4th in a row! Own goal beats Dallas, 1:0
September 22, 2013
Don't look now, but Metro is on top of MLS standings. (Yes, other teams have games in hand, but let us enjoy it!) They got there with their fourth straight victory, this time defeating Dallas 1:0 after a late own goal by the visitors' Erick.
Mike Petke trotted out the same formation as last week, with the lone change being the insertion of now-healthy Tim Cahill for Michael Bustamante. The Australian made his presence felt to do what he does best -- getting free on a set piece, but sadly hit his once chance wide.
Metro had a terrific chance midway through the first half, as an Eric Alexander cross was hit touched by Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez, then kicked by a defender off the the goalpost. Sadly, Cahill couldn't get to it in time, and Fernandez smothered it. On the other end, Luis Robles had to make a terrific save in injury time after a Dallas attacked walked in on the Metro net.
Metro lost Bradley Wright-Phillips in the first half after the forward pulled lame after failing to catch up to a Titi Henry through ball. He was replaced by Fabian Espindola, who proceeded his to entertain us with his invisibility for the rest of the match.
But today, Metro didn't need Espindola. In the 76th minute, after a Dallas breakdown, Kosuke Kimura sent in a pass that was met by Jonny Steele at the endline. The Irishman centered the ball, where it went to Erick (no last name), and the Dallas defender hit it into his own net from close range.
Former Metro leading scorer Kenny Cooper made the appearance off the bench for Dallas, but it was too little to late. Metro hung on to set up what will be a top-of-the-table clash with Seattle next week.
Don't look now...
Lineup: Robles, Carney, Olave, Holgersson, Kimura, McCarty, Steele, Alexander, Cahill, Wright-Phillips, Henry. Subs: Espindola, Barklage.
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