Match Notes: FC Dallas Defeats Inter Miami CF 1-0 in Preseason Opener at Cotton Bowl Stadium
Dallas, TX – FC Dallas kicked off their 2024 preseason campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium on January 22, 2024. The match marked Dallas’ first win at the Cotton Bowl since September 30, 2009, when they defeated the New England Revolution by the same scoreline.
Jesús Ferreira Nets Early Winner
FC Dallas wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead just three minutes into the match through Jesús Ferreira. The young forward displayed his clinical finishing ability, capitalizing on a well-worked move involving Asier Illarramendi, Liam Fraser, and Paul Arriola. Ferreira’s goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Dallas continued to create chances throughout the first half.
Nkosi Tafari Leads by Example
After returning from international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, defender Nkosi Tafari showcased his leadership qualities by captaining Dallas for the final minutes of the first half. Tafari’s presence on the field helped solidify Dallas’ defense, which remained resolute throughout the match.
Debutants Make Their Mark
The match also marked a special occasion for several FC Dallas players who made their first-team debuts. Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera, defenders Omar Gonzalez, Mads Westergren, and Turner Humphrey, midfielders Pedrinho, Alejandro Urzua, Carl Sainté, Diego García, and Tomas Pondeca, and forward Logan Farrington all made their FC Dallas debuts in the victory.
Lineups
FC Dallas: Maarten Paes; Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, Sam Junqua; Herbert Endeley, Liam Fraser, Asier Illarramendi, Dante Sealy; Jesús Ferreira, Eugene Ansah, Paul Arriola.
Players subbed into the match: Antonio Carrera, Jimmy Maurer, Logan Farrington, Diego García, Omar Gonzalez, Turner Humphrey, Amet Korça, Nolan Norris, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, Tomas Pondeca, Carl Sainté, Alejandro Urzua, Mads Westergren, and Sebastian Lletget.
Substitutes not used: Michael Collodi, Malik Henry-Scott, Isaiah Parker, Lautaro Taboada.
Inter Miami CF: Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel, David Ruiz; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.
Players subbed into the match: Nicolas Steffanelli, Gregore, Leonardo Campana, Lawson Sunderland, Robert Taylor, Chris McVey.
Substitutes not used: Cole Jensen, CJ Dos Santos, Ryan Sailor, Israel Boatwright, Benjamin Cremaschi.
Scoring Summary:
DAL: Jesús Ferreira (Paul Arriola) – 3′
Attendance: 32,211
Postgame Quotes
FC Dallas Head Coach Nico Estévez
On soccer culture in Dallas:
“It’s huge. You can see tonight but you can also see how the fans are responding in the Toyota Stadium because they are there every single game, it’s full, it’s packed. You can see it when I watch my kid, he plays soccer also, and how many kids play around here and all the families and I think the growth is very very good and it will keep growing.”
On the fans tonight:
“It was a great game, we had some really nice soccer tonight. I want to thank the fans for coming out, it was cold, it was rainy, it was a Monday at 5 pm, but there were plenty of kids in the crowd coming after school, as my son did. The fans were happy tonight.”
FC Dallas Defender Omar Gonzalez
On tonight’s game:
“Every time we step on the field we play hard and come to win no matter the rival. We played really well tonight and we did not lose focus which is very important. It is important to play every game with intensity no matter if it is a friendly. The team tonight connected and fought every ball and this is very important as we continue to prepare for the beginning of the season.”
On the first game back with FC Dallas:
“It is a dream come true to be able to return back with the club. I am very speechless and emotional to be back on the field and home with my family. Playing in this stadium especially brings a lot of memories and happiness as it was nothing but great experiences that remind me of my childhood.”
FC Dallas Goalkeeper Maarten Paes
On the match:
“It was a close game and it was good to get everyone on our team going again. It is good to prepare for set pieces ahead of next season. We are ready to go.”
FC Dallas will continue their preseason schedule with a match against the Houston Dynamo on January 29 at BBVA Stadium.
Call to Action: FC Dallas fans, don’t miss your chance to see the team in action during the 2024 season! Tickets are now on sale for all home matches. Visit the FC Dallas website for more information.