Late mistake grants FC Dallas late equalizer against Vancouver

Frisco, TX- FC Dallas hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday night in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Independence Day.

Coming off an impressive win against the first-placed Eastern Conference side New England Revolution, FC Dallas was ready to take their chances against Vancouver. After a fantastic performance last week, 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi would be in the starting lineup.

FC Dallas was looking to snap a three game streak at home against Vancouver — their last home win against the Whitecaps came in 2016.

First Half Action

FC Dallas had a few chances to score a goal. As a result, FCD nearly came close after a fantastic double save from the Vancouver keeper to deny Ricardo Pepi. Dallas controlled most of the possession in the first half and directed their attacks more towards the wings.

Following a great play in the 23rd minute, Jesus Ferreira provided a great cross to Ricardo Pepi to take advantage of. And as a result Pepi scored his fifth goal this season.

Jesús ➡️ Pepi = Thing of Beauty pic.twitter.com/2QkXHoadZj

— FC Dallas (brandon’s goal should be no.1) (@FCDallas) July 5, 2021

After a couple of errors for FC Dallas, Facundo Quignon lost a ball in the midfield, which facilitated a counter for Vancouver. Following a cross in the box, Bressan was not able to clear it out. As a result, Lucas Cavallini put his shot past Jimmy Maurer to tie the game.

After scoring the first goal of the night, FCD’s intensity lowered a bit. As a result, they conceded another goal. Vancouver’s Andy Rose jumped high enough to put his header past Maurer.

“I think we are not making defensive plays at a high level,” head coach Luchi Gonzalez said after the game. “Plus, on top of that the loss of lines. We put ourselves in a hole going into the second half.”

Second Half

FC Dallas pressed for an early equalizer in the second half. Their multiple attempts on goal were unsuccessful and were unable to pull off the equalizer they desired. FCD’s attempts were denied by some amazing saves from Vancouver.

After a few minutes passing by, Vancouver found themselves controlling the tempo of the game. They succeeded at that by denying clear-cut chances for FCD to create danger on their side of the field.

In the 90th minute, after a great cross into the box by Paxton Pomykal,  an own goal was scored by Vancouver’s Veselinovic. After much suffering in the match, FC Dallas will take the late equalizer.

appreciate the help 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yAvrpZs7TA

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) July 5, 2021

Post Match Reactions

Head coach Luchi Gonzalez said:

“Credit to our boys who showed a response and got the tying goal at the end. I believed we had a few more minutes and we could’ve gotten a winner. Even after a tying goal, I was overall disappointed. It’s another draw at home which we want more for our fans. We got to pick ourselves up quickly and grab the response in the second half. We have to do something different in a way.”

“Our backs are against the wall. it is now or never to do it here. In a short amount of time, we have to show another response.”

“Our fans were amazing, I heard everyone staying positive. We want to do everything in the field for them.”

Player’s reactions:

FC Dallas’ Ricardo Pepi commented on the team’s performance:

“It’s a bittersweet feeling. I felt like we could have won the game. We had total control of the game except for the 15 minutes that they scored the two goals. I feel like, personally, we’re not happy with the result but we can keep working hard and keep running back and hopefully we get some points.”

Paxton Pomykal commented on his respective instructions before entering the game:

“We both came in on the wing and the instructions were to stretch the team out. When we get the ball, be vertical, be a threat and make an impact on the game, work hard and put service into the box. We felt like we needed to do that more and our second goal came from it. So those were some of the things we were talking about.”

Upcoming Games

After Sunday night’s late draw, FCD now sits at the twelfth position in the Western Conference. FCD will go on the road for three straight games where they’ll play against LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Colorado Rapids. FC Dallas returns to Toyota Stadium July 24, where they’ll face off against LA Galaxy.

“No one is going to believe in us in giving points away right now,” Luchi said. “We’re the only ones that can. Ourselves, our locker room, our fans, our families. That’s who we depend on.”