FRISCO, Texas – Toyota Stadium is fast becoming the stage for late game heroics after FC Dallas overturned a 1-0 deficit with 30 minutes to play, scoring two goals inside the final 13 minutes to defeat the defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy 2-1 on Saturday night.
Dallas entered the game missing both their starting center backs, Zach Loyd and Matt Hedges due to injury, and their absence arguably played a part in the lone Galaxy goal after a first half played conservatively by both sides. Forward Gyasi Zardes headed home a corner kick from Stefan Ishizaki in the 59th minute, nodding the ball down to the far post where it bounced past leaping goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.
But Dallas would claim the equalizer in the 77th minute. Midfielder Mauro Diaz held the ball at the top of the box and scooped it over the heads of the entire Galaxy defense to an onrushing Blas Perez, who worked his way past LA goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and tapped the ball into the net make it 1-1.
Diaz made another spot-on lob pass in the 86th minute from the right sideline all the way to the left side where he found an open Tesho Akindele. The 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year handled the pass and curled it inside the far right post to give Dallas a late lead that would eventually hold up.
Although the first half was a quiet one, both teams had their opportunities. Penedo came up with three big saves, including two on Dallas winger Fabian Castillo, who wreaked havoc all match with numerous runs and dribbling moves.
The Galaxy actually put the ball into the back of the net in the 40th minute after a free kick fell to Galaxy midfielder Ignacio Maganto, who blasted it home in a crowded penalty area. But the officiating crew called the goal back for an offside position by LA defender Tommy Meyer, who was in the line of sight of the goalkeeper.
FC Dallas brought on Akindele at the half in the hope of sparking the attack and the move ultimately paid off for manager Oscar Pareja, whose squad faces a short week ahead of another big match against the New York Red Bulls on Friday (9 pm ET, UDN). The Galaxy get some extra rest and will travel to Orlando next Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes).
