FC Dallas Defeats Inter Miami CF 1-0 in Preseason Opener at Cotton Bowl Stadium
Dallas, Texas – 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 Monday evening. The triumph marked the club’s first win at the iconic venue since 2009 and provided a glimpse of the team’s potential heading into the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Jesús Ferreira’s Early Strike Sets the Tone
FC Dallas wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as star striker Jesús Ferreira found the back of the net just three minutes into the match. The goal, assisted by Liam Fraser and Paul Arriola, was the result of a well-executed build-up play initiated by Asier Illarramendi’s superb recovery in midfield. Ferreira’s clinical finish gave FC Dallas an early advantage and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Nkosi Tafari Anchors the Defense with Authority
Following his return from international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, defender Nkosi Tafari made his presence felt at the heart of FC Dallas’ defense. The young center-back, who captained the team for the final minutes of the first half, displayed immense leadership and composure throughout the match. His commanding performance solidified FC Dallas’ backline and helped keep Inter Miami’s attack at bay.
Newcomers Make Their Mark in FC Dallas Debut
The preseason opener also provided an opportunity for several newcomers to make their FC Dallas 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 first appearances for the club. These additions added depth and versatility to the FC Dallas squad and showcased their potential to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Lineups and Substitutions
FC Dallas fielded a strong starting lineup, led by Maarten Paes in goal, Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, and Sam Junqua in defense, Herbert Endeley, Liam Fraser, Asier Illarramendi, and Dante Sealy in midfield, and Jesús Ferreira, Eugene Ansah, and Paul Arriola in attack.
Throughout the match, FC Dallas made several substitutions, introducing fresh legs and tactical adjustments. 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 all saw action, showcasing the team’s depth.
Inter Miami CF also made substitutions during the game, bringing on Nicolas Steffanelli, Gregore, Leonardo Campana, Lawson Sunderland, Robert Taylor, and Chris McVey.
Attendance and Fan Appreciation
Despite the cold and rainy weather, an enthusiastic crowd of 32,211 fans braved the elements to witness FC Dallas’ victory at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The passionate support from the stands created an electric atmosphere and played a significant role in motivating the team to secure the win. Head coach Nico Estévez expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging the importance of their presence in fostering a vibrant soccer culture in Dallas.
Post-Game Quotes
FC Dallas Head Coach Nico Estévez:
- “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.”
- “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:
- “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.”
- “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:
- “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.”
Conclusion
FC Dallas’ 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF in their preseason opener at the Cotton Bowl Stadium marked a positive start to the 2024 season. The team displayed impressive teamwork, determination, and tactical discipline. The contributions of newcomers and the leadership of experienced players bode well for FC Dallas’ future prospects. The club’s passionate fan base played a significant role in creating an electric atmosphere, further emphasizing the growing soccer culture in Dallas. As FC Dallas continues its preseason preparations, the team will look to build on this momentum and strive for success in the upcoming MLS campaign.