FC Dallas 1, Columbus Crew SC 1 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Sam Stejskal

Columbus Crew SC will have to wait at least another week for their first victory of 2016.

The 2015 MLS Cup finalists couldn’t hold on against FC Dallas on Saturday night, conceding a late goal to draw FCD 1-1 at Toyota Stadium.

Tesho Akindele equalized for FCD (3-1-1) in the 77th minute, running onto a loose ball and tapping home into an empty net after Maxi Urruti’s long-range rocket bounced off the right post and rebounded off of Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark.

Columbus (0-2-2) had been leading since the 9th minute, when midfielder Justin Meram headed home a Federico Higuain corner to put Crew SC on the board. Columbus easily could've padded their lead several times before Akindele’s equalizer, but they were stoned on several occasions by fine saves from Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz.

The result ended a seven-game home win-streak for FCD, who were playing without playmaker Mauro Diaz after he failed a pregame fitness test.

Box score

9' - CLB - Justin Meram (Federico Higuain)
77' - DAL - Tesho Akindele
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Three Things

COSTLY MISSES FOR CREW SC: Seitz made it tough on them, but Crew SC aren’t going to be happy with the way they finished on Saturday night. Columbus – who have just three goals through their first four matches – were wasteful in front of net, with stars Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay both squandering golden chances. Getting a point at Dallas is by no means a bad result, but it’ll feel like a missed opportunity for Crew SC, who are still searching for their first win of the year.
SEITZ STAKES CLAIM: Regular starter Jesse Gonzalez was back in Dallas following his stint with the Mexico Under-23 national team, but Seitz remained the man in net for FCD, making several huge saves to keep Dallas in it. He’s taken full advantage the opportunity afforded by Gonzalez’s international absence, and, after his strong performance on Saturday, should be a safe bet to start again next week.
MAGIC OF MAURO: They got the result, but Dallas weren’t their usual selves in the attack on Saturday. They didn’t generate as many good opportunities as Crew SC, and struggled with the final ball when they did get in dangerous positions. Of course, they didn’t have main man Mauro Diaz, who missed the match after failing a pregame fitness test. They’ll hope he recovers from injury in time for next week’s date with San Jose.