The big story of the night was the Union debut of Fredy Adu, but it was Sebastien LeToux who made the headlines with two goals from the penalty spot as the Union fought back for a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas. It was a fairly exciting and chippy affair and while the Union will be happy about the fight back, they'll rue the fact that they've failed to earn three points for the fourth time in as many games.
The first Dallas goal came from a woeful mistake from the usually sound Carlos Valdez, whose miscommunication with goalie Faryd Mondragon gifted a goal to Maicon Santos. The Union would respond quickly when Ugo Ihemelu who brought down Justin Mapp for the first penalty of the night. LeToux would bury that to even the game at one. Dallas got it back however as Brek Shea, who played so well for the USMNT in Philly on Wednesday, scored in stoppage time to make it 2-1.
The Dallas defense kind of lost the plot in the second as defender George John was sent off with two yellows after a needless challenge and then Zach Lloyd needlessly brought down Gabriel Farfan right on the edge of the box, which the ref judged to be a penalty. LeToux also buried that one to even it up.
If the first half wasn't entertaining enough, the second half sure didn't lack drama. FC Dallas was battling to hold on to a 2-1 lead when first defender George John was issued a second yellow card to end his night early and then Zach Loyd brought down Gabe Farfan in the box for the game's second penalty kick. Sebastien Le Toux stepped up and scored the game-tying goal, his second of the night from the penalty spot.
Danny Mwanga had a chance from close range saved in the waning minutes as the Union were forced to settle for the draw once again.
Freddy Adu played about 60 minutes in his debut and did look lively despite only one afternoon of training with the team. That said, no would will find anything about his performance particularly special, which is understandable considering he's been on the team for a little over 24 hours. Peter Nowak called him over to the sidelines at least once during the game to explain where he wanted Adu on the field. Clearly, Adu will become more accustomed to the system with time.
The draw moves the Union into a tie atop the Eastern Conference with 34 points.