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Santiago Mosquera Ignites FC Dallas, Blanks Minnesota United 1-0

Santiago Mosquera

Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 29, 2018)FC Dallas looked to bounce back after dropping their last two matches. Losses to Sporting Kansas City and New York Red Bulls had fans worried about a repeat summer slump. But second-half sub Santiago Mosquera brought life into the Dallas side as they earned three points in the unusual Minnesota heat.

Santiago Mosquera’s Lone Goal Enough for FC Dallas in Win Over Minnesota United

Dallas took the Texas heat with them Friday evening to Minneapolis. Rumors of superstar Mauro Diaz being transferred across the pond was salt in the wound after Dallas got pummeled by NYRB last weekend. So, naturally, fans were not in the highest of spirits coming into Friday’s matchup.

Slow Start

The heat certainly played a factor, as both teams paced themselves in the first half. Playing on turf with a heat index over 100 degrees Fahrenheit requires patience and endurance. Both sides looked to make the most of the few chances from the first half but went to the locker room at half scoreless.

Key Substitution

Minnesota threatened early in the second half on multiple occasions. Dallas would make a change around the 57-minute mark which paid dividends nearly instantly. Santiago Mosquera would come on for Paxton Pomykal to liven up the midfield, which was lacking killer instinct in the first half.

Mosquera, just coming back from injury, looked hungry on the attack and willing to take on defenders. His first touches gave him a shot at goal but it was the confidence he needed going forward.

Just two minutes after coming on, Mosquera would completely change the game. Dallas didn’t have many corners in the match but he sent in a corner in the 59th minute that found Roland Lamah, whose header was too powerful for Bobby Shuttleworth to keep out.

Nervy Ending & Final Words

Matt Hedges and company would see out waves of Minnesota attack late on. Several good chances for the home side were either swatted away by Jesse Gonzalez or just wide of goal. Petitions for a late handball on Matt Hedges were negated by a swift VAR review, and Dallas would earn all three points.

FC Dallas will make the trip back home to prepare for a 4th of July extravaganza next week. Wednesday night, Dallas will host the intimidating attack of Josef Martinez and Atlanta United. Oscar Pareja’s side will then have just a few days to recover before flying out to Salt Lake City to take on RSL in Rio Tinto. Dallas will need to continue to fight and earn points to remain a serious Supporters’ Shield contender for 2018.

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