FC Dallas were able to go down to Nicaragua Wednesday night and earn a 1-1 draw against Real Estelí FC. FCD have earned four points through their first two matches in 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League play, currently sitting atop their group.
Estelí and Dallas traded free kick goals to start off the first half. The home team got things going with a free kick from the left side of the goal taken by Emilio Lopez that was put in with a diving header by Elvis Pinel. A minute and a half later Dallas evened the score when Atiba Harris got on the end of a Mauro Rosales free kick with a leaping header of his own.
The visitors' best chance for a winning goal came in the 79th minute, when Tesho Akindele sent a cross to the far post from the right side that landed at the foot of Michael Barrios. The right footed attempt from Barrios required a great save from Real Estelí goalkeeper Justo Lorente to keep the match level.
FC Dallas have a home-and-away series with CD Suchitepequez of Guatemala left for them in CCL group stage play.
Box Score
- 5' – EST – Elvis Pinel (Emilio Lopez)
- 7' – DAL – Atiba Harris (Mauro Rosales)
- Full Box Score
- Stats
Three Things
- JUST NOT GETTERSON'S NIGHT: Oscar Pareja's squad for FC Dallas was a fairly even mix of depth and regulars, but when called upon to play the lone forward position Getterson was neutralized by the defense. The loanee went without a shot attempt and lacked some of the glitz FCD fans are hoping to see from him.
- SUPER-SUB MAKES GOOD: Since being acquired via trade, Rosales has been a super-sub for FC Dallas coming off the bench 15 times. Rosales made his first start for FCD in this CCL match, and got the assist on the lone goal while on right-side free kick duty.
- REAL FAMILIAR: Now in their sixth CCL tournament, Real Estelí are a familiar opponent to MLS teams. They haven't fared too well whether at home or away against MLS teams. Counting tonight they're 0-4-6 all-time against MLS opponents.
Next Up
- DAL: Saturday at Houston Dynamo (9:00pm, MLS LIVE)
