The Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas played to a 1-1 tie Saturday night in the championship game of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic, highlighted by a 25-yard game-tying strike from Houston teenager Francisco Navas Cobo in the 89th minute. After the tie, Dallas won a penalty shootout 5-3 to take the tournament title.
Houston remains unbeaten in preseason play with a 5-0-3 overall record, including 4-0-3 against MLS opposition.
FC Dallas scored first in the 15th minute when Marvin Chavez sent in a cross from the right and teenager Ruben Luna floated a header past the reach of Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall.
The Dynamo controlled the remainder of the match, with Geoff Cameron and Jermaine Taylor coming close to tying the score in the first half. Cameron’s shot was saved by Kevin Hartman in the 30th minute, and Taylor powered a header off the post in the 41st minute.
Houston controlled possession in the second half – Dallas did not get a shot on goal – but could not tie the game until the 89th minute, when Francisco Navas Cobo dribbled past two players in the midfield and unleashed a spectacular right-footed rocket to the top left corner of the goal to tie the score.
In the shootout, Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz saved Lovel Palmer’s opening shot, and Dallas converted all five attempts to take the tournament championship. Brad Davis, Josue Soto, and Will Bruin scored for Houston.
Next Preseason Game: Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m. CT, Dynamo vs. SMU, Carl Lewis Track & Field Complex – Season Ticket Holder Meet the Team Day
MLS Opener: Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union, Robertson Stadium, Houston
