FC Dallas finished its 2018 preseason strong with a 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers.
Maxi Urruti scored twice in the match held in Tucson, Ariz., and Michael Barrios assisted both first-half goals. Portland’s Samuel Armenteros, a swedish striker signed during the offseason, scored the only goal for his team in the 71st minute.
FC Dallas now has momentum entering its first CONCACAF Champions League match against Tauro FC on Feb. 21 in Panama. The return leg of the Round of 16 match will be Feb. 28 at Toyota Stadium.
Urruti nearly scored in the 14th minute, striking a long ball into the near post, but Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made a diving save. Two minutes later, Urruti received a pass from Barrios and snuck the ball past Attinella for 1-0 lead. His second goal came in the 39th minute.
After halftime, FC Dallas coach Óscar Pareja opted to rest the starting XI in preparation for the looming Champions League match.
MLS’ 2017 MVP, Diego Valeri, found Armenteros to put Portland on the board in the second half. Fanendo Adi nearly found an equalizer for the Timbers, but FC Dallas homegrown Kris Reaves thwarted the attempt.