FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes marked his international debut for Indonesia by stopping a penalty in the nation's opening game of World Cup qualification Thursday afternoon.
Paes, who earned his first call-up after gaining citizenship earlier this year, helped Indonesia earn an impressive 1-1 draw against Asian Football Confederation powerhouse Saudi Arabia on the road in Jeddah. Paes made three saves including the crucial penalty stop in 79th minute.
Paes helped his new nation secure the draw in added time with a 1v1 save to deny Saudi’s Firas Al-Buraikan.
Indonesia took the lead in the 19th minute through Ragnar Oratmangoen before Musab Al-Juwayr equalized for Saudi Arabia just before halftime via a deflected shot. The match was Indonesia’s opening game of World Cup qualifying and they’ll continue their campaign on Tuesday, Sept 10 at home in Jakarta against Australia.
Paes will miss FC Dallas' next match vs. Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, Sept. 7 but will return prior to its game against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
