Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar was the hero for FC Dallas as he netted his first goal for the club in their 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer on Saturday night.
The 29-year-old, who joined Dallas from Colorado Rapids in January, delivered a commanding display at the heart of defence, capping it off with a fine headed goal in the second half.
Dallas got off to a flying start at Toyota Stadium when Croatian striker Petar Musa punished a goalkeeping error in the 8th minute, latching onto a long pass from Abubakar to slot home.
The home side continued to dictate proceedings but failed to add to their tally before the break.
In the 61st minute, Abubakar made sure of the points. Rising highest in the Portland box, the Ghanaian powerfully headed in a Sebastien Lletget corner to seal a deserved win for Nico Estevez’s men.
Abubakar’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, with his leadership at the back and aerial dominance proving vital.
He has now made 20 league appearances this season, underlining his importance since arriving in Texas.
The result moves Dallas to 12th in the Western Conference with 28 points, just two shy of the playoff places. They travel to face Austin FC next in a Texas derby on Matchday 27.
