FC Dallas upsets Barcelona while Dallas Texans go down in flames to Arsenal
Published 4/17/2011 11:19:40 PM by staff from dallas
Dallas Cup XXXII got underway Sunday with two high profile Super Group matches featuring Dallas teams inside the stadium at Pizza Hut Park. The two games were on each end of the spectrum as FC Dallas pulled off a stunning 3-1 upset of Barcelona while Dallas Texans took a 5-1 pounding by Arsenal.
The 3:30 match at the stadium featured FC Dallas U18 Academy squad against FC Barcelona of Spain. Expectations were high from the fans as Barca was expected to wow. Instead it was FC Dallas that proved to have the more dynamic attacking players on the field. Jonathan Top, Daniel Garcia, Jose Perez and Bryan Leyva gave the Barca backline fits.
FC Dallas would strike first as they punished Barcelona on a counter attack following a Barca corner. Jonathan Top got in behind the Barca defense where he slid a nice square ball to Daniel Garcia who rifled off the crossbar. Barcelona were unable to clear and the ball found its way to Top who finished himself for the 1-0 lead. Just 10 minutes later FC Dallas made it 2-0 as once again they got in behind the Barca backline. Jose Perez raced in and finished smartly sending the game to halftime 2-0.
Barcelona made several subs at the half and came out more determined, but it was shortlived as FC Dallas made it 3-0 in the 55th when Top found Garcia for the goal. Barca ended the match with a flurry earning a penalty kick in the 89th, but it was too little too late as FC Dallas pulled the 3-1 upset.
The nightcap was less friendly to the local lads. Arsenal were just as advertised. Quality. DallasTexans did however jump out to an early lead as they perfectly executed a set piece that left Eduardo Aranda for an easy tapin. That would be that though as Arsenal turned the screws and completely bossed the match from there. Conor Henderson evened the game in the 40th minute as he swerved home a freekick and Roarie Deacon put the Gunners ahead for good a couple of minutes later.
The second half was all Arsenal as the Texans had Caleb Richardson was shown his second yellow card in the 47th minute forcing the Texans to play short the rest of the way. Arsenal would add three more as it was all one way traffic the final 45 minutes.
Both teams will be in action on Monday as FC Dallas face CS Cartagines of Costa Rica and Dallas Texans matchup against Club Bolivar from Bolivia.
Label: Dallas Cup XXXII, FC Dallas, Dallas Texans, Eduardo Aranda, Jonathan Top, Daniel Garcia, Bryan LEyva
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