2017 MLS Match: FC Dallas 2-2 New York Red Bulls

FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls traded haymakers for 90-plus minutes at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, and only the final whistle brought respite.

In a breathless, end-to-end encounter marked by an early red card for FCD, the two sides traded two well-taken goals and hunted for a game-winner right to the finish, with Dallas in particular playing like a team possessed despite their numerical disadvantage.

Sacha Kljestan rifled home a golazo to open the scoring not long after Dallas rookie Jacori Hayes was ejected for his second yellow card. Hernan Grana equalized after a lung-bursting run shortly after halftime, only for Aaron Long to nod home a set piece moments later.

But the relentless Michael Barrios earned a penalty kick that Mauro Diaz dispatched to grab the hosts a hard-won share of the points, and they were inches away from a last-second winner before Luis Robles produced a scintillating save.

Goals

43' – NY – Sacha Kljestan Watch

54' – DAL – Hernan Grana Watch

57' – NY – Aaron Long Watch

75' – DAL – Mauro Diaz (PK) Watch

Three Things

WHAT. A. GAME: This match pulsated with pace and intensity from start to finish, giving supporters of both teams reason to laugh, cry and shake their heads – occasionally in quick succession. The Red Bulls may rue their failure to convert FCD's early red card into a full three points, and FCD are still without a win since July 22. Yet both walked away with something to build on as the playoff chase reaches its apex in the weeks ahead.

TOROS SEE RED: The word "desperation" has a negative tone, but it fuelled an epic performance from FCD. Carrying a six-game winless skid into this game, the North Texans hustled like their season was on the line, showing particular desire after Hayes' sending-off. After the intrigue of the Barrios-Maxi Urruti transfer-window situation and frustrations of the past week or two, it was a marked display of commitment and determination.

ROOKIE HEARTBREAK: Hayes looked distraight to be ejected, and with good reason, as the moment arrived just 37 minutes into his first-ever MLS start. The Wake Forest product played well in the opening stages, but put himself at risk of dismissal by committing two yellow-card fouls that could both easily have been straight red cards on their own. He can take heart from his teammates' inspired response to the setback, though.