FC Dallas blow past the New England Revolution, 4-2 to lift their first US Open Cup trophy in 19 years. The hosts were the heavy favorites heading into this final and did not disappoint when the final whistle blew.
However, things did not start out well for Oscar Pareja and FC Dallas as the Revolution struck first early. Juan Agudelo found the back of the net in the sixth minute to set New England on the right track.
Dallas gave away possession way too easily in their defensive third of the pitch sending a ball straight to Gershon Koffie. Koffie then laid a pass off to Lee Nguyen who flicked back to his teammate. Then, Koffie found Agudelo and the 23-year-old forward no mistake with his finish following a silky turn.
Dallas score three in opening half
That New England Revolution lead did not last very long though. Nine minutes later, Dallas found an equalizing goal. The move started from the right hand side of the pitch following a sensational cross from Mauro Diaz, who gave away possession in the opening goal. Diaz’ cross was matched by Maximiliano Urruti’s turn around Je-Vaughn Watson. That allowed Urruti to create room to fire one past Brad Knighton.
With five minutes to go in the opening 45 minutes, Dallas took the lead for good, with Diaz the creator once more. Diaz lifted a ball over the New England defense into the 18-yard-box. There was a hole left by the Revolution back four in the box which Matt Hedges capitalized on. Hedges dove for the cross and headed it for his side’s second goal of the night.
Deep into first half stoppage time, the home team scored their third goal with a bit of help from the center referee. Off of a set piece, Hedges and Jose Goncalves locked arms inside the area. Hedges went down, perhaps a bit easily, and the ref pointed to the spot straight away. Diaz capped off a fantastic performance, slotting one in behind Knighton.
Diaz rounds off astounding night
Again, in the 61st minute, Dallas capitalized on a New England turnover, this time, in the middle of the park. Immediately after winning the ball, Mauro Diaz -- who else -- sent Urruti on his way. Urruti split a pair of Revolution defenders before completing his brace.
Mauro Diaz was without a doubt the standout man on both sides of the pitch, as he has been for most of the season. Coach Oscar Pareja noted this after the full time whistle, saying "It's a collection of what he has done here this year. Mauro showed the heart of this club and he showed the heart (his teammates have) tonight. These boys wanted to win, and Mauro led them. I'm very happy with him, very happy for him because that's the standard he can leave here at this club as a legacy."
One more goal was scored in the 73rd minute, off of the right foot of Juan Agudelo who completed his brace. At this point though, the match had already been clinched and there was really no way back for the New England Revolution.
Looking forward
Both teams now switch their focus to Major League Soccer action for the remainder of the season. FC Dallas head east to take on New York City FC as they look to cement themselves as the Shield favorites.