Jul 4, 2024; Frisco, Texas, USA; Portland Timbers forward Antony (11) and FC Dallas forward Petar Musa (9) battle for the ball during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Petar Musa’s rush to the net in the 87th minute resulted in an own goal that proved the difference as FC Dallas defeated the Portland Timbers 3-2 on Thursday in Frisco, Texas.
FC Dallas (6-10-5, 23 points) snapped a two-match losing streak and improved to 3-2 under interim coach Peter Luccin. The Timbers (8-8-6, 30 points) had their three-match winning streak and seven-match undefeated streak end.
Musa was in the clear and on the doorstep for a pass from Bernard Kamungo before Portland defender Cristhian Paredes swooped in front of Musa in an attempt to thwart the threat. Instead, Paredes’ header went into his own goal, handing Dallas the victory.
The Timbers were on the offensive from the start, recording the match’s first shot on goal in the opening minute. Evander ripped a shot from outside the box that forced a save by Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes.
Portland needed just seven more minutes to find the net as Antony took a long pass from the defensive end from Evander, outmuscled Dallas defender Nkosi Tafari while breaking into the open and then evading Paes before sending a shot past the sliding Tafari and into the net. Evander earned the assist for starting Antony’s breakaway.
The Toros produced their first shot on target a minute later when Marco Farfan booted a low percentage shot that was gobbled up by Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis.
Dallas produced the equalizer in the 49th minute as Musa took a pass from Tsiki Ntsabeleng, fought off Timbers defender Miguel Araujo and beat Pantemis low into the right corner. A second assist on the goal was given to Paul Arriola.
The Toros then shocked the visitors by grabbing the lead when Tafari headed in a corner kick from Sebastian Lletget in the 61st minute. The advantage was short-lived as Evander and Antony worked a give-and go deep in the Dallas defensive zone that resulted in Evander’s goal in the 63rd minute.
Dallas’ Logan Farrington recorded low-percentage shots on goal in the 75th and 83rd minutes before Musa and Kamungo combined for the winning play.
–Field Level Media
