Martínez Hat-Trick Powers NYCFC to 4–3 Thriller Over FC Dallas

New York City FC capped off a demanding four-game road trip with a thrilling 4–3 victory over FC Dallas on Friday night in Frisco, Texas. The win extended Pascal Jansen’s side’s unbeaten streak to three matches and showcased an electric performance from Alonso Martínez, who notched a sensational hat-trick.

Jansen rotated his lineup with two changes, bringing in Hannes Wolf and Mitja Ilenič, while Nicolás Fernández Mercau was named on the bench for the first time since arriving from Elche.

Dallas nearly struck early when Petar Musa pounced on a defensive mistake in the opening minute, but Matt Freesecame up with a key stop. Despite the early pressure, NYCFC opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Jonny Shore, who headed home Maxi Moralez’s corner for his first MLS goal.

Dallas quickly flipped the script. Goals from Musa and Logan Farrington in quick succession gave the hosts a 2–1 lead by the 17th minute. NYCFC answered through Martínez, who equalized just five minutes later after a brilliant setup from Moralez.

A chaotic first half saw five goals, capped by Farrington’s second strike in stoppage time to restore Dallas’ advantage heading into the break.

Agustín Ojeda and Strahinja Tanasijević came on at halftime, and NYCFC wasted no time leveling the match again. In the 48th minute, Martínez struck for his second of the night, set up by Wolf, to make it 3–3.

The intensity remained high as both teams traded chances. Fernández Mercau entered in the 61st minute and immediately made an impact, nearly scoring and later assisting the game-winner.

In the 81st minute, his inch-perfect through ball found Martínez, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick and seal the 4–3 win.

Despite a late push from Dallas, NYCFC held firm defensively. Nico Cavallo replaced Moralez in stoppage time to close out a match that may go down as one of the most exciting in NYCFC’s season.