FC Dallas Starts 2024 Preseason with a Win at Cotton Bowl

Dallas, Texas (January 22, 2024) – FC Dallas kicked off their 2024 preseason in style with a 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. The match, which saw Jesús Ferreira netting the first goal in the 3rd minute, marked Dallas' triumphant return to the Cotton Bowl for the first time since September 2009.

Early Brilliance: Jesús Ferreira's Goal

The breakthrough came early in the game, with Jesús Ferreira scoring in the 3rd minute. Asier Illarramendi's recovery, combined with excellent build-up play between Liam Fraser and Paul Arriola, set up Ferreira for the decisive goal. This early success set the tone for FC Dallas' positive start to the preseason.

Leadership On Display: Nkosi Tafari Captains

After returning from international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, defender Nkosi Tafari immediately made an impact by captaining Dallas for the final minutes of the first half. His leadership was evident as FC Dallas secured a solid victory.

Debuts and Fresh Faces Shine

Several players made their first-ever appearances for FC Dallas, contributing to the team's success. Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera, defenders Omar Gonzalez, Mads Westergren, and Turner Humphrey, along with midfielders Pedrinho, Alejandro Urzua, Carl Sainté, Diego García, and Tomas Pondeca, and forward Logan Farrington all had impressive debuts. The lineup showcased the team's depth and the talent acquired during the offseason.

Lineups and Substitutions

FC Dallas started with Maarten Paes; Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, Sam Junqua; Herbert Endeley, Liam Fraser, Asier Illarramendi, Dante Sealy; Jesús Ferreira, Eugene Ansah, Paul Arriola. Noteworthy substitutions included Antonio Carrera, Jimmy Maurer, Logan Farrington, Diego García, Omar Gonzalez, and others.

Scoring Summary and Attendance

The lone goal of the match came from Jesús Ferreira in the 3rd minute, assisted by Paul Arriola. The game drew a notable attendance of 32,211 fans, demonstrating the strong soccer culture in Dallas.

Postgame Reflections

Head Coach Nico Estévez praised the soccer culture in the city, acknowledging the dedicated fans who turned out despite challenging weather conditions. Defender Omar Gonzalez expressed the team's commitment to playing hard and winning every game, emphasizing the importance of intensity, even in friendlies.

Goalkeeper Maarten Paes reflected on the historic significance of playing inside the Cotton Bowl, highlighting the stadium's rich history and the fantastic atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

With a successful start to the preseason, FC Dallas is gearing up for the upcoming season with confidence and momentum. The players, both seasoned and newcomers, have set a positive tone for what promises to be an exciting year for the club.