U18s Into Dallas Cup FinalEverton Under-18s will play Fulham in the Dallas Cup final after beating FC Dallas 3-1 at Toyota Stadium.Two first-half goals in as many minutes from Jack Kiersey and Delial Brewster put the Young Blues in a commanding position at the break.
Hector Montalvo pulled a goal back for the Americans with a quarter of an hour remaining but Everton secured the win courtesy of another great goal from forward Nathan Broadhead late on.
The Young Blues will now meet the Cottagers, who beat Brazilian team Fluminense 3-2 in the night’s other semi-final, on Sunday night back at Toyota Stadium.
A good number of local Evertonians turned out to cheer on the Young Blues, including several members of the North Texas Toffees supporters group.
Brewster, like he had all tournament, led the forward line with good effect and it was the striker who had the game’s opening chance on 10 minutes. He was released by Broadhead and drew a sprawling save from goalkeeper Benjamin Hale.
Everton’s purposeful start set the tone for the remainder of the match and after defender Josef Yarney headed over, Kiersey scrambled in from close range with half an hour on the clock.
Brewster fired in a cross from the right for the midfielder, who was in the right place to nod home just two yards out.
A minute later and the Young Blues were in firm control thanks to Brewster’s third goal of the tournament.
It was similar to his previous strikes against Kyoto Sanga and Real Salt Lake - a powerful run through the middle was followed by a composed, clinical left-foot finish.
FC Dallas created a half-chance to pull one back just before the break but goalkeeper Ben Pierce was alert to save Devin Vega’s cross-shot.
Forward Giovanni Montesdeoca put the ball in the net moments after the restart but it was quickly ruled out for offside.
FC Dallas offered more in attack during the second half as they searched for a way back into the tie. They saw a lot of the ball in and around Everton territory without creating anything too clear-cut.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Broadhead went close to further extending the advantage with a header that struck the post.
Hector nodded in with a quarter of an hour left to give the hosts late hope but the Toffees clinched the victory in the final minute through Broadhead’s classy strike.
The Welshman danced past a challenge and bent the ball into the top corner, putting the seal on another good night’s work for Everton.
Next up, the final against Fulham on Sunday!