FRISCO, TEXAS — With a 0-2 loss to Liga MX’s FC Juárez in FC Dallas’ second group stage match, Dallas is no longer in Leagues Cup contention.
Juárez’s first goal came in the 23rd minute, with a diving header from Ángel Zaldívar, assisted by Ralph Orquin.
Their second was off a penalty kick, taken in the 83rd minute by Avilés Hurtado.
The only way for FCD to advance in Leagues Cup play, getting to host a knockout stage game on Aug. 9, would have been to win by two or more goals. With the loss, both FCJ and St. Louis CITY SC will advance to the next round.
It is the first time FCD has lost on Toyota Stadium soil in Leagues Cup play. Last season’s two Leagues Cup matches against Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF are not considered defeats, because they ended in draws during regulation before FC Dallas lost in penalty kicks.
From a loss like this, interim head coach Peter Luccin said that now is the time for reflection.
“It was [our] worst game,” Luccin said.
He said the match was about winning duals, both offensive and defensive, and that all of the players lost theirs.
Looking ahead, Luccin made it simple: there is “only one thing on our minds, and that’s making the playoffs.”
He said the team may be too complacent right now, but over the course of the next month, a fire may be lit under them with players returning from various injuries.
FCD won’t be back in action again until Major League Soccer play resumes on Saturday, Aug. 24, when they play at D.C. United’s Audi Field at 6:30 p.m. CST.
