FRISCO, TEXAS — When Head Coach Nico Estévez was asked what FC Dallas needs to do differently this season to avoid extending the Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes draw-streak, considering the two sides have tied in what was 11 of their past 13 matchups, his answer was simple.
“Start with a goal,” Estévez said.
But how about ending with one?
In the 94th minute, Dante Sealy’s left footed shot from the left side of the box, assisted by Eugene Ansah, gave FC Dallas a victory in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 19,000 fans for the home opener.
Sealy is the second youngest FC Dallas Homegrown signing in club history, having joined the FC Dallas academy at 8 years old.
But it still wasn’t FC Dallas who scored first, like Estévez hoped.
Just six minutes into the 2024 season, San Jose’s Benji Kikanovic found the back of the net. Cristian Espinoza crossed it to Jack Skahan at the penalty spot. His shot deflected off of Dallas’ Maarten Paes, then Kikanovic buried it.
It took another 20 minutes for Dallas to respond, when Asier Illarramendi equalized it with his first MLS career goal.
Sam Junqua’s corner from the right side of the field was punched out to the top of the 18-yard-box. Having taken it out of the air with his first touch, Illarramendi fired it with his left foot past San Jose’s Daniel.
A few more chances for both sides, and two yellow cards later for San Jose’s Carlos Gruezo and Rodrigues sent the two sides into the locker room tied at 1-all.
In the second half, both Paul Arriola and Logan Farrington had quality rips from just outside the 18 that forced Daniel to make big time saves.
Dante Sealy had a solid chance of his own in the 77th minute, and would ultimately beat Daniel in extra time to secure the win for Dallas.
Dallas had 22 shots tonight, more than they had in any one game last season. Despite not scoring first, having scored the next two proved to be all the difference..
If you missed the home opener, don’t worry, because Toyota Stadium will be hosting next Saturday’s match against CF Montréal, at 7:30.
