STWF Sports | MANSFIELD, Texas | Aug. 5, 2026 — FC Dallas opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with a strong second-half response Wednesday night, defeating Liga MX side Querétaro FC 2-0 at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium.
After a scoreless opening half, Dallas broke through immediately after the restart and never looked back. Santi Moreno scored in the 47th minute before Joaquín Valiente added his first FC Dallas goal in the 81st to seal all three points.
The victory moved Dallas to 1-0-0 in tournament play and gave the club an encouraging start before a difficult second match against Chivas.
FC Dallas’ Strong Start in the 2026 Leagues Cup
Head coach Eric Quill acknowledged that the opening 45 minutes did not meet his expectations, but he was pleased with the way his team adjusted.
Dallas played with more aggression and purpose after halftime, and the change paid off almost immediately.
Moreno opened the scoring two minutes into the second half, giving FC Dallas its first goal of the 2026 Leagues Cup. The strike was his second goal in eight career tournament appearances and continued his growing role since joining the club in March.
The advantage allowed Dallas to play with more confidence, and its defensive structure held firm as Querétaro pushed for an equalizer.
Jonathan Sirois once again played a major role in preserving the result.
The goalkeeper finished with nine saves and recorded his first Leagues Cup clean sheet. The performance came just days after he made a career-high nine saves in a scoreless draw against the LA Galaxy.
Sirois has now posted consecutive shutouts while making 18 saves over his last two matches, providing Dallas with a steady presence in goal during an important stretch of the schedule.
Valiente then put the game out of reach in the 81st minute.
The attacking midfielder scored his first goal in an FC Dallas uniform, adding to a season in which he has already been one of the club’s most productive creators. Valiente entered the tournament leading Dallas in assists and key passes during regular-season play.
His finish gave Dallas the breathing room it needed and capped a much sharper second-half effort.
The night also featured several notable individual milestones.
Nine FC Dallas players made their Leagues Cup debuts: Christian Cappis, Patrickson Delgado, Clay Holstad, Herman Johansson, Kaick, Nolan Norris, Ramiro, Osaze Urhoghide and Valiente.
Holstad also made his first start for the club, playing 45 minutes after making his MLS debut against the Galaxy on Aug. 1. Dallas acquired him on loan from Rhode Island FC earlier this season.
Bernard Kamungo reached another milestone by making his 100th appearance for FC Dallas. The forward reflected afterward on the significance of reaching that mark with the club.
Quill emphasized that the result could be valuable beyond the three points, particularly as Dallas prepares for a tougher test.
The coach pointed to the confidence that comes from winning and praised his team’s defensive work, especially inside the penalty area. Querétaro sent pressure forward through crosses, but Dallas remained organized and strong in aerial challenges.
The next challenge comes quickly.
FC Dallas will travel to San Jose, California, to face Club Deportivo Guadalajara on Saturday, Aug. 8, at PayPal Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
Quill expects a demanding atmosphere against one of Mexico’s most recognizable clubs, but made it clear Dallas will approach the matchup aggressively.
After a controlled defensive performance, two second-half goals and another standout showing from Sirois, FC Dallas heads into its second Leagues Cup match with early momentum and a valuable three points already secured.
