FC Dallas 2, Portland Timbers 1 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Despite some nervy moments second-half stoppage, FC Dallas held on to secure a 2-1 home win over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.

Matters got underway in the 9th minute, as Jesus Ferreira scored the third goal of his young MLS career. He finished a loose ball after sneaking behind the Timbers’ defense, then a Video Review decision affirmed that offside need not apply due to a deflection.

After controlling the first half, Dallas laid on another in the 60th minute, when Reto Ziegler rifled home yet another penalty kick. The center back stepped up to the spot after Pablo Aranguiz was fouled by Portland right back Jorge Moreira.

Dallas saw its lead cut in half come the 67th minute, as Cristhian Paredes headed home his first of the season. The Paraguayan midfielder broke through the Dallas back line, and Sebastian Blanco picked him out with a lofted cross. 

Portland threw numbers forward late in search of their second point of 2019 – or more – but there was no bite.

Goals

• 9' – DAL – Jesus Ferreira | WATCH
• 60' – DAL – Reto Ziegler (PK) | WATCH
• 67' – POR – Cristhian Paredes | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: The winless woes continued for Portland, even if there was a second-half surge in their sixth of 12 straight road games to start the year. Head coach Giovanni Savarese’s team continues to look a step off the one that made 2018 MLS Cup. Meanwhile, the Luchi Gonzalez era keeps on reaching new heights, as Dallas remains undefeated at home. Those FCD kids are more than alright. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: When Jesus Ferreira’s goal was approved after Video Review, it was a referring decision that’s occurred several times this season throughout MLS. The youngster received the ball in an offside position, though it ricocheted off
Diego Chara
, thus negating any illegal play. It wasn’t pretty, but it was solid by the laws of the game. 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jesse Gonzalez didn’t make any jaw-dropping saves, but he was dependable all night for the home side. Even when Portland subbed on Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco asserted his influence, the Homegrown Player remained steady under pressure. He ultimately finished with five saves.

Next Up

• FCD: Saturday, April 20 at Atlanta United FC (4 pm ET | ESPN in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
• POR: Saturday, April 20 at Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)