By: Anthony Miller
In a defensive battle, it was a goal in the 97th minute that helped FC Dallas get a critical three point result beating Austin FC 1-0.
FC Dallas controlled the game well Saturday night in their first MLS game since losing to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup. In front of the home crowd, FC Dallas possessed the ball over 60 percent of the game setting up 11 shots with five of them being on goal. Facundo Quignon led the team in shots with three and had one that was on goal.
One of the key moments of the game was Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira receiving yellow cards in the 45th minute and the 67th minute to ultimately receive the red card and leaving the game. This is the second time this season Austin FC saw a player receive a red card against FC Dallas.
At the end of the game in desperation mode, it was a pass from Marco Farfan connecting with Nkosi Tafari to head in the game winning goal in the 97th minute. FC Dallas picked up an important result winning the match 1-0.
Defense was the name of the game thanks to the performances of the defenders and goalkeeper Maarten Paes to preserve the shutout. Paes had two saves in the game and connected on 95 percent of his passes. It was Alan Velasco and Quignon who played well defensively each getting two nice tackles in the win.
Why it was a big win is because FC Dallas found themselves on the outside of the playoffs as a tenth seed going into the match. They were able to jump Minnesota United and Austin FC in the standings to move into eighth place. Whether they can maintain eighth depends on the Minnesota United-Seattle Sounders game Sunday.
This upcoming week, FC Dallas will be on the road once against St. Louis City SC and at home again next Saturday against Atlanta United. FC Dallas heads into the final ten games of the regular season so now every game counts for the playoffs. With FC Dallas on the bubble, they need results in every game to clinch a spot in the postseason.
Featured Image via X (@FCDallas)