MLS representative sits atop Group H with four points in two games; returns to league play this Saturday at Houston
EstelÃ, Nicaragua (Wednesday, August 24) – FC Dallas conceded an early goal in hostile territory, but evened the match, 1-1, on a set piece header by Atiba Harris seconds later, earning a draw tonight at Real EstelÃ’s Estadio Independencia.
FC Dallas gave up a free kick in a dangerous area, a few feet from the end line near the corner flag on its right flank, in just the fourth minute. Emilio Lopez took the spot kick for the champions of Nicaragua, curling a ball to the near post for Elvis Figueroa to redirect on goal. The tiny midfielder beat his marker to the ball, looping a header over FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez to make it 1-0.
FCD roared right back, earning a set piece of its own in roughly the same position. Mauro Rosales took the kick, sending a cross to the back post, where Harris rose above the crowd to slam a header into the back of the net. After only six minutes of play, the teams were tied, 1-1.
The teams settled down following the two-goal start and 43minutes later, headed into halftime tied at one goal apiece.
Nine minutes into the second half, FC Dallas gave up another free kick in a dangerous spot, just five yards outside the area. Estel۪̉s Luis Copete attempted to beat Gonzalez but sent his kick well over the bar.
Tesho outjumped his marker to send Getterson in alone on goal in the 61st minute. The Brazilian attempted to beat Real Esteli goalkeeper Justo Lorente with a first-touch volley from just outside the area, but his strike also floated high above the bar.
Michael Barrios was robbed of a goal by Lorente in the 79th minute. The play was set up by Carlos Lizarazo and Tesho, on the right flank. After receiving the ball from Lizarazo, Tesho picked up his head and played a perfect cross to Barrios at the back post. Unfortunately for Dallas, Lorente came across his line to make a kick-save on the point blank chance and keep the match tied, 1-1.
Scoring Summary:
RE – Elvis Figueroa (Emilio Lopez) 5
DAL- Atiba Harris (Mauro Roslaes) 7
FC Dallas – Jesse Gonzalez, Aubrey David, Matt Hedges, Maynor Figueroa, Atiba Harris, Getterson (Kellyn Acosta 84), Victor Ulloa, Juan Esteban Ortiz, Ryan Hollingshead (Michael Barrios 62), Mauro Rosales (Carlos Lizarazo 73), Tesho.
Substitutes Not Used: Ryan Herman, Carlos Gruezo, Coy Craft, Aaron Guillen.
Real Esteli – Justo Lorente, Luis Copete, Jason Casco, Manuel Rosas, Francisco Paz (Jonathan Mosquera 49), Emilio Lopez (Samuel Wilson 66), Franklin Lopez, Elvis Figueroa (Rudel Calero 81), Luis Galeano, Jonatas Jabis.
Substitutes Not Used: Henry Maradiaga, Juan Berdun, Elmer Mejia, Josue Quijano.
Misconduct Summary:
RE – Luis Galeno (caution) 39
RE – Franklin Lopez (caution) 50
Referee: Jamie Herrera
AR1 (bench): Juan Zumba; AR2 (opposite): William Torres; 4th: Henry Bejarano
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 75
