FC Dallas Wins Copa Tejas, Ending Winless Streak

FC Dallas finally gave fans a reason to celebrate on Saturday night by defeating in-state rivals FC Austin 2-1 in Frisco in the second-to-last game of the season.

Not only did the victory bring an end to a grueling 10-game winless streak, but it also allowed FC Dallas to claim MLS’ first-ever Copa Tejas title and bring Dallas’ record against Austin to a perfect 3-0 this season.   

The Copa Tejas title was created by fans of the three Texas-based MLS teams to give the winning team local bragging rights. The winning team is determined by who finishes the season with the best record against their in-state rivals.    

The victory did not come easy as FC Dallas was forced to come from behind following Austin’s Diego Fagundez opening score with a goal in the 35th minute on a beautiful curling shot that beat goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer at the far post. However, Austin did not get to hold that lead for very long as just three minutes later, Dallas responded.

Jader Obrian found himself with the ball behind the Austin defense and played a perfect pass across the goal where Jesus Ferreira was waiting to tap in the game-tying goal.     

The score remained tied into the second half until a significant turning point occurred when Austin’s Hector Jimenez was shown a red card and sent off for the remainder of the game in the 57th minute.

The referee determined Jimenez stopped an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by fouling Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal just as he had broken through the Austin defense, automatically resulting in the red card.   

Despite Austin having to play with one less man, Dallas struggled to make the most of this advantage until the 80th minute when Franco Jara, via Jader Obrian’s second assist of the night, scored the final goal on a volley just seconds after coming into the game as a substitute.    

In what has been a disappointing season, with FC Dallas’ playoff hopes completely dashed amid their 10-game winless streak, winning a trophy over their in-state rivals was a desperately needed silver lining for the fans.

Following the game, interim coach Marco Ferruzzi told MLSSoccer, “The players were very conscientious, very aware, very focused on delivering something for the fans, the family and the friends.” Ferruzzi continued, “I’m glad they have something to celebrate; it’s not easy, being a fan with teams that are struggling … I’m happy the fans are out there celebrating.”   

FC Dallas finishes the season on the road against San Jose on November 7.