MANSFIELD, Texas — FC Dallas kicked off its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign in winning fashion Wednesday night, defeating Liga MX side Querétaro FC 2-0 at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. Second-half goals from Santi Moreno and Joaquín Valiente, along with a standout performance from goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, secured all three points for the MLS club in its tournament opener.
After a tightly contested first half ended scoreless, Dallas came out with a renewed sense of urgency following the break.
Just two minutes into the second half, Santi Moreno found the breakthrough, finishing in the 47th minute to give FC Dallas a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Moreno’s first of the 2026 Leagues Cup and his second career goal in the competition since joining Dallas earlier this season.
Querétaro responded by creating several dangerous opportunities, but Jonathan Sirois proved to be the difference. The Canadian goalkeeper produced nine saves, repeatedly denying the Liga MX side and preserving Dallas’ lead. His clean sheet marked back-to-back shutouts after recording another impressive performance in MLS play.
FC Dallas put the match away in the 81st minute when Joaquín Valiente scored his first goal in an FC Dallas jersey. The Uruguayan midfielder calmly finished to double the lead, capping off another influential performance after leading the club in assists during the MLS regular season.
The victory also featured several milestones for Dallas. Nine players made their Leagues Cup debuts, while midfielder Clay Holstad earned his first start for the club after recently arriving on loan from Rhode Island FC.
Following the match, head coach Eric Quill admitted his team wasn’t at its best early on but praised their response after halftime.
“Our first half wasn’t to our standard,” Quill said. “At halftime, we made adjustments, both tactically and mentally. We were a different team in the second half. We were front-footed, vertical, and committed to transition. I’m really proud of who we were defensively tonight.”
Quill also emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a victory.
“Winning creates confidence. Every game is a final in this tournament. We have ambition to try to win it.”
Forward Bernard Kamungo, who made his 100th appearance for FC Dallas, highlighted the challenge of facing Mexican opposition.
“It’s never easy to play a Mexican side. They play very aggressively, but we knew we had it in us. We took it one dribble at a time and got the win.”
With three points secured, FC Dallas now turns its attention to one of the marquee matches of the opening phase. They will travel to San Jose, California, to face Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage clashes.
Match Highlights
- Final Score: FC Dallas 2-0 Querétaro FC
- Goals:
- Santi Moreno (47′)
- Joaquín Valiente (81′)
- Player of the Match: Jonathan Sirois (9 saves, clean sheet)
- Next Match: FC Dallas vs. Chivas Guadalajara | Saturday, Aug. 8 | PayPal Park | San Jose, California
