OT own goal decides MLS Cup

TORONTO — FC Dallas defender George John deflected a shot into his own net in overtime and the Colorado Rapids beat FC Dallas 2-1 on Sunday night to win their first MLS Cup.

League MVP David Ferreira scored for Dallas in the first half before Colorado’s Conor Casey tied it in the second.

In the second half of overtime, Colorado substitute Macoumba Kandji took a long pass from Casey inside the box and stabbed the ball across the face of the Dallas goal. His shot spun off John’s left thigh and over the head of goalie Kevin Hartman. John was charged with an own goal.

Kandji, Colorado’s third and final substitute, injured his left leg on the play and had to limp off, leaving the Rapids one player short for the final 12 minutes.

Kandji was slow to leave the field, leading to a confrontation with Dallas’ Ugo Ihemelu, who accused him of wasting time.

Ferreira nearly set up the tying goal with five minutes left, sliding a pass across the box to Ihelemu, but the defender blazed his shot high.

Rapids goalie Matt Pickens made a crucial save in the final minute, pushing John’s shot wide. Moments later, defender Drew Moor cleared a shot by Dallas striker Jeff Cunningham off the goal line.

Dallas opened the scoring in the 35th minute when winger Marvin Chavez fired an inch-perfect cross into the path of a streaking Ferreira, who used his right foot to hammer the ball past Pickens.

Colorado tied it in the 57th minute. Jamie Smith cut into the penalty area and fired a low ball, with Casey arriving at the same time as Dallas goalie Kevin Hartman and defender Jair Benitez. Casey reacted fastest when the ball squirted loose, kicking it into the goal while still lying on the grass.