CLEARWATER, Florida - FC Dallas opened up its preseason Florida camp with a 3-2 victory over Philadelphia Union at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex on Wednesday morning.
Luchi Gonzalez fielded a strong lineup, as he and his staff continue to ramp up preparations for Feb. 29’s Home Opener at Toyota Stadium. The initial lineup included Jesse Gonzalez, Bressan, Matt Hedges,Reto Ziegler, Ryan Hollingshead, Thiago Santos, John Nelson, Jesus Ferreira, Reggie Cannon, Fafa Picault and Ricardo Pepi. Michael Barrios was unavailable, as he and his family welcomed a baby girl into the world on Tuesday.
It was FC Dallas that got on the scoreboard first in poetic fashion. Picault, playing against his former side for the first time since his transfer back in November, slotted it home from just inside the six after making a darting run into the box. It would be the lone goal of what was a well-contested first 45 minutes.
In the second half, Zdenek Ondrasek continued his impressive preseason form, scoring two to help seal the victory. After coming on strong last season, Ondrasek has all but won his place leading the lineup top.
Philadelphia would strike twice late on, though, creating a nervier finish to the match. The FC Dallas defense will hope to tighten things up a bit before welcoming the Union for the 2020 Home Opener.
The squad will continue to train, as the players prepare for Saturday’s friendly against MLS newcomer Inter Miami. The match will kick off at 10 a.m. (9 a.m. Central Time).
