but overall, I think it's a good step forward for us. A lot to learn, a lot of video to watch and hopefully get better."

Continued...

"Yeah, I don't think it's so much as to the opponent, I think it's more what we do within our own team, our own system. We're trying to tweak some things for this year. We're trying to find different ways to be dangerous and score more goals. So, you know, for us, it's nice to face new opponents just because it's something different. But at the same time, what it always comes back down to is our selves and how we can continue to get better. And obviously with a goal in mind to to be ready for the first game of the season."

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 2, 2024


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