FC Dallas put an end to a number of streaks on Sunday as Roberto Mina scored a goal in each half to claim a 2-1 victory against Real Salt Lake at Pizza Hut Park on a scalding hot Sunday afternoon.
FC Dallas won for the first time in league play in their new stadium and put an end to a 10-game winless streak in league play -- but most importantly, ending a two-season drought from appearing in the MLS Cup Playoffs, securing a postseason berth with the win.
"I thought Roberto [Mina] went in there and did very, very well. The first goal was a great goal," said FCD coach Colin Clarke. "A great play on the second one from [Ramon] Nunez and Bobby Rhine to get in there and open it up down the right side and ends up being a great tap-in."
With this victory, the Hoops punched their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 campaign.
"This is the second win in a row and a good win," said FCD forward Arturo Alvarez. "It's the end of the season and the beginning of the playoffs and it's a good time to pick it up again."
Said goalkeeper Scott Garlick: "We made the playoffs the first time in two years and everyone today is happy to be a part of that. We are clearly moving in the right direction."
Nunez turned in another fine performance, playing the full 90 minutes in a wide role and creating havoc for the RSL defense and setting up the second goal for Mina with a mesmerizing run on the right.
"Since I was little I was used to doing that and I think it is all a part of the confidence I am gaining by playing the game," Nunez said. "I just got the ball and turned and looked up and saw Bobby making a great run up the line and played it to him."
The Hoops completely dominated the game from whistle to whistle. A heavy shot advantage (23-6) was masked by the final scoreline, thanks to a goal from Jamie Watson two minutes after Mina doubled the FCD lead.
"Jamie did what Jamie does, he works hard and he ran all over the field and he is going to give you everything he has got when he is out there on the field," said FCD defender Clarence Goodson. "You have to give him credit for that, but at the same time we could have maybe done a better job of clearing the ball and not giving the corner up."
Said Clarke: "I thought our boys were lively and kept the ball moving and were smart with it. The only blemish on the day was when we conceived the goal.
"It's nice when you go into the start of the season and set your goals and achieved one by going into the playoffs. We achieved another one by getting to the final of the Open Cup and we've got one more to go."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
