Match Recap: FC Dallas Seals 1-0 Victory Over Inter Miami CF in Preseason Opener at the Cotton Bowl
Dallas, Texas (January 22, 2024) – FC Dallas kicked off their 2024 preseason campaign with a resounding 1-0 triumph over Inter Miami CF, marking their first win at the Cotton Bowl since September 2009.
Jesús Ferreira’s Early Strike Sets the Tone
In the 3rd minute of the match, Jesús Ferreira etched his name into the annals of FC Dallas history by netting the team’s first goal of the 2024 preseason. The goal materialized from a brilliant sequence of play initiated by Asier Illarramendi’s recovery, followed by Liam Fraser and Paul Arriola’s deft build-up, culminating in a perfectly weighted pass that sent Ferreira through on goal. With clinical precision, Ferreira buried the ball past Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, igniting the Cotton Bowl crowd.
Nkosi Tafari Demonstrates Leadership Qualities
After returning from international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, defender Nkosi Tafari seamlessly reintegrated into the FC Dallas lineup, earning the captain’s armband for the final minutes of the first half. His leadership and composure on the field were instrumental in maintaining Dallas’ defensive solidity.
Historic Debuts for FC Dallas Newcomers
The match witnessed a significant milestone for several FC Dallas players making their first-ever appearances in a club jersey. 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 etched their names into FC Dallas lore.
Lineups
FC Dallas:
- Goalkeeper: Maarten Paes
- Defenders: Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, Sam Junqua
- Midfielders: Herbert Endeley, Liam Fraser, Asier Illarramendi, Dante Sealy
- Forwards: 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
- Sebastian Lletget
Substitutes Not Used:
- Michael Collodi
- Malik Henry-Scott
- Isaiah Parker
- Lautaro Taboada
Inter Miami CF:
- Goalkeeper: Drake Callender
- Defenders: DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba
- Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel, David Ruiz
- Forwards: 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.”
Call to Action: FC Dallas is excited to kick off their 2024 season at home on February 25th against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Get your tickets now to witness the electrifying atmosphere at Toyota Stadium and support your team as they compete for the MLS Cup. Join us for a season of unforgettable moments and be part of the FC Dallas family!