A goal from Anderson Julio helped secure a draw at home on Saturday night for FC Dallas against ten-man Real Salt Lake.
Julio scored his third goal of the season, his first against his former club.
After a cagey opening 20 minutes, RSL struck first on Diego Luna’s seventh goal of the season. After a poor set of clearances out of the penalty area by the Dallas defense, Luna got the ball at the top of the penalty box. He made a couple of touches to get by Kaick before ripping a shot that beat Maarten Paes.
FC Dallas managed to tie the game up seven minutes into the second half on a stellar play by Julio. Pedrinho played Julio the ball along the right sideline, where Julio was able to keep the ball in play before dribbling up the field. Julio dribbled into the penalty box where he put a shot through traffic to beat Rafael Cabral at the far post.
Shortly before the hour mark, RSL was forced to play with ten men as Willy Agada was issued his second yellow card. Agada was attempting to draw Paes out of his area on a ball that was played into the penalty box, but was carded for embellishment.
FC Dallas pushed for a late winner but struggled to get any good chances on goal.
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Instant Reaction: At some point, this is what this team is in 2025. They’re frustrating to watch. They struggle to create despite having someone like Lucho Acosta (who has looked rather awful for a while now). They’re a tad cagey. And sometimes, one player does something brilliant to find the back of the net.
RSL pulled the same card that other teams, by going direct at FC Dallas in the first half with a press. It worked as Luna scored a ridiculous goal. The adjustment at halftime was good enough to draw.
About the Subs: After halftime, Eric Quill went to his bench to bring on Pedrinho for Show. Petar Musa returned from his ankle injury in the 72nd minute when he came on for Bernard Kamungo. Speaking of returning from injuries, Paxton Pomykal came on in the 82nd minute for Tsiki Ntsabeleng, for his first minutes since the second match of the 2024 season.
Man of the Match: Julio for the heroics.
Where does this fit into the season: The draw keeps the home record ugly, while other results from around the league pushed FC Dallas down to tenth place.
What’s next for FC Dallas: FC Dallas remains at home for another week, as they host their Texas Derby rivals, Houston Dynamo, next Saturday.
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