MATCH NOTES
- Jesús Ferreira netted FC Dallas’ first goal of the 2024 preseason
- FC Dallas returned to the Cotton Bowl for the first time since September 2009
- Box Score
Dallas, Texas (January 22, 2024) – FC Dallas defeats Inter Miami CF 1-0 in the first match of the 2024 preseason thanks to an early “Jesús Ferreira goal on Monday night at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Tonight marked Dallas' first win at the Cotton Bowl since September 30, 2009, when they defeated New England Revolution 1-0.
STARTING OFF THE RIGHT WAY
Jesús Ferreira netted FC Dallas’ first goal of the 2024 preseason in the 3rd minute of the match. A recovery from Asier Illarramendi, and great build up play between Liam Fraser and Paul Arriola who played Ferreira through on goal.
A LEADER IN THE MAKING
After reporting back from international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, FC Dallas defender Nkosi Tafari was put right back into the starting lineup and captained Dallas for the final minutes of the first half.
YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR FIRST
Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera, defenders Omar Gonzalez, Mads Westergren, and Turner Humphrey, midfielders Pedrinho, Alejandro Urzua, Carl Sainté, Diego García, and Tomas Pondeca, and forward Logan Farrington all made their first-ever FC Dallas’ appearances in the club’s 1-0 win against Inter Miami CF. Gonzalez was acquired as a free agent this offseason, Pondeca and Urzua were signed from MLS Next Pro’s North Texas SC, and Farrington, Humphrey, and Westergren were selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. García, Sainté, and Pedrinho are current standouts with North Texas SC.
Lineups
FC Dallas — Maarten Paes; Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, Sam Junqua; Herbert Endeley, Liam Fraser, Asier Illarramendi, Dante Sealy; Jesús Ferreira, Eugene Ansah, Paul Arriola.
Players subbed into the match: Antonio Carrera, Jimmy Maurer, Logan Farrington, Diego García, Omar Gonzalez, Turner Humphrey, Amet Korça, Nolan Norris, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, Tomas Pondeca, Carl Sainté, Alejandro Urzua, Mads Westergren and Sebastian Lletget.
Substitutes not used — Michael Collodi, Malik Henry-Scott, Isaiah Parker, Lautaro Taboada.
Inter Miami CF — Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel, David Ruiz; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.
Players subbed into the match: Nicolas Steffanelli, Gregore, Leonardo Campana, Lawson Sunderland, Robert Taylor, Chris McVey.
Substitutes not used — Cole Jensen, CJ Dos Santos, Ryan Sailor, Israel Boatwright, Benjamin Cremaschi.
Scoring Summary:
DAL: Jesús Ferreira (Paul Arriola) – 3’
Attendance: 32,211
Head Coach Nico Estévez
On soccer culture in this city…
“It’s huge. You can see tonight but you can also see how the fans are responding in the Toyota Stadium because they are there every single game, it’s full, it’s packed. You can see it when I watch my kid, he plays soccer also, and how many kids play around here and all the families and I think the growth is very very good and it will keep growing.”
On the fans tonight…
“It was a great game, we had some really nice soccer tonight. I want to thank the fans for coming out, it was cold, it was rainy, it was a Monday at 5 pm, but there were plenty of kids in the crowd coming after school, as my son did. The fans were happy tonight.”
Defender Omar Gonzalez
On tonight's game…
“Every time we step on the field we play hard and come to win no matter the rival. We played really well tonight and we did not lose focus which is very important. It is important to play every game with intensity no matter if it is a friendly. The team tonight connected and fought every ball and this is very important as we continue to prepare for the beginning of the season.”
On the first game back with FC Dallas…
“It is a dream come true to be able to return back with the club. I am very speechless and emotional to be back on the field and home with my family. Playing in this stadium especially brings a lot of memories and happiness as it was nothing but great experiences that remind me of my childhood.”
Goalkeeper Maarten Paes
On the match…
“It was a close game and it was good to get everyone on our team going again. It is good to prepare for set pieces ahead of next season. We are ready to go.”
On playing inside the Cotton Bowl…
“It was unbelievable. We have a lot of good memories here from 1994 when Holland beat Brazil. It is a beautiful stadium. Last year I visited Barcelona against Juventus here. It is so historic and I also know that every year the Red River Showdown between Oklahoma and Texas. It is very historic and beautiful. I love playing in this stadium, the atmosphere was great and the pitch was perfect.”
