Alonso Martínez Seals Wild Seven-Goal Thriller in Dallas: NYCFC Edges Past FC Dallas 4–3

By Alonso Contreras

In a stunning, end-to-end showdown under the lights in Frisco, New York City FC pulled off a dramatic 4–3 victory over FC Dallas in one of the most thrilling matches of the MLS season. The star of the night? Costa Rican forward Alonso Martínez, who netted a hat trick — including the match-winner in the 84th minute — to silence the home crowd at Toyota Stadium.

First Half Chaos: Five Goals Before the Break

NYCFC opened the scoring in the 11th minute through 17-year-old Jonathan Shore, who rose high to meet a Maxi Moralez corner and nodded it past Maarten Paes — a well-placed header with an xG of 20%. But FC Dallas responded in electric fashion with two goals in three minutes. Petar Musa tied the game in the 15th minute with a curling shot to the bottom left, followed by Logan Farrington’s composed finish on a counter to make it 2–1 by the 17th.

NYCFC clawed back in the 22nd minute when Alonso Martínez opened his account, smashing home a close-range finish assisted by Moralez. Just before halftime, Farrington struck again, this time from close range after a slick buildup — and Dallas went into the break up 3–2.

Second-Half Heroics: Martínez Dominates

The second half saw NYCFC adjust and take control. Just a minute after kickoff, Martínez fired in the equalizer with a thunderous left-footed finish into the top corner (xG 20%), following a silky sequence between Hannes Wolf and Aiden O’Neill.

Both sides traded heavy blows, with Musa, Ferreira, and Mercau going close for Dallas, but NYCFC’s defense held firm — helped by strong saves from Matt Freese and some gritty midfield battles led by Justin Haak and Andrés Perea.

Then, in the 84th minute, it was Martínez again. This time, he latched onto a perfectly timed through ball from Nicolás Fernández Mercau, cut inside, and unleashed a clinical shot across goal that left Paes rooted — an xG of 43% and a finish worthy of a match-winner.

Tactical Snapshot

• NYCFC: Coach Nick Cushing’s mid-game switch to a double-pivot allowed more freedom for Moralez and O’Neill to link up with the front line, and Martínez thrived in the vacated channels.

• Dallas: Nico Estévez’s side showed early creativity but lacked composure late in the game. Defensive lapses down the wings and lack of midfield compactness opened the door for NYCFC’s comeback.

  
  

Key Performers

• Alonso Martínez (NYCFC): Hat trick hero with goals in the 22nd, 46th, and 84th minutes — clinical, intelligent movement, and a nightmare for the Dallas back line.

• Logan Farrington (Dallas): A brace and lively presence, but ultimately outshone by Martínez.

• Maxi Moralez (NYCFC): Pulled strings all night with two assists and dominated dead-ball situations.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This seven-goal MLS classic delivered everything: momentum swings, highlight-reel finishes, teenage promise, and a late twist. NYCFC climbs in the Eastern Conference standings while FC Dallas is left questioning their game management after giving up the lead three times.

Next up: NYCFC hosts Orlando City, while Dallas travels to take on LA Galaxy. Both will look to correct course in what’s shaping up to be a turbulent summer stretch.

Ask ChatGPT