FRISCO - We've seen a lot of goal celebrations at FC Dallas games in 2014. In fact, with 55 goals scored, FCD has tied a single-season club record for goals that was set way back in 1997 and average over 2.00 goals per game at Toyota Stadium this season.
However, there's one goal celebration that is unique to one transcendent player on FC Dallas. Blas Perez scored his 11th goal of the season in Saturday's 1-0 win over Colorado which meant it was also the 11th time this year that we've seen his iconic two horns up celebration.
Some may think that his celebration is a nod to the FCD bull mascot, but it actually has a much deeper meaning for the proud Panamanian.
"I wanted it to be a tribute to my father and God celebrating goals," said Perez.
Blas' father, Blas "Toro" Perez, passed away in mid-July 2012, and ever since the FC Dallas striker has been pointing his fingers to the sky at his father to celebrate goals for both FC Dallas and his national team of Panama.
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"He was known as "El Toro" in the Panamanian community because he was strong and built like a bull," said Perez. "He was just a man of strength throughout the communities in Panama."
The elder Perez was a very popular and well known figure across Panama as something of a superfan for the Panama national team, according to Perez.
"He never missed any national team games and would go to all the practices whenever I would get called up," said Perez. "He was side-by-side and a big part of my career."
Perez, a family man himself who regulary brings his nine-year-old son Blas Jr. out to training, says he's learned a lot from the man he recognizes after every goal.
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"My father was a very humble and caring man," said Perez. "One of the big things in my family was education not only in school, but also first in the house about how you treat each other and having respect for your family. I hope to instill those same things in my family as well."
The celebration has taken on a life of its own over the last year as Perez has racked up the goals. Look around Toyota Stadium after a Perez strike and you'll see horns up in every section. Even Fabian Castillo placed horns on Perez after scoring himself in San Jose earlier this season.
"It’s really humbling to see all the photos of people doing the celebration," said Perez. "I’m a Panamanian who loves to represent my country here in the United States and it makes me very proud to see it. Not only in Panama but in Dallas."
