FC Dallas earned their first away points of the 2023 season with a 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Sebastian Ibeagha scored his first goal with FC Dallas early in the first half before the Caps were able to tie things up later in the half thanks to an own goal by Paul Arriola.

The game had plenty of chances as Dallas scored three minutes into the match with Ibeagha heading home a cross from Nkosi Tafari. The center back duo combined for the goal as Tafari curled in a perfect cross from 25 yards out to Ibeagha’s run in the middle of the penalty box.

Vancouver pressed for an equalizer and finally found it in the 34th minute off a long throw in that was headed on by Ranko Veselinovic toward Ryan Gauld but Arriola’s attempt to clear the ball was deflected into the back of the net.

FC Dallas had a chance to go ahead in the second half in the 78th minute as Paxton Pomykal crossed the ball across the Vancouver defense to Marco Farfan who opted to volley his shot on goal that just missed the top post.

Vancouver nearly grabbed the lead late in the match as Veselinovic crossed the ball across goal in the 95th minute to the back post where Sergio Cordova was nearly able to get a foot on it. Thankfully for the Dallas defense the ball bounced just wide of the net.

Instant Reaction: Honestly, this isn’t the worst result that FC Dallas could pick up here as they’ve struggled at BC Place over the years. The own goal was unfortunate for sure, but it felt like Vancouver was always going to get a goal in this one. Dallas had their chances though with Ibeagha getting a second header on a corner kick that hit off the post in the first half. Marco Farfan nearly had one of his own as well.

Yeah, this result could have been worse but it definitely could have been better.

Man of the Match: Tafari gets the nod for me with the assist and a couple of great long balls up the field to Jesus Ferreira.

What’s next for FC Dallas: The club returns home to battle virals Sporting Kansas City next Saturday evening.