FC Dallas earns draw on late RSL own goal

An own goal by Real Salt Lake's Marcelo Silva in the 86th minute allowed FC Dallas to salvage a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in the MLS season opener for both teams at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

FC Dallas had won six straight MLS openers, the longest streak in league history, but it took the hosts to near the end to even get in position for the tie. Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando recorded five saves and had his side within four minutes and stoppage time of a shutout victory until the own goal.

Dallas outshot Real Salt Lake 18-9 in the game, had a 5-3 advantage in shots on target and ended up with edges in possession (53 percent-47 percent), total passes (449-419) and passing accuracy (78 percent-76 percent).

The visiting side enjoyed superiority in duals won (81-48) and tackles won (13-12).

Real Salt Lake jumped into the lead in the 25th minute. Albert Rusnak passed to Joao Plata midway into the attacking zone, and the Ecuadorian national did the rest of the work.

Plata dribbled the ball inside the box, moved from his left to his right foot under pressure from Dallas defender Reggie Cannon and beat a sliding Matt Hedges to the ball with enough power to get it past Dallas keeper Jimmy Mauer.

Dallas outshot RSL 11-4 in the first half, and had five shots on target to just one for the visiting side.

FC Dallas pressed for the equalizer and was successful, thanks to a pass from Jacori Hayes and a touch by Maximiliano Urruti ahead of the own goal.

Real Salt Lake returns to the field on March 10 when it hosts the LA Galaxy. FC Dallas has 15 days before its next match, at home on March 18 against the defending Western Conference champion Seattle Sounders.

--Field Level Media