FC Dallas hails Jesus Ferreira after leading team to victory over Real Salt Lake

Jesus Ferreira proved himself once more for FC Dallas, scoring the lone goal against Real Salt Lake on Saturday to lead his side to three points. The striker’s efforts cemented Dallas’ fifth place standings on the Western Conference table, an important feat as the MLS Playoffs near. 

His 14th minute strike also marked his 30th career goal, making him the second player in Major League Soccer history to reach 30 goals and 20 assists at the age of 21 or younger, joining Austin FC winger Diego Fagundez on the list. 

Fellow homegrown player Paxton Pomykal hailed the player for his recent contributions, labeling him a “selfless worker.” 

“He’s a clinical man, he's very clinical,” said Pomykal of the 2022 MLS All-Star pick. “He's such a selfless worker and besides his technique, his quality finishing ability and all the technicals he has on the ball, he really does a lot for the team off the ball and works hard and really does the dirty work.

“I mean, that's like four straight 90s for him and we've played midweek, weekend, midweek again. Like it's just incredible, kudos to him.”

Ferreira has managed 12 goals and five assists this season, equaling his 2021 numbers while tying for second on this year’s Golden Boot race with 12 games still left to be played. But despite his recent successes, FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez insists Ferreira is still capable of much more.  

“I think he is doing a good job, but I expect more from him,” Estevez said. “I think he can give even more. His ceiling is very high and we are here to push him to the highest level. What he is doing is something that I already expected. It is nothing that surprises me and I want him to surprise me more. I have a lot of confidence in him.”

After the match against Real Salt Lake, the forward revealed his concern lies in the collective aims, more than any potential personal accolades. 

“I'm excited that I can help the team in any way that I can, and this year is scoring goals,” said Ferreira. “I'm happy that my team put me in that position to be able to finish, and I'm just excited that they trusted me. The trust that the team puts me, you know, it just feels good to be up there.”

FC Dallas returns to action on Saturday when hosting LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium.