FC Dallas draws Real Salt Lake 1-1 to remain undefeated at home

FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake played to a 1-1 draw tonight at FC Dallas Stadium. Dallas’ goal was scored by Brek Shea, who picked up his second goal in three matches via a penalty kick in stoppage-time of the first half. Real Salt Lake’s goal was scored by Emiliano Bonfigli in the 77^thminute.

Real Salt Lake began the match on the attack, testing FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz in just the second minute. On the play, Will Johnson received a pass on the left flank, went down the touch line and centered a pass for Alvaro Saborio. The Real Salt Lake forward took a first-touch shot with his left foot, forcing Seitz to make a difficult right-handed save at the near post to keep the game scoreless.

FC Dallas gained a 1-0 advantage just before halftime when Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran was whistled for a handball in the box following a Daniel Hernandez free kick. Hernandez lobbed a pass intended for George John to the back post. The ball barely cleared the head of defender Chris Schuler before bouncing off the arm of Beltran when referee Geoff Gamble pointed to the penalty spot. Shea took the free kick, knocking a hard shot into the left side-netting behind Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

Salt Lake started strong again in the second half with another effective run down the flank by Johnson in the 60^th minute. The Canadian midfielder sent a quality cross into the area for Paulo Junior, who snapped a sharp header on goal. Once again, Seitz was equal to the task, stopping the attempt and smothering the rebound.

FC Dallas Homegrown player Jonathan Top made his MLS debut in the 68^th minute, coming on for forward Scott Sealy. Real Salt Lake countered by bringing on Bonfigli for Junior.

Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis’ decision paid off less than five minutes later when Bonfigli leveled the score in the 72^nd minute. After receiving a great lobbed pass from Johnson, Bonfigli brought the ball down to his left foot and slipped a shot underneath the arm of Seitz from 10-yards away.

Seitz did well to keep the match at 1-1 in the 77^th minute. Following an FC Dallas free kick, Salt Lake counter attacked with a perfect ball played over the top by Kyle Beckerman. Saborio tracked down the pass near midfield and was in alone against Seitz. Shea worked hard to recover on the play, forcing Saborio to cut back, but Seitz made an outstanding kick-save to take the ball off the forward’s feet before covering the loose ball.