FRISCO, TEXAS — The Copa Tejas title makes its way back to Frisco for the first time since 2021, thanks to FC Dallas’ 3-1 win over in-state rival Austin FC.
Austin had the bragging rights each of the last two seasons. Under this year’s new rules, in which the standings are determined by points-per-game in matches between the Texas teams, including Houston Dynamo FC, Dallas rounds out the fan-driven competition with 2.0 PPG.
“It was important to win the Copa Tejas,” Interim head coach Peter Luccin said. “Copa Tejas is important for the club… but we need to be better. [I am] very happy about the win, but we have to change for us to win our first game away.”
Paul Arriola netted the night’s first in the 11th minute. Katlego Ntsabeleng played a ball long into Logan Farrington, who fed it to Arriola across the 18-yard box, placing it past AFC’s Brad Stuver.
Gyasi Zardes leveled it for AFC just five minutes later, burying one top right corner.
Luccin was pleased with how the team responded afterwards. In the second half, things ramped up in the 53rd minute: a hand ball in the box had Arriola taking the penalty kick, but he could not put it away. However, it was called back due to Stuver encroaching. Petar Musa stepped up to take the second attempt, and slammed it top corner to retake the lead in the 56th minute.
A scuffle came after Musa scored and he and Nkosi Tafari got yellow cards, while Sebastian Driussi was ejected.
Musa has now scored eight goals in his last seven Major League Soccer appearances, and leads the team in goals scored with 13.
Adding on to the tally, Marco Farfan got one of his own thanks to an Arriola assist in the 74th minute.
Dallas went 2-1 over Austin this season, remaining undefeated at home against the Verde & Black.
FCD now heads to Gillette Stadium this Saturday to play the New England Revolution, who sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Kickoff at 6:30 p.m.
