FC Dallas’ strong run to start 2018 continues, as they bounced back from a tough road loss to NYCFC last weekend to steal a point from LAFC.

LAFC got off to a quick start in the 9th minute, courtesy of Steven Beitashour placing his shot into the far corner. Diego Rossi danced his way through the Dallas midfield before finding Beitashour slicing his way behind the Dallas defense. Rossi caught the Dallas defense switching at the worst time, with Roland Lamah passing off Beitashour to Anton Nedyalkov, who could not recover in time and let the home team take the early lead.

Dallas came back strong and nearly tied it up in the 18th minute, when Santiago Mosquera turned former FCD defender Walker Zimmerman in the box to chip keeper Tyler Miller but the effort was cleared off the line by an acrobatic interception and clearance by Laurent Ciman.

LAFC had a couple more chances in the first half from Carlos Vela in the 26th minute, but pushed his effort wide of Maurer’s goal then Mark Anthony Kaye forced a strong diving save from Maurer in the 30th minute.

LAFC had a huge opportunity to put the expansion side up 2-0 and possibly the game to bed in the 50th minute when Latif Blessing found himself wide open inside the penalty area, he whiffed on his attempt which bounced favorably to Kaye, who aimed for the upper corner of Maurer’s goal but ended up shooting it into the USC campus.

LAFC would rue their missed chances as Dallas would find the equalizer courtesy of a trademark Maximiliano Urruti strike. Mosquera worked the left flank, drew three defenders before feeding Urruti in the middle. Urruti turned a helpless Ciman and fired a low shot into the far corner of the goal.

It was over when - The whistle blew. LAFC had several chances to reclaim the lead, but were woeful in front of goal.

Turning point - Ryan Hollingshead sub. Dallas went with a 5-3-2 formation for the final 12 minutes of the match. Once Dallas hunkered down for the afternoon, LAFC’s chances of finding a winner were all but gone.

One positive for FCD - Mosquera is settling in nicely. He’s finding his feet and the rhythm with this team. Also, good to see Kellyn Acosta back in the lineup and for him to see minutes in this one.

What’s next - FC Dallas heads back home to take on the other LA team, that features Zlatan Ibrahimovic.