Croatia's World Cup Star Ignites Texas Derby with Career-Best Performance in 20 Years
Petar Musa will never forget that moment. Neither will any FC Dallas supporter who attended Toyota Stadium on Saturday for the most goal-filled Copa Tejas clash in MLS history.
Musa, coming off a hat-trick performance last week and a recent selection to Croatia's national squad for World Cup preparation friendlies, found the net in the 86th minute to secure a 4–3 Texas Derby victory over Houston Dynamo, after his team trailed 3–1 by the 33rd minute.
The dramatic finish from the player known as The Moose, along with a double from strike partner Logan Farrington, plus a crucial diving stop from keeper Michael Collodi in the final moments, completed an unforgettable evening for Texas soccer.
It was always going to be HIM 🫎 pic.twitter.com/Hy9AfLxVRY
Houston's display, highlighted by a third goal in four matches for new Designated Player Guilherme, was commendable, even after Erik Sviatchenko received a second yellow card for elbowing Farrington in the 68th minute, resulting in his dismissal.
"Musa enters the match and delivers what Musa delivers, providing us tremendous energy and goals. He's exceptional. He and Logan [Farrington] combined form a dangerous partnership," Dallas coach Eric Quill commented after the game. "The other players supporting them are true fighters."
The seven-goal total in the derby equaled the highest-scoring encounter in the rivalry's history, previously achieved in their inaugural meeting in May 2006, when Houston won 4–3, featuring a brace from MLS icon Dwayne De Rosario.
Musa Aims for Croatia World Cup Spot
Following his match-winning strike that brought his tally to six goals in five appearances, Musa enters the international break filled with confidence as he competes for a place on Croatia's World Cup squad.
The 2018 World Cup runners-up, still featuring 40-year-old Luka Modrić in their midfield, aim to continue their impressive tournament performances this summer.
Modrić has contributed two goals and three assists with AC Milan this season, while another regular starting midfielder, Torino's Nikola Vlasić, has recorded seven goals and two assists in Serie A.
Musa, considering his current form, could serve as an important striker, and he'll get an opportunity to showcase his abilities in friendlies against Colombia and Brazil in nearby Orlando. At the World Cup, Croatia begin their campaign against England in Musa's MLS home market of Dallas, before meeting Panama in Toronto and Ghana in Philadelphia.
"I'm extremely excited. It's truly special to play for your country and also represent FC Dallas. I feel very proud and joyful," Musa expressed. "Today had only one goal—to defeat Houston in the derby. Now, my focus shifts to the national team."
Musa won't be the sole MLS player in Croatia's March roster, as Orlando City's Marco Pašalić will remain in his club's home city for the friendly fixtures.