For the first time in 12 matches, FC Dallas posted a clean sheet behind Maarten Paes’ saves, and an early goal from Jesús Ferreira. It also happened to be their first road win since September 3, 2022 against Minnesota. FC Dallas and Jesús dominate Easter weekend in Miami.
In the first half, FC Dallas absolutely manhandled the match, even though Inter Miami CF controlled a majority of possession throughout the match. Dallas’ offense was on another level with creating chances for their squad. In the first half alone, Dallas recored 10 shots, four of which were on target. It was a whole lot of fire for Miami’s keeper, Drake Callender, and for the most part he was good.
However, in the 27th minute, Jesús was there for Easter. Ferreira finally got one in the back of the net as FC Dallas took their first lead of the night. It was a lead that would last the length of the match, and a lead that could have been much larger.
Jesus ➡️ Jesus ➡️ Jesús = The Holy Trinity Goal pic.twitter.com/pwUGotIoCG
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) April 9, 2023
When you have three Jesus’s on your team, it seems nearly impossible to lose on Easter weekend, but what do I know? The first 26 minutes seemed like the dam was filling up and ready to open the floodgates of goals for Dallas, but all it took was a bit of chaos in front of the net for Ferreira to get one in.
The second half of the match was more of the same for Dallas. They had plenty of opportunities to put the game away, but couldn’t get that second goal to go in. Miami created a few chances, and had tons of corners it seemed like, but never had the quality looks to notch the match at one. At the end of full time, there was an extra eight minutes put on the board.
In those eight minutes, Dallas fans could only bite their fingernails, and clinch their butt cheeks because of the result of their previous match against Portland. In extra time last week, they gave up a goal which led to a tie, and not a win for the home team. Eight minutes seemed like an eternity Saturday night.
In the 97th minute, a penalty was called for Inter Miami CF, and they were set up to tie the game in the dying minutes of the match. The entire Dallas squad and coaches were all irate, and trying to convince the referees that they made the wrong call. Thankfully, VAR was there to save the day.
Dear VAR,
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) April 9, 2023
Thank you 🤿
VAR showed that the foul was actually on Miami, and Dallas was able to waste another couple of minutes on the pitch until the final whistle was blown. Albeit the match was against a lesser opponent, it was good to see Dallas put the full match together and come back home with a win.
Ferreira is proving to be one of the best young players in the league as he set the record for youngest player in MLS history to reach 40 career goals. He’s a stud for Dallas and will more than likely continue that trend for the U.S. national team in the coming years.
With his first-half goal tonight, @FCDallas forward Jesús Ferreira (22 years, 105 days old) became the youngest player in @MLS history to reach 40 career regular-season goals.
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) April 9, 2023
The previous record was held by Cyle Larin, who reached 40 goals at 22 years, 110 days old. pic.twitter.com/hGsvIsXrSO
Dallas will be back home to face off against Real Salt Lake next weekend. It will be a good test for Dallas to see if they can continue to win games wire to wire against teams that they should do that to. FC Dallas and Jesús dominate Easter Weekend in Miami after a wire to wire win with some drama in the 97th minute.
