FC Dallas dropped their home opener for the first time since 2010 as they fell 1-0 to Minnesota United.
The Loons were able to get revenge on the team that knocked them out of the MLS Cup Playoffs last season as they rode a second half goal from Mender Garcia.
Neither side was able to really get much going on goal in the first half as FC Dallas squandered several corner kicks including two that nearly found the back of the net with a header from Sebastian Lletget and another one that saw Paxton Pomykal volley a shot to force Dayne St. Clair into a big save.
But it was Minnesota that came out firing in the second half as Mender Garcia finished off a rebound from a Franco Fragapane shot that forced Maarten Paes to make a diving save.
Dallas looked for some chances on goal late in the game but struggled to really test St. Clair in goal for Minnesota. The best opportunity came in the 87th minute as Geovane Jesus came up the right flank and then drove a ball into the penalty box, just missing the run of Jesus Ferreira.
Instant Reaction: Outside of a couple of chances, FC Dallas struggled to really get anything going in this one and the sloppiness in the defense really shined through as Minnesota took advantage of their one main opportunity.
The shape in the midfield and in defense just seemed off on the night too. Sebastian Ibeagha made his debut with the club and looked really shaky with the ball at his feet. He has several slips in the midfield that Minnesota could have taken more advantage of to really put this game away. Thankfully they didn’t on the night.
Estevez said after the game that you see this sort of thing in the opener, guys picking the wrong moments to go forward, poor touches, that sort of thing. FCD had 11 shots but only one on target for the night, that is something that has to improve if this team truly wants to be a contender this season.
Things will improve but it does feel like we have a long way to get there right now.
Man of the match: Let’s go with Paxton Pomykal. He was buzzing all over the place and nearly had a chance in the first half to find the back of the net.
What’s next for FC Dallas: We stay at home for another week to begin this new season as FCD hosts the LA Galaxy in what will be their first game of the season (their opener was canceled due to weather).
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