Petar Musa makes World Cup statement in FC Dallas win
Harrison, NJ (May 02, 2026) — Returning from injury on Saturday night, the Croatian international scored the winning goal for FC Dallas in a 2-0 victory at Red Bull New York in his latest audition for selection to the Vatreni’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
The goal also ensured Musa kept pace at the top of the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi race alongside Chicago Fire FC striker Hugo Cuypers (10 goals).
“I’m very happy with our performance today. We worked hard and deserved to win,” said Musa.
“Personally, it would mean a lot for me to win the Golden Boot, but I always focus on the team. I want to help with goals and help out defensively. Getting three points is the most important thing.”
After a few years out of the international spotlight, Musa’s performances in Dallas have earned him successive call-ups during November World Cup qualifiers and the latest March window.
He made the most of those four appearances, earning one start and contributing 1g/1a for Croatia during that span.
Now up to 10g/1a on the season, Dallas’s leading goal contributor is attempting to make his first World Cup appearance an inevitability.
Samuel Sarver scored on a header in the 88th minute on an assist from Logan Farrington. The goal came two minutes after midfielder Ramiro Benetti blocked an attempt by New York’s Rafael Mosquera.
New York (3-5-2, 12 points) was blanked for the second straight league game and third time overall as its winless skid reached four games (0-3-1). The Red Bulls also fell to 1-5-2 after winning their first two contests.
Horvath finished with four saves and kept the Red Bulls in it by denying Musa’s header in the 11th minute along with a pair of shots by Binyamin in the opening half.
