Phoenix, Arizona -- FC Dallas' first team controlled the ball from kickoff, gaining a six-goal lead by halftime as the defending Western Conference Champions cruised to a 7-0 win over the Arizona Sahuaros at Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona Saturday night.
FC Dallas' speed advantage on the flanks was evident early on, as Eric Avila and Marvin Chavez blew by multiple defenders on back-to-back plays, but it was not until the 26th minute that FC Dallas found the back of the net.
The play began with left back Jair Benitez getting forward into the attack on the flank. Benitez feinted at his defender to create space before knocking a cross to the top of the six-yard box. There, Milton Rodriguez chested the ball down before hammering a shot past Sahuaros goalkeeper Franco Carotounto for a 1-0 lead.
Four minutes later, FC Dallas took a two-goal advantage after possessing the ball for a sustained period. The final pass came from Eric Alexander, who split the Sahuaros defense with a ball in to the feet of Avila. Avila turned with the ball and cut outside his defender before sending a shot low to the far post.
In the 35th minute, Jackson found a wealth of space on the right flank before delivering a perfect cross in to Rodriguez, who redirected a sharp header to give FCD a 3-0 lead.
FC Dallas added three more goals in the next six minutes to take a commanding 6-0 lead late in the half. Reigning MLS MVP David Ferreira picked up a goal and two assists in the barrage, with the former coming on a one-time volley of a 40-yard cross from Alexander, who had two assists in the first half. Jackson also had a goal and an assist in the first 45 minutes.
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman brought on 10 new players after the break, leaving only Scott Gordon, who paired with George John at center back.
FC Dallas' second team held the ball in its offensive third of the field for the beginning of the second half, but aside from a Maykel Galindo shot that sailed over the bar in the 60th minute, the team had trouble getting a good look at goal.
Jonathan Top and Ruben Luna came on in the 77th minute to give FC Dallas five Home Grown players in its lineup. Four minutes later, Luna cracked a header off the near post following a cross from Andrew Wiedeman. Luna eventually broke through in stoppage time to give Dallas a 7-0 win. The goal came following a goal-mouth scramble.
FC Dallas returns to preseason action on Monday when they face off against the New York Red Bulls at the Reach 11 Complex in Phoenix.
Scoring Summary:
Milton Rodriguez (Jair Benitez) 26
Eric Avila (Eric Alexander) 30
Rodriguez (Jackson) 35
Jackson (David Ferreira) 36
Ferreira (Alexander) 38
Marvin Chavez (Ferreira) 41
Ruben Luna 90+
Misconduct Summary:
None
Lineups:
FC Dallas - Kevin Hartman (Chris Seitz 46), Jair Benitez (Moises Hernandez 46), Brek Shea (George John 46), Scott Gordon (Victor Ulloa 74), Jackson (Charlie Campbell 46), Eric Avila (Andrew Wiedeman 46), Deniel Hernandez (Bruno Guarda 46, Bryan Leyva 74), Eric Alexander (Bobby Warshaw 46), Marvin Chavez (Christian Arrieta 46, Peri Marosevic 61), David Ferreira (Kevin Gall 46, Ruben Luna 77), Milton Rodriguez (Maykel Galindo 46, Jonathan Top 77).
Arizona Sahuros - Franco Carotounto, Jesse Baker, Mike Duhaney, Nick Sykes, Brian Green, Erving Garcia, Mitch Garcia, Chris Green, Skelly Keller, Billy Forbes, Kyle Cilento.