WASHINGTON, D.C. – FC Dallas Homegrown Jesús Ferreira played 40 minutes in the All-Stars' 5-0 defeat to Arsenal FC in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game Wednesday night at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
“It’s always amazing, always fun and competitive,” Ferreira said afterwards. “I’m glad that I was able to be on the same field as Arsenal players, we know how big a club they are and how experienced those players are so I was happy to make an appearance today.”
Ferreira entered the match in the 33rd minute and almost made an immediate impact by setting up New England’s Carles Gil with a low cross but the Spaniard’s shot flew over the bar. The 22-year-old showed impressive speed and tenacity a few moments later when he chased down a loose ball, robbed Arsenal’s William Saliba of possession and found an outlet pass into the midfield.
Dallas’ top scorer had a great chance in the 42nd minute when Cincinnati’s Lucho Acosta found him with a through-ball but Brazilian defender Gabriel was able to snuff out the danger.
“Losing 5-0 doesn’t feel that great but it’s obviously just about going out there, showing what we got and running a little bit,” said Ferreira, who has 10 goals in MLS this season. “I’m glad I performed and let’s keep it going.
“(Arsenal) is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and their technique and speed is important so that’s something I’m going to take away from this. They’re at the highest level so I want to learn as much as I can.”
The 40 minutes marked Ferreira’s second-consecutive appearance in the MLS All-Star game after debuting for the league’s best in 2022 against the Liga MX All-Stars at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Ferreira returns to FCD ahead of the club’s opening game in the Leagues Cup against Charlotte FC at Toyota Stadium on Friday, July 21. If he plays, Ferreira will have featured for three different teams in three separate competitions in just over two weeks after recently starring for the United States in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
“I think I’m ready, I’m always trying to help the team and do anything possible to win games so I think I can get back and get straight to it.”
