Brek Shea broke away from the Montreal defense and sent the Impact packing with a scintillating game-winning goal in the 88th minute on Saturday night at FC Dallas Stadium.
Bernardo Corradi's first goal in MLS – from the penalty spot – had given Montreal the lead, but Blas Perez equalized in the 77th minute to set up Shea's winner.
Both teams had opportunities to take control early but could not convert. In the 4th minute, Montreal midfielder Felipe Martins took a left-footed shot from outside the box as he split FC Dallas defenders but missed wide.
Four minutes later Daniel Hernandez delivered a perfect corner kick that allowed Perez to get his head on the ball, but Ricketts reacted quickly and tipped it out.
Just before halftime in the 45th minute, Castillo almost gave FC Dallas the lead, but Montreal goalkeeper Donavan Ricketts made a tremendous save.
Montreal applied tremendous pressure early in the second half, and it finally paid off when Davy Arnaud was fouled in the box by FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd. Corradi converted on the penalty kick attempt and gave the Impact a stunning 1-0 lead.
Angered by the foul call, FC Dallas responded in a big way. In the 65th minute havoc ensued in the box after a throw in as both George John and Bobby Warshaw had chances to equalize but were denied both times. Moments later Fabian Castillo worked way in the box but just missed wide left.
OPTA Chalkboard: Dallas holds firm in defense
However, Ricketts had no chance 13 minutes from time when Perez electrified the home crowd with header to tie the game at 1-1. The goal came after George John's looping header hit the bar from a Daniel Hernandez free kick.
The game was chippy throughout the night as four yellow cards were given out. Both teams combined to total 34 fouls. The strong winds in Dallas also affected both teams, but in the end Shea and company persevered with a two-goal comeback.
With the win, FC Dallas improves to 3-2-1. They will travel to take on Vancouver next Saturday. Montreal, meanwhile, drops to 1-5-1. They will face D.C. United on April 18.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/blas-perez"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blas Perez</span></span></a> |
The Panamanian wreaked havoc on the Montreal defense, scored the equalizer and was involved in Shea's winner. |
2 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/brek-shea"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Brek Shea</span></span></a> |
The winger was the conduit for much of Dallas' attacking play, and his surging run and finish to win it was just reward. |
3 |
<span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/davy-arnaud">Davy Arnaud</a></span> |
A workhorse in the center of the field, the Impact captain also earned the penalty that led to Corradi's goal. |
