MLS FC Dallas

FCD Defeats Tigres 3-2; Loses Rio Grande Plate on Penalty Kicks

Published on October 15, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, TX (Tuesday, October 14, 2008) - FC Dallas tonight fell to Mexican-partner Tigres UANL on penalty kicks in the 2008 Rio Grande Plate, a home and away friendly series between the clubs. FCD won tonight's home-leg 3-2, forcing the series to be decided by penalties after Tigres won the first game 2-1 in Monterrey, Mexico on Feb. 20.

Aaron Pitchkolan gave Dallas the early lead when he headed home a Chase Wileman corner kick from six yards out in the 5th minute. Dallas extended the lead in the 34th, once again off a Wileman corner. This time, it was an unmarked Jamie Watson who headed home the cross, giving FCD the 2-0 lead into the half.

Tigres made five substitutions at the break, which turned out to be the spark they needed as two subs scored goals while two others provided assists. Midfielder Guillermo Marino put Tigres on the board at the hour mark when he knocked home a corner kick from Javier Saavedra.

Tigres evened the score 12 minutes later. Manuel Viniegra dribbled the ball through the middle of the field and sent a perfectly-weighted ball to a wide open Lucas Ayala on the left flank. Ayala drew FCD keeper Ray Burse off his line as he took the ball into the penalty box and finished from 12 yards out.

With one minute remaining, Pitchkolan once again gave FCD the lead in the game. Defender Michael Dello-Russo sent a cross from the right side, which was flicked on by Spencer Wadsworth to the far post, and Pitchkolan was there to drive home a left-footed shot past the keeper. The goal gave FCD the lead in the game, and evened the series at 3-3, sending the game into penalty kicks.

After scoring the first penalty kick, Dallas missed the next three, and Tigres made three of four to claim the Rio Grande Plate. FCD won the inaugural Plate in 2006 on penalty kicks after tying the series 2-2. Tigres won the Plate in 2007 with a combined 3-0 aggregate score.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 15, 2008


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