PORTLAND – The new-look FC Dallas pairing of Kenny Cooper and Blas Pérez struggled to find the finishing touch in the opener of the Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament on Sunday, as FCD settled for a scoreless draw against Swedish side AIK.
Both Cooper (66th minute) and Pérez (16th minute) had looks at goal inside the penalty area, but they were thwarted by the AIK defense. Cooper’s chance was especially tantalizing, thanks to a run down the right flank by midfielder Jackson and a cross that found the former Red Bulls striker in the box, but AIK somehow snuffed out the chance.
The Swedish side also had their moments and came on especially strong toward the end of the first half. They looked to have earned a PK in the 28th minute when Nabil Bahoui was seemingly brought down in the box by Dallas right back Zach Loyd, but no foul was called.
Bahoui was arguably the most dangerous player on the field and he forced a spectacular save from FC Dallas goalkeeper Raúl Fernández in the 54th minute among his most dangerous forays. Fernández was it again with a huge save in the 75th minute on a breakaway chance for AIK forward Kennedy Igboananike.
The Peruvian 'keeper was particularly busy after coming on for Chris Seitz in the second half, also tipping a shot over the bar from AIK's Ibrahim Moro in the 78th minute.
FC Dallas return to action on Wednesday against Portland, while AIK take on San Jose.
