FC Dallas forward David Texeira hasn’t had the easiest time getting on the field this year, but his patience may have finally paid off on Tuesday night.
Texeira, who has only played 320 minutes in six appearances for FCD this season, broke out in Dallas’ 4-1 US Open Cup win against Oklahoma City Energy FC, going the full 90 and scoring a pair of goals in the team's fourth-round victory.
The Uruguayan was quick to credit his teammates for his goals, particularly midfielders Fabian Castillo and Michael Barrios, who set up both strikes by besting the OKC outside backs on the flank. Still, the fact that Texeira was able to finish is an encouraging sign for a Dallas team that will likely be without starting striker Blas Perez for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“Everyone is ready to play on this team. They just need the opportunity,” Texeira said after the Open Cup win. “Once they get that chance to play, they will do their best. They will do what is best for the team. Today was just my turn.”
For Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja, Texeira’s lack of playing time this year has been more about Perez’s solid start than anything else.
“The only reason he’s not playing is because Blas has been, and I can only have 11 players on the field,” Pareja said. “Blas has done the job that I needed.”
It is impossible to argue with the team’s choice to stick with Perez, who leads FCD with five goals and provides a strong leadership presence both on and off the field.
Even Texeira, the man gunning for Perez’s spot on a daily basis, understands what the Panamanian international means to the squad.
“I know Blas is a great player for us. We think of him as a captain. Everybody knows what he represents,” Texeria said. “But as I said before, I’m just waiting for the chance, waiting for my moment, and working hard for the team and trying to give something to the team.”
Texeira did just that on Tuesday with his brace, and he hopes that his performance is a sign of things to come for him and his role with FCD.
“I’m just working hard and trying to concentrate on every day to play hard and work hard,” Texeria said. “And I think things will come my way if I keep training like that.”
