February 24, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Dallas News Release
FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas (1-0-0, 3 points) defeated the San Jose Earthquakes (0-1-0, 0 points) by a score of 2-1 courtesy of a 94th-minute winner from Dante Sealy.
NEW-LOOK FORMATION
Head coach Nico Estévez was able to test his new formation in an official game following several months of experimentation through the preseason. The 3-4-3 formation saw newcomer Logan Farrington play up top with Bernard Kamungo and Paul Arriola on either side. The back-three of Nkosi Tafari, Sebastien Ibeagha and Sam Junqua was flanked by wingbacks Herbert Endeley and Dante Sealy. In the middle, veterans Asier Illarramendi and Liam Fraser protected the backline. The new lineup resulted in 22 shots and nine on target, more than in any match during the 2023 season.
SEALY-ING THE WIN
Wingback Dante Sealy’s goal in the 4th minute of extra time in the second half helped FC Dallas earn three points to open the 2024 campaign. That is Sealy’s second career goal for FC Dallas. He scored his first goal against Portland Timbers on May 1, 2021.
REPRESENTANDO AL PAÍS VASCO
Midfielder Asier Illarramendi scored his first FC Dallas goal to equalize in the 25th minute of the match. Illarramendi collected a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and volleyed it home with his left foot to tie the game at 1-1.
DALLAS’ RECORD IN HOME OPENERS
FC Dallas now holds an 8-1-6 overall record in season openers since 2010. Dallas’ only two losses in season openers were versus the Chicago Fire in 2009 and Minnesota United in 2023.
KICKING IN THE AFTERBURNER
FC Dallas debuted its 2024 primary home kits in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,905. The Afterburner kits were first revealed on February 15 at the club’s annual Cocktails & Cleats fundraiser at the Gallagher Club in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
STARTING ON DAY ONE
This year’s third overall MLS SuperDraft pick, forward Logan Farrington, made his professional debut by starting and playing 90 minutes for FC Dallas.
UP NEXT
FC Dallas will remain at home for its second match of the 2024 MLS Regular Season. Dallas will take on Canadian rivals CF Montréal. The matchup between FC Dallas and CF Montréal is set to kickoff at 7:30 PM CT on Saturday, March 2 from Toyota Stadium in Frisco presented by UnitedHealthcare. The match will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, the FC Dallas app, and Talk Radio 1190AM.
Lineups
FC Dallas – Maarten Paes; Nkosi Tafari, Sebastien Ibeagha, Sam Junqua; Dante…
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