FRISCO - The result will eventually be forgotten, but Sunday will be a day that Danny Garcia will never forget.
The 20-year-old made his FC Dallas debut, starting in the central attacking midfield role for Oscar Pareja’s side in their 1-0 loss to New York.
“It’s very emotional. This is a dream I have been dreaming about ever since I was a little kid, getting the opportunity to play in front of my hometown, in front of a coach who has been there for me since I was 16,” Garcia said after the match. “I enjoyed every second of it. Even though the loss was tough, I enjoyed it. We just have to turn around and look ahead.”
Garcia played 75 minutes in the stifling Texas heat and was arguably Dallas’ most dangerous attacking option in the match.
READ: Match Recap - FC Dallas 0, New York Red Bulls 1
“I thought Danny was fantastic. We know him because we train with him every day. That is what he does,” said Andrew Jacobson. “That is what we expect out of him. That is his game. He was not playing above himself. That is just what he does. He got his opportunity and took it.”
Danny earned FCD’s best chance of the match in the 58th minute as he took a pass from Fabian Castillo and went streaking down the left side of the field. New York Red Bulls star midfielder hustled to make up the space, but bundled into the back of Garcia in the process forcing the young midfielder to the pitch earning FC Dallas a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.
LISTEN: Oscar Pareja post-game press conference
“As soon as Fabian played to me, I took off,” said Garcia. “I looked behind me and Cahill was right there. I was just waiting for it because I knew it was coming.”
Unfortunately, Blas Perez would send the pk straight at a diving Luis Robles in goal and FCD was never able to recover falling 1-0 at a sweltering Toyota Stadium. Still, even with the loss there’s now no question that the young attacker will certainly be seen very soon again on the field for FC Dallas.
“I saw a group of young men that were battling and playing with such personality,” head coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “What Danny Garcia proved today in his first game playing against New York, Red Bulls was incredible.”
