FC Dallas win Disney Classic in dramatic finale

ORLANDO–FC Dallasneeded a penalty kick shootout to see off Texas rivalsHouston Dynamoin the final of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

Second half substituteChris Seitzsaved Houston’s opening penalty kick fromLovel PalmerandBrek Sheanetted the fifth and decisive kick for FC Dallas as the defending Western Conference champs avenged a heavy 4-0 preseason loss back on Feb. 12.

Academy productsRuben Luna(FC Dallas) andFrancisco Navas Cobo(Houston Dynamo) exchanged goals during regulation, with the Houston youngster netting the late equalizer in dramatic fashion, finding the top left corner with a stunning shot from just outside the penalty area in the 88th minute.

MLS/Disney

The lone Dallas goal came in the 15th minute as Luna, a Mexico Under-20 national team forward, found the back of the net for coach Shellas Hyndman’s group. Right wingerMarvin Chavezwas given all the time in the world to measure his cross into the box and Luna barely had to move from his position near the penalty spot, lofting the ball over Houston goalkeeperTally Halland into the right side netting.

Just three minutes after scoring, Luna again proved a menace in the box, touching anAndrew Jacobsonheader onto the crossbar.

However, Luna’s shots were the only real opportunities of the first half for FC Dallas, while the Houston Dynamo attacked frequently at full speed and with numbers. Head coach Dominic Kinnear’s men also continued to be dangerous on set pieces with central defender Jermaine Taylor featuring prominently on twooccasions, including striking the left post in the 41st minute.

FC Dallas goalkeeperKevin Hartmanhad another solid outing in Orlando, coming up with opportune saves onGeoff Cameronin the 29th minute and on aCam Weaverclose range header two minutes before the break.

There was more for Hartman to do in the second half as he foiled Cameron again on a shot from inside the box in the 56th minute. The FCD netminder didn’t have a chance on Palmer’s bicycle kick a little more than 10 minutes later which bounced wide of the right post.

Chavez, one of the top performers for FC Dallas on the night, had the best look at goal for his team in the second half, hitting the side netting in the 59th minute after forwardMaykel Galindodid well to intercept a ball in Houston’s half.

Two days after Shea starred for 45 minutes at center back against Orlando City, the regular left winger was again given a full 90-minute spell in the back whileZach Loydsat out the match with a quadriceps strain. Also missing the match was Houston’sBrian Ching, who is nursing a right hamstring strain.

The two teams will resume their rivalry in league play in May and September.

SCORING:

FCD–Luna (15’)

HOU–Navas Cobo (88’)

Penalty Kick Shootout

FC Dallas (5):Ferreira (goal) , Galindo (goal), Avila (goal), Guarda (goal), Shea (goal)

Houston (3):Palmer (saved), Davis (goal), Soto (goal),Will Bruin(goal)

FC Dallas lineup (4-1-4-1, left to right):Kevin Hartman (62’ Chris Seitz) –Jair Benitez(46’Moises Hernandez), Brek Shea,Scott Gordon, Jackson–Daniel Hernandez(78’Bruno Guarda)–Eric Alexander(71’Eric Avila), Andrew Jacobson (73’Bobby Warshaw),David Ferreira, Marvin Chavez (78’Charlie Campbell)– Ruben Luna (46’ Maykel Galindo)

CAUTIONS: Shea (71’), D. Hernandez (74’), Jackson (75’)

Houston Dynamo Lineup (4-4-2, left to right):Tally Hall (60’Tyler Deric)–Mike Chabala(60’Jordan Graye), Jermaine Taylor (46’Andrew Hainault),Bobby Boswell(46’Eddie Robinson),Hunter Freeman(46’Kofi Sarkodie)–Corey Ashe(46’Brad Davis), Richard Edwards (70’Josue Soto), Geoff Cameron (60’ Lovell Palmer),Danny Cruz(60’ Francisco Navas Cobo) – Jason Garey (70’Alex Dixon), Cam Weaver (60’ Will Bruin)

CAUTIONS: Navas Cobo (83’)

Referee:Edvin Jurisevic

Assistant Referees:Craig Lowry, James Conlee

Fourth Official:Ted Unkel

Attendance:1,634

Check out the Feb. 24 edition of theExtraTime Radio podcast, featuringD.C. United's Charlie Davies,Real Salt Lake'sNick Rimandoand league executive Nelson Rodrigueztalking about the new playoff structure.

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