Image: FC Dallas via Twitter
03/26/2023
FC Dallas played a late match (for those in Texas at least) against Los Angeles FC. The result was a poor one for Dallas, as they suffered a 2-1 loss. The good news is that it is only their second loss of the 2023 season. The lone goal for Dallas came from center back Nkosi Tafari, it was his second goal in his FC Dallas career. (Nkosi Tafari | MLSsoccer.com)
LAFC struck first and early. Timothy Tillmann. The goal came in just the 3rd minute of the match after a bad touch from Alan Velasco. Tillmann pounced on the loose ball and took a low shot, which beat both Nkosi Tafari and Maarten Paes.
Dallas almost had an equalizer in the 17th minute. Edwin Cerrillo. Jesus Ferreira took a shot that was blocked by LAFC. Cerrillo bounced on the loose ball and scored outside of the box. VAR was used after the goal and unfortunately for Dallas, it was called back. The reason why the goal was called back was because Jader Obrian was front of LA's goalkeeper John McCarthy and it was believed that he blocked his sight.
In the 35th minute, Dallas was reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the match, as right back Ema Twumasi earned a red card. Originally, it was just a yellow, after a rough challenge against Sergi Palencia. VAR was used to review the challenge and it was changed to a straight red.
FC Dallas finally equalized in the 73rd minute! Two former LAFC players Marco Farfan and Sebastian Ibeagha had a hand (or well, foot) in the goal. Farfan took a deep freekick for Dallas, which connected with Ibeagha in LA's box. Ibeagha knocked the ball across the face of goal. Tafari rushed toward the ball and scored Dallas' lone goal of the match!
LA had a chance to retake the lead in the 79th minute. They were awarded a penalty kick. Carlos Vela's shot missed. Sadly, for Dallas though, LA did regain the lead in the 84th minute. Denis Bouanga was left unmarked during an LA corner. Vela saw the open space Dallas left open and his corner kick made it above Maarten Paes and the Dallas players near him. Bouanga took the loose ball and took the shot from a difficult angle to win the game.
It was not a great night for Dallas. They were missing two of their core starters in the starting lineup, both midfield players. Paxton Pomykal kept out of the game (though he did make the bench). Sebastian Lletget was out due to personal reasons. Hopefully both players return next week. Twumasi will be out for the next game but it's safe to assume that Geovane Jesus will take his place in the starting eleven.
By Toros95