Marbella, Spain – FC Dallas drew 1-1 with Jeonbuk Hyundai of South Korea thanks to a second-half goal from Jáder Obrian Monday afternoon at the Banús Training Center.
“We lacked a little bit of consistency in our play with our defensive and attacking shapes,” head coach Nico Estévez said after the game. “We knew it would be difficult on the defensive side because (Jeonbuk) is a really good team, very technical, and they have a lot of variables in their build up. It’s a good learning experience for us."
Dallas started on the front foot and nearly found the opener in the first minute when Bernard Kamungo found Brandon Servania at the top of the box but his right-footed shot was saved. Kamungo had a chance of his own less than a minute later when he cut in from the right wing but his curling effort was caught by the goalkeeper.
Jeonbuk took the lead in the 27th minute after some excellent build-up play on the edge of FCD’s box before forward Son Min-kyu fired a shot past Jimmy Maurer into the top corner of the goal.
Estévez made three changes at the half-hour mark with Edwin Cerrillo, Marco Farfan and Paul Arriola making way for Facundo Quignon, Isaiah Parker and Jáder Obrian.
Dallas had a chance for the equalizer in the 37th minute when new right back signing Geovane Jesus drove forward and found José Mulato with a cross but the Colombian’s first-time shot was straight at the keeper.
Estévez made two changes to the backline for the second half with José Martínez replacing Nolan Norris in central defense and Collin Smith coming in for Jesus at right back. It only took five minutes for Dallas to find its way back into the game with Jáder Obrian equalizing from the penalty spot after Bernard Kamungo was fouled in the box.
Although Dallas added extra firepower with the additions of Paxton Pomykal, Jesús Ferreira and Alan Velasco for the final 30 minutes they were unable to find a breakthrough and the match ended even at 1-1.
“There were moments that we pressed well, moments that we attacked well and there were some brilliant plays today,” Estévez said. “We were unlucky to not score the second goal because we had clear chances to do it. But we’ll keep working.
“I’m very pleased with every player and the intensity we put in.”
Dallas will play its third and final preseason match in Marbella against Hammarby of the Swedish first division on Thursday, Feb. 9.
