Toronto FC 0, FC Dallas 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

FC Dallas extended their unbeaten streak to four Friday with a 1-0 victory over Toronto FC. The victory was due in large part to the standout play from Homegrown 'keeper Jesse Gonzalez, who celebrated his 23rd birthday and first start of the 2018 regular season. 

Dallas coach Oscar Pareja shook up his starting XI by benching Jimmy Maurer, who has been inconsistent in the last few matches, for Gonzalez.

The decision quickly paid off in fifth minute when Gonzalez denied Toronto FC star Sebatian Giovinco. The Dallas shot-stopper quickly became a showstopper shutting down Giovinco again in the 16th minute on a penalty kick. 

Dallas came out flying early, scoring less than 15 minutes into the match. Building off of a throw-in, FC Dallas quickly moved the ball into the attacking third. Santiago Mosquera dished a ball back to Kellyn Acosta who took a shot, which was deflected in by Maxi Urutti for the lone goal of the game.

Toronto made a last minute push in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but the effort was not enough for a late equalizer to spoil the otherwise happy birthday party.  

Goals

• 11’ — DAL — Maxi Urruti Watch

Three Things 

• THE BIG PICTURE: Gonzalez made the goalkeeper decision a lot harder for Pareja. In his debut, he recorded nine saves, including the PK stop and a crucial stoppage time save. This was all in Gonzalez's 2018 regular season debut. Sometimes change is a good thing. On the other side of the pitch, Toronto failed to capitalize on 23 shots on goal. The Reds slide down the table instead of climbing. 
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Gonzalez's moment of the match started before the whistle blew for the Giovinco penalty kick. The goalkeeper looked to have made a comment to the Atomic Ant before his shot. His words may not have thrown the veteran, but Gonzalez's hands definitely knocked Giovinco's ball off course and away from the goal. 
• MAN OF THE MATCH: On his 23rd birthday, Gonzalez took home man of the match. He was a huge part of the victory as Dallas secured a fourth game unbeaten. 

Next Up

• Toronto FC: Saturday, June 2 at Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET | TSN - Full TV & streaming info)
• FC Dallas: Wednesday, May 30 at LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info)