Petar Musa scored and FC Dallas capitalized on an own goal in a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday on MLS Decision Day at Frisco, Texas.
Both teams were previously eliminated from playoff contention. Dallas (11-15-8, 41 points) finished in 11th place in the Western Conference, and Kansas City (8-19-7, 31 points) finished 13th out of the 14 West teams.
Musa opened the scoring in the 16th minute, after taking a pass from Asier Illarramendi just inside the box. Musa controlled the ball while turning, then spiked a bouncing shot that evaded goalkeeper John Pulskamp.
It was Musa’s team-leading 16th goal, increasing his record total for an FC Dallas player in his debut MLS season. The striker has quickly established himself as a building block after signing a four-year designated player contract with Dallas in February.
The Toros’ next tally came in accidental fashion from SKC defender Joaquin Fernandez. Sebastian Lletget’s cross to the back post in the 40th minute found Fernandez, whose awkward clearance attempt resulted in a header into his own team’s net.
A defensive miscue from FC Dallas also led to Kansas City’s only goal, as a sloppy back pass was picked off and converted by William Agada in the 89th minute. Agada finished the season as SKC’s team scoring leader with 10 goals.
Kansas City was unlucky to just score once, as Agada and Daniel Salloi both hit the goalpost on quality chances in the first half. SKC outshot Dallas by a 14-3 margin, including a 8-1 edge in shots on target.
The Saturday victory gave FC Dallas a solid 10-5-2 record at home, but they were hampered by a dismal 1-10-6 away record. Dallas and Kansas City (2-12-3 on the road) each had nine away points, tied for the second-fewest in the league.
The Toros’ chances at the playoffs were spoiled by a 2-4-2 record in their final eight matches.
Sporting Kansas City’s 31 total points marks the second-lowest total in the club’s 29-season history, and their disappointing season ended on a four-match losing streak.
–Field Level Media
