FC Dallas draw 0-0 with Malmö FF at Marbella Football Center

Marbella, Spain – FC Dallas drew Sweden’s Malmö in the first game of their 2023 pre-season training camp at Marbella Football Centre.

“It was a really tough game,” head coach Nico Esteves said. “That’s why we’ve come here (to Marbella) to play against tough opponents who play with intensity in tackles and duels and who also have quality. I am very pleased with the efforts and intensity of every player who was on the field today. We must keep building. We had chances to score a goal but we are missing something and that happens a lot in pre-season.”

Malmö had their first chance of the game in the fourth minute with a powerful shot from distance that goalkeeper Maarten Paes was able to deflect into the crossbar before making another good save from a rebound shot. Six minutes later, Dallas had another close chance when the Malmö forward charged into the box and beat Páez, but a retreating José Martinez was able to acrobaticly clear the ball off the line.

Wasn’t until 12^th minute that Dallas built a serious attack. Velasco won the ball in his own half and then shot for 40 yards in Malmö’s last third before passing the ball to Brandon Servania. The homegrowns’ first cross hit the head of Jader Aubrian, who made no mistake and shot wide of the goalkeeper before being whistled for a minor offside.

Ten minutes later, Velasco had his own chance when José Mulato played perfectly in Malmö’s box, but Velasco’s right foot shot was derailed by the goalkeeper’s fingertips. Obrian almost put his side ahead again after a great game between Marco Farfan and Velasco on the left flank, but ultimately Obrian twisted the ball close to the far post.

On a disturbing note for Dallas, 17-year-old Tariq Scott was forced out of the game just minutes after making his unofficial debut as a substitute. Homegrown landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his knee before being sprained.

Estevez changed the squad for the second half: Jimmy Maurer, Sebastian Ibega, Amet Korsa, Nolan Norris, Isaiah Parker, Ema Twumasi, Edwin Serrillo, Paxton Pomikal, Bernard Camungo, Paul Arriola, Jesus Ferreira.

“We wanted to give each player 45 minutes to keep fit,” Estevez explained. “It gives everyone an opportunity to understand what we are working on and what we are doing new this season.”

Dallas’ best chance in the second period came early, when Paxton Pomykal found Jesús Ferreira with a long pass behind Malmö’s back line. The US team player hit the ball to Edwin Serrillo at the top of the penalty area, but his first shot was over the crossbar.

After almost 30 minutes of unbeaten play back and forth, Malmö had an opportunity to win with 10 minutes left, but goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made a great save to his left, stopping a near post shot. Malmö had another chance with a corner kick, but a close-range shot flew over the crossbar.

“It was a really good exercise for us,” said Paul Arriola. “They pressed us very well. We also try different things and improve our fitness on top of that. I thought we were really doing well and we needed to keep cleaning up. Overall, I’m really proud of the team and how we competed and fought. It was a great game and I’m glad everyone was able to compete for each other.”