FC Dallas Newcomer Nets the Game Winner in Stoppage Time

Last night was the opening night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas for the 2024 FC Dallas squad. The MLS (Messi League Soccer as it’s now known) kicked off the season a few days ago, but the full league was in action all day Saturday. Dallas’ first match was against the San Jose Earthquakes as FC Dallas newcomer nets the game winner in stoppage time Saturday night.

I would not say that the match was an even one after the first ten minutes or so. Dallas went down early to San Jose got the early goal in the sixth minute of the game. After that, Dallas created chance after chance until Real Madrid legend Asier Illarramendi controlled a rebound and fired one into the back of the net to level the match in the 25th minute.

Illarra was a godsend for the Dallas team that was ravaged by the injury report. Jesús Ferreira and Paxton Pomykal were dealing with preseason injuries, but should be back soon. Alan Velasco will be down for a while with the injury he suffered in the playoffs last season, and big money DP signing Petar Musa was awaiting his visa in order to join the club in Dallas (more on this in a second).

With the veteran and European professional experience of Illarra in the middle of the pitch last night, Dallas was able to find a calming presence in him.

The second half was more of the same of the first half. Tons of chances, yet, nothing to show for it on the scoreboard for either team. The match was still level at one goal each until newcomer Dante Sealy decided to change things in the 94th minute. There had been corner after corner, free kick after free kick, and finally, something went into the net just as time was set to expire.

Sealy is a homegrown player, having been with FC Dallas since he was eight years old, and he finally got his first senior appearance and he made it count.

Dallas had trouble last season earning the full 3 points at home, but this season may appear to be different. FC Dallas attempted 22 shots Saturday night, which would’ve been 2023’s season high in shots by a large margin. The new formation, and inclusion of a new 9 (Musa) soon gives me tons of warm and fuzzies about the ceiling for this squad.

Musa is set to land in Dallas Sunday evening and go through his physicals on Monday. The highest signing in FC Dallas history could join the team on the pitch come next weekend.

All in all, it was a great night at Toyota Stadium as FC Dallas newcomer Dante Sealy nets the game winner in stoppage time on opening night.