FC Dallas shuts out Clube Atletico Paranaense 1-0
Published 3/15/2009 6:04:44 PM by staff from dallas
FC Dallas shut out Clube Atletico Paranaense 1-0 on Saturday evening at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco behind a Jeff Cunningham goal. The two legs of the series finished 4-4 after Paranaense won in Brazil last week 4-3. Penalties were used to decide the series victor and the Brazilians won the shootout 5-4. The only goal on Saturday night came in the first minute of play when Paranaense defender made a poor clearance right to Cunningham who chipped the goalkeeper for the early lead. FC Dallas carried the momentum from the goal through the first half, dominating much of the play. Unfortunately, they could not get a 2nd goal. The Brazilians lifted their play in the 2nd half and had a goal in the 71st minute nullified due to offside. In the 81st minute Paranaense forward Lima raced in on goal as Dario Sala left his net to meet him. Sala dove and handled the ball outside the penalty area after which he was shown a straight red card for the handball. Backup keeper Ray Burse replaced Sala and FC Dallas had to remove Cunningham to get down to ten men for the remaining ten minutes. Burse made two key saves to clinch the victory. In penalties, Paranaense converted all five of their kicks while FC Dallas' Andre Rocha missed his providing the difference. FC Dallas opens MLS play next Saturday against the Chicago Fire at Pizza Hut Park.
Label: FC Dallas, Jeff Cunningham, Clube Atletico Paranaense
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