MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas Remains Unbeaten at Home with Dramatic 88th Minute Game-Winner

Published on April 13, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas (5-1-1, 16 points) picked up three points at home for the fourth straight time in tonight's 1-0 victory over the L.A. Galaxy at FC Dallas Stadium.

George John scored the game-winning goal for Dallas in the 88th minute. The deciding goal followed a pair of penalty-kick saves in a memorable second half for all 20, 465 fans in attendance.

The first half began with David Ferreira earning FC Dallas a free kick in a very dangerous position in the 18th minute. The most-fouled player of the league drew two defenders and was knocked to the turf on a challenge by LA Galaxy midfielder Juninho just outside the top left corner of the area. Unfortunately for Dallas, the former league MVP's right-footed shot flew well high of the crossbar behind LA goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

The LA Galaxy returned fire in the 25th minute, when Colin Clarke received a pass in space on the left flank. The Colorado native took the space in front of him and fired a rocket shot that forced FC Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez to make his second save of the evening. The Peruvian international leaped to his right side to tip the shot over the bar and out for a corner kick. The ensuing kick was also punched away by Fernandez before being cleared down the pitch by Michel.

FC Dallas finished the scoreless first half with a 54/46 advantage in possession and nearly capitalized in the 44th minute when Jackson sent a high cross to the far post. Cudicini stayed on his line, opting not to challenge for the ball, which forced the defense to clear the ball over the end line for an FC Dallas corner kick. Ferreira took the set piece, lobbing a ball into the area for Michel. The Brazilian won the header cleanly, but once again, FC Dallas' shot attempt missed high.

Just after halftime, Ferreira and Michel were back on the attack. The South American duo combined to send a ball into a crowded box for second-year defender Matt Hedges. Hedges rose above the pack to redirect a shot on goal, but Cudicini was there to make a diving save to his right side to keep the game scoreless.

LA responded at the opposite end of the field in the 56th minute, when a strong defensive play by Marcelo Sarvas opened the door for MLS's leading scorer, Mike Magee to increase his total. Sarvas battled with Andrew Jacobson following a quick restart, won the ball and knocked it outside for Magee. The opportunistic forward put a hard shot across the goalmouth towards the back post, but Fernandez was equal to the task, pushing the ball wide of the right post.

FC Dallas gained a one-man advantage in the 60th minute when a full-field drop kick from Fernandez sent Blas Perez in, one-on-one with Cudicini. Arriving late, LA Galaxy defender Leonardo got a touch on the ball before colliding with Perez. Referee Baldomero Toledo pointed to the penalty spot and issued Leonardo a red card for fouling as the last defender on the play.

FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper opted to take the penalty kick, but was denied by Cudicini with a diving save to his right side.

Nine minutes later it was LA that had an opportunity to take the lead via penalty kick after Toledo once again pointed to the penalty spot for a foul called on FC Dallas defender John. LA Galaxy forward Jose Villareal earned the free kick after John stepped on his foot, just inside the area.

Landon Donovan stepped to the penalty kick, firing a shot to Fernandez's left side, but once again, the match remained scoreless as the 6-1 goalkeeper slapped away the attempt with a diving save.

John broke the stalemate in the 88th minute via corner kick taken by Michel. The midfielder served a ball in to the near post, where second-half substitute Eric Hassli cracked a header off the crossbar. The rebound shot down, across the goalmouth and into the path of John, who finished off his second goal of the year with a strong header, handing Dallas a 1-0 victory.

Check out the FC Dallas Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from April 13, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central