Petar Musa scored twice on Saturday night, including the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute, to propel FC Dallas to a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC in their MLS season opener held in Frisco, Texas. Musa’s contributions highlighted Dallas’s ability to capitalize on limited chances against a competitive Toronto squad.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
The winning goal came shortly after Toronto struggled to clear the ball from their defensive zone. Logan Farrington seized possession along the left flank and delivered a precise cross to Musa, who skillfully headed the ball between Toronto’s goalkeeper Luka Gavran and the near post. Earlier, Farrington had also opened the scoring for Dallas with a remarkable solo effort in the 38th minute, taking advantage of his aerial win over two defenders before calmly finishing into the right corner.
Toronto’s offense was energized by goals from Djordje Mihailovic and Derrick Etienne Jr., with seven shots on target throughout the match. Etienne’s equalizer in the 67th minute came off a rebound; after Michael Collodi’s initial save, Etienne flicked the ball over the diving Collodi before it found the center of the net. Despite this, Dallas maintained composure, relying on Musa—who led the team with 18 goals last season—to secure the win.
Team Context and Player Impact
FC Dallas largely preserved the roster that reached the playoffs last year, except for a change in goal where Michael Collodi earned the starting spot after Maarten Paes chose to return to the Netherlands. On the other side, Toronto attempted to strengthen their defense by acquiring Walker Zimmerman from Nashville, aiming to improve after a challenging previous season with only six wins in 34 matches.
Musa was instrumental from almost the outset, scoring the first goal of the season within nine minutes by connecting on a pass from Osaze Urhoghide and beating goalkeeper Gavran. However, Toronto responded quickly as Mihailovic converted a chance from Jonathan Osorio’s assist to level the score in the 15th minute. Collodi finished with five saves to help preserve Dallas’s lead in the late stages of the game.
What This Win Means for FC Dallas Moving Forward
This opening victory sets a hopeful tone for FC Dallas’s season, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and convert critical opportunities. With Petar Musa’s continued scoring form and a stable lineup heading into the season, Dallas appears well-positioned to build on their recent playoff experience. Toronto FC, despite the loss, demonstrated competitive bursts that could be vital as they integrate new players like Zimmerman to strive for better results this year.
