As happens every year the MLS Players Union has announced the salaries of all their players. I pulled out the FC Dallas salaries for you here.
A couple of quick thoughts before the list...
1. Most players, including Blas Perez, make about what I expected. That means FCD is doing a good job with their salary structure.
2. You can see Fabian Castillo was indeed a 1 year DP player as he's now on his actual salary.
3. Ricardo Villar is a steal at $80k. I would have been happy at twice that.
4. Bruno Guarda is still a bit overpaid, being a former Generation adidas that happens.
5. Andrew Wiedeman is WAY overpaid. Someone really misfired and overvalued him. He's getting paid like a U17 GA signing does, not a college GA signing. No way FCD picks that deal up when he graduates.
6. Of the protected players Ruben Luna and Bryan Leyva get paid like the prospects they are, everyone else makes backup money. I expected more for Richard Sanchez.
7. Daniel Hernandez took a big pay cut this year, about half. Which is appropriate IMO. I wonder if he gets a separate coach's salary?
8. George John is getting hosed... he should be on Ugo money. The question is, did FCD offer Ugo money or not, John turned them down but it's hard to know what they offered. Ugo is paid like a domestic starting center back should be paid. John should be very similar.
Ok here's the list, the first number is the base salary, the second is "average after bonuses."
A couple of quick thoughts before the list...
1. Most players, including Blas Perez, make about what I expected. That means FCD is doing a good job with their salary structure.
2. You can see Fabian Castillo was indeed a 1 year DP player as he's now on his actual salary.
3. Ricardo Villar is a steal at $80k. I would have been happy at twice that.
4. Bruno Guarda is still a bit overpaid, being a former Generation adidas that happens.
5. Andrew Wiedeman is WAY overpaid. Someone really misfired and overvalued him. He's getting paid like a U17 GA signing does, not a college GA signing. No way FCD picks that deal up when he graduates.
6. Of the protected players Ruben Luna and Bryan Leyva get paid like the prospects they are, everyone else makes backup money. I expected more for Richard Sanchez.
7. Daniel Hernandez took a big pay cut this year, about half. Which is appropriate IMO. I wonder if he gets a separate coach's salary?
8. George John is getting hosed... he should be on Ugo money. The question is, did FCD offer Ugo money or not, John turned them down but it's hard to know what they offered. Ugo is paid like a domestic starting center back should be paid. John should be very similar.
Ok here's the list, the first number is the base salary, the second is "average after bonuses."
| Senior Roster | ||
| Ferreira, David | $600,000.00 | $705,000.00 |
| Shea, Brek | $310,000.00 | $354,000.00 |
| Perez, Blas | $285,000.00 | $309,250.00 |
| Ihemelu, Ugo | $190,000.00 | $190,000.00 |
| Hartman, Kevin | $165,000.00 | $185,000.00 |
| Jackson | $120,000.00 | $141,375.00 |
| Loyd, Zach | $73,975.00 | $118,600.00 |
| Jacobson, Andrew | $87,500.00 | $100,000.00 |
| Pertuz, Hernan | $84,000.00 | $84,000.00 |
| Villar, Ricardo | $80,004.00 | $80,004.00 |
| Benitez, Jair | $80,000.00 | $80,000.00 |
| Guarda, Bruno | $60,000.00 | $75,000.00 |
| Hernandez, Daniel | $75,000.00 | $75,000.00 |
| Seitz, Chris | $75,000.00 | $75,000.00 |
| Rodriguez, Carlos | $55,008.00 | $64,383.00 |
| Warshaw, Bobby | $46,200.00 | $57,450.00 |
| Castillo, Fabian | $50,000.00 | $56,250.00 |
| Sealy, Scott | $50,004.00 | $50,004.00 |
| John, George | $47,250.00 | $47,250.00 |
| Protected Roster | ||
| Wiedeman Andrew | $80,000.00 | $123,000.00 |
| Luna Ruben | $60,000.00 | $84,791.67 |
| Leyva Bryan | $60,000.00 | $75,833.33 |
| Hedges Matt | $44,000.00 | $59,000.00 |
| Hernandez Moises | $44,100.00 | $46,600.00 |
| Ulloa Victor | $44,000.00 | $46,500.00 |
| Sanchez Richard | $44,000.00 | $45,000.00 |
| Top Jonathan | $44,100.00 | $44,100.00 |
| Marcelin James | $44,000.04 | $44,000.04 |
| Lee Alex | $33,756.00 | $33,756.00 |
Historically speaking, winless Mays have mixed meaning for FC Dallas
May, 25, 2012
May 25
11:38
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
If FC Dallas loses on Saturday night at Real Salt Lake, this year’s club will accomplish a feat that has only happened twice previous in franchise history, FCD will finish the month of May winless. In both 2000 and 2004, Dallas went 0-4-1 in May but while the ’00 team did make the playoffs with a final regular-season mark of 14-14-4 and 46 points, the 2004 squad did not, ending up 10-14-6 with 36 points. Here’s a breakdown:
2000
May Record: 0-4-1
Record at End of May: 4-7-1, 13 points
Record Rest of Season: 10-7-3, 33 points
Final Record: 14-14-4, 46 points
Playoffs: Eliminated in opening round
2004
May Record: 0-4-1
Record at End of May: 2-4-2, eight points
Record Rest of Season: 8-10-4, 28 points
Final Record: 10-14-6, 36 points
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Analysis
So, as you can see, the 2000 team still managed to make the playoffs despite a winless May, but they were well over .500 the rest of the season. However, the 2004 club didn’t fare so well the balance of the campaign. So, is the 2012 team more like the 2000 team or the 2004 one that didn’t make the playoffs? That’s tough to say, but if FCD can get the likes of David Ferreira, Ricardo Villar and others back from the injured list, then they could make a run the rest of the way. But the burning question is have they already dug too deep of a hole to get out of?
2000
May Record: 0-4-1
Record at End of May: 4-7-1, 13 points
Record Rest of Season: 10-7-3, 33 points
Final Record: 14-14-4, 46 points
Playoffs: Eliminated in opening round
2004
May Record: 0-4-1
Record at End of May: 2-4-2, eight points
Record Rest of Season: 8-10-4, 28 points
Final Record: 10-14-6, 36 points
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Analysis
So, as you can see, the 2000 team still managed to make the playoffs despite a winless May, but they were well over .500 the rest of the season. However, the 2004 club didn’t fare so well the balance of the campaign. So, is the 2012 team more like the 2000 team or the 2004 one that didn’t make the playoffs? That’s tough to say, but if FCD can get the likes of David Ferreira, Ricardo Villar and others back from the injured list, then they could make a run the rest of the way. But the burning question is have they already dug too deep of a hole to get out of?
FC Dallas will host USL PRO side Charlotte Eagles at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 29 at FC Dallas Stadium in the third round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Tickets are $10 for current FC Dallas season ticket holders, including full, partial and flex plans. All full season ticket holders will have their usual seats reserved for the match. Meanwhile, general admission tickets for non-plan holders are $15.
Named for MLS founding investor and investor-operator of FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dates back to 1914. The tournament is the oldest current national cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest in the world. Open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States, the 2012 edition of the U.S. Open Cup is its 99th tournament.The Dallas side won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1997. MLS side Seattle Sounders FC claimed the last three Open Cup titles.
Tickets are $10 for current FC Dallas season ticket holders, including full, partial and flex plans. All full season ticket holders will have their usual seats reserved for the match. Meanwhile, general admission tickets for non-plan holders are $15.
Named for MLS founding investor and investor-operator of FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dates back to 1914. The tournament is the oldest current national cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest in the world. Open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States, the 2012 edition of the U.S. Open Cup is its 99th tournament.The Dallas side won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1997. MLS side Seattle Sounders FC claimed the last three Open Cup titles.
Scoring Summary:
DAL – Matt Hedges 41
CHI – Sebastian Grazzini (Marco Pappa) 45
CHI – Marco Pappa 63
FC Dallas – Chris Seitz, Jair Benitez, Matt Hedges, George John (Carlos Rodriguez 46), Zach Loyd, Bryan Leyva (Scott Sealy 72), James Marcelin (Bruno Guarda 46), Daniel Hernandez, Andrew Jacobson Jackson, Blas Perez.
Substitutes Not Used: Kevin Hartman, Victor Ulloa, Jonathan Top, Moises Hernandez.
TOTAL SHOTS: 15 (Blas Perez 4);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Blas Perez 2);
FOULS: 15 (Andrew Jacobson, Zach Loyd 3);
OFFSIDES: 2 (Carlos Rodriguez, Andrew Jacobson 1);
CORNER KICKS: 7 (Bryan Leyva 4);
SAVES: 4 (Kevin Hartman 4).
Chicago Fire – Sean Johnson, Dan Gargan, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Gonzalo Segares, Patrick Nyarko, Rafael Robayo, Sebastian Grazzini (Pavel Pardo 76), Logan Pause, Marco Pappa (Corben Bone 89), Dominic Oduro (Orr Barouch 59).
Substitutes Not Used: Paolo Tornaghi, Hunter Jumper, Danil Paladini, Federico Puppo.
TOTAL SHOTS: 15 (Sebastian Grazzini 6);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 (Sebastian Grazzini 4);
FOULS: 21 (Marco Pappa 4);
OFFSIDES: 4 (Dominic Oduro 3);
CORNER KICKS: 3 (Marco Pappa 2);
SAVES: 4 (Sean Johnson 4).
Misconduct Summary:
DAL – George John (caution) 30
CHI – Dan Gargan (caution) 36
CHI – Marco Pappa (caution) 64
CHI – Orr Barouch (caution) 69
CHI – Rafael Robayo (caution) 90
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Referee’s Assistants: Peter Balciunas, Kevin Klinger
4th Official: Abiodun Okulaja
Attendance: 11,947
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Sunny, 78 degrees
FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman
On the team’s performance in the first half:
“I thought we seemed to have a bit more energy than they did, I know they played on Sunday, we played on Saturday and the trip, and playing on turf wears you down, so we wanted to come out really high and press and force their defense to make mistakes. I thought we were really doing some good things. I’m surprised it took us so long to score as it did because we were putting a lot of pressure on Anibaba and Berry in the back. But we did get a goal, we are disappointed we gave a goal up in the way we gave it up, and then of course the penalty kick, and then coming back and giving up a penalty kick. I really think the play was offside but it seems like that’s the kind of way the season has been going for us. The critical points of time, the ball’s not bouncing right and we’re not getting it done in critical times where we are making a mistake.”
On playing high pressure on defenders:
“We’re asking so much of our guys. We have nine injuries. We have four academy guys that are on the trip. We’re asking guys to help us with the one thing that they can do, and they have been doing, which is working. Our idea was to put pressure on the defense. We watched three games from Chicago, and we feel they do a great job defending, but they may not be as creative with the ball coming down the back. And without time and space, people have a tendency to make a mistake.”
On the sense of urgency or frustration that has set in to the team:
“Completely. Completely. On both levels. The urgency, you know, we played three more games than Chicago and they have more points than us. So that’s frustrating. And the other thing is the frustration. I think this is a game we could have won. But I can say this about a few of our games. I don’t know if we’re just having players getting tired, this is our third series of three games in a week, [the Fire] will feel it when they go to Columbus. You don’t get a chance to recover, and then when you get injuries, you don’t get a chance to treat things to recover. I thought the key for us was losing George John at halftime with a potential concussion. We wanted to keep it safe. That was his injury. So we’re hoping that he’ll be okay to jump back in to the game this weekend.”
On the second substitution at halftime with Guarda:
“That was a tactical substitution. We felt like we needed just a little more offensive play and Bruno Guarda came in and he’s the one that drew the penalty kick. I think tactically and with decision making we were pretty good, but I just think that there were key moments in the game where we didn’t get it done.”
On regrouping before the next match against Salt Lake:
“I’ll say this about our guys. I’m frustrated, I think the word we all use and we used it at halftime and at the end of the game, we should be pissed. Because we are giving everything we have, we’re in the game and we can’t overcome our own mistakes so we should be pissed. But we want to be and continue to be fighters. We want to show up and play good soccer. We want to put everything out there and not be victims where everything is going against us. So a lot of it is just mentality. Our injured players will come back and when they come back, we’ll be better.”
FC Dallas Defender Matt Hedges
On the importance of his goal:
“I think it was an important goal for us because we’ve been playing well all half and I think it should boost our confidence but in the end we gave up a goal a couple minutes later so it’s kind of disappointing. But the first goal, I was excited but it just wasn’t enough.”
On the team’s sense of urgency:
“Absolutely, we need to get points any way we can, a win, a tie, whatever. We have to keep working hard. We’ve been playing well but it’s not going our way. We have to start getting more points-we haven’t gotten too many points in the last seven or eight games.”
On building on the team’s play from the first half:
“We’ve had a lot of injuries and a lot of guys who don’t normally play are getting a lot of minutes so I think they’re getting good, quality experience. When we get the [starters] back, they’ll be able to help us a little more.
FC Dallas Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman
On the match:
“Obviously we are disappointed. We had our opportunity to go up in the second half. Sean Johnson made a great save on Perez’s penalty kick. It’s really disappointing. We have a game on Saturday we need to get ready for now. We have to really grab each other around the shoulders and give each other a hug and say that we have the guys and the talent and the opportunity against a really good Salt Lake team that we have a quick turn around again. We can’t really hang our heads. We have to deal with it like men and move on with it. Practices have been good and we’re just in the position now that we’re going to need someone to work a little harder and put their head in one of those 50/50 balls and maybe get a goal for us. And that might be something that will change the tide for us. I thought tonight when we had the penalty kick opportunity, I thought this is it, this is our opportunity and then Sean Johnson came up with a great save, so hats off to him.”
On the team’s performance in the first half:
“I was really content with it. I thought we didn’t give up too many opportunities, but you can’t give Grazzini a free kick from the 19 yard line. He’s just too good of a player. Maybe we were a little naďve on that. We have some new guys on the park. Zach [Loyd] comes in and plays inside and plays in the center and I don’t think Zach’s played in the center for a while. Matt’s [Hedges] just out of college, I think he’s performed very admirably. But unfortunately I think there was a lesson there maybe tonight that we can take something from this game and hopefully add it to one of the experiences of 2012 and it’ll make us a better team.”
Frank Klopas – Chicago Fire Head Coach
Comments on the match…
“Obviously just a great win for our club. I thought it was important for us being at home and coming out with a lot of energy from the beginning. We pressed higher up the field instead of waiting and going a goal down, and then starting to play. I felt that in the beginning we were a little bit flat and tired, and Dallas did a good job of really stepping high and pressing us. I thought that they were the bigger team and winning most balls. We gave up that goal, but we had a good response from the group. It’s just a huge win. We scored from behind again which shows a lot of character for the group. It’s all about the group and the team. It was a great performance and we scored the two goals and then created some more opportunities to put the game away. In the last five minutes, you have to say a couple prayers. It was just a great win for us and now we have to move on to the next match.”
On the goal by Grazzini...
“We gave up that goal in the 41st minute of the game, which is never a good time to give up the goal before going into the locker room. Sebastián scored a fantastic goal-a world class goal. Those are the type of goals that he can score with his ability. I felt that the group was positive and that the goal lifted us going into halftime. We talked more about strategy at the half and they came out with good energy and pushed hard. Sometimes it is difficult with the road trips...we came back from the trip to Portland and we had a great response from the group tonight.”
On the tendency to give up goals and having to battle back...
“I don’t know if it is a tendency. We talked about about playing from the beginning until the end and being more consistent. I was worried to see how we would start off because of the short week. It took us a little bit of time, but their goal came from nothing. From set pieces we need to get better. The positive thing is that we never gave up. The trend in this league is that the team that gives up the first goal normally does not win. I’m proud of the guys because they believe in themselves."
On scoring from set pieces and the corner kick...
“I think it helped when they went with a smaller group in the second half. George John came off with an injury, then James Marcelin came off. Then we felt pretty good with the set pieces. I don’t think that we lost one aerial battle. The key was the second balls because we were getting a little bit stretched. It’s an area that we have to keep working on.”
On Sean Johnson stopping the penalty...
“It was huge for a morale standpoint and also for him. After that save, you saw a different Sean with more confidence and command in his box. It was also important in giving the whole team new energy. It was an important moment in the game.”
On playing at Columbus on Saturday...
“It’s great because last year it was my first win as interim coach and it was really something special because normally before the games I don’t go outside the locker rooms...I’m superstitious at times and do the same routine. I knew that when they came in from the warm ups that it was great because they came back and were in awe to see the amount of fans that we had there. There was a positive feeling in the room. There has been some special players and special teams at this club. I believe that then and now. It is time to write our own history and be remembered forever, like the team in ’98. That’s what it is all about. It was a great win and it was great to see so many of our fans there. It's a difficult match-its a very good team, it's a rivalry. We’re looking forward to it. We need to assess everyone tomorrow and if we need to make some adjustments, we will. Now we have a couple days and not that long of a trip. We look forward to the match.”
Sean Johnson, Chicago Fire goalkeeper
On his PK save:
“Most importantly the save was big for the team at that point in the game to help turn things around. There was a spell there where they were putting a lot of pressure on us – they got the ball into a deep spot and we gave up the foul, which was unfortunate. We needed that stop to keep sp in the game – it’s all about making crucial saves in the game when we need them. “
On the result:
“It was a team effort tonight and we were able to put one back on the other end of the field and come away with three points.”
On his confidence after the PK save:
“It’s always good to save a big save in the game like that to help turn things around and get the team going a bit. The second half was definitely better for me personally.”
On seeing the ball on the PK save:
“I was just trying to read it and get a good jump, and once the ball was out safely then you can regroup as a team and get things back in order and organized for the next play.”
Marco Pappa, Chicago Fire midfielder
On the slow start:
“After the first half when we came into the locker room we talked about how we needed to push ourselves more in the game. We knew we had to give a better effort in the second half of the game. We had some extra motivation after Sean’s [Johnson] penalty kick save.”
On his goal:
“I always said that before the ball goes into the net that I need to find the ball and stay with it. I made the sprint and the ball came to me, and it resulted in three points for the team so I’m happy with that. The best thing for me is that if I score the winner, everybody is a winner in the locker room, it’s good to get three points. “
Chicago’s Sebastian Grazzini:
On the result:
“It was definitely difficult today because they were definitely crowding the midfield. It seemed like they were playing with three defensive midfielders and it was difficult to break through, but we were able to create some space and score in a timely manner. It was definitely a wonderful victory to have here at home. “
On his goal:
“I thought it worked out really well. I’ve been connecting a lot more with Marco [Pappa] and Rafa [Robayo] a lot and it was an excellent wall for me to place it over and put it in. I’m just happy that it came at a good time to help tie the match.”
On the team’s performance in the first half:
“I thought we seemed to have a bit more energy than they did, I know they played on Sunday, we played on Saturday and the trip, and playing on turf wears you down, so we wanted to come out really high and press and force their defense to make mistakes. I thought we were really doing some good things. I’m surprised it took us so long to score as it did because we were putting a lot of pressure on Anibaba and Berry in the back. But we did get a goal, we are disappointed we gave a goal up in the way we gave it up, and then of course the penalty kick, and then coming back and giving up a penalty kick. I really think the play was offside but it seems like that’s the kind of way the season has been going for us. The critical points of time, the ball’s not bouncing right and we’re not getting it done in critical times where we are making a mistake.”
On playing high pressure on defenders:
“We’re asking so much of our guys. We have nine injuries. We have four academy guys that are on the trip. We’re asking guys to help us with the one thing that they can do, and they have been doing, which is working. Our idea was to put pressure on the defense. We watched three games from Chicago, and we feel they do a great job defending, but they may not be as creative with the ball coming down the back. And without time and space, people have a tendency to make a mistake.”
On the sense of urgency or frustration that has set in to the team:
“Completely. Completely. On both levels. The urgency, you know, we played three more games than Chicago and they have more points than us. So that’s frustrating. And the other thing is the frustration. I think this is a game we could have won. But I can say this about a few of our games. I don’t know if we’re just having players getting tired, this is our third series of three games in a week, [the Fire] will feel it when they go to Columbus. You don’t get a chance to recover, and then when you get injuries, you don’t get a chance to treat things to recover. I thought the key for us was losing George John at halftime with a potential concussion. We wanted to keep it safe. That was his injury. So we’re hoping that he’ll be okay to jump back in to the game this weekend.”
On the second substitution at halftime with Guarda:
“That was a tactical substitution. We felt like we needed just a little more offensive play and Bruno Guarda came in and he’s the one that drew the penalty kick. I think tactically and with decision making we were pretty good, but I just think that there were key moments in the game where we didn’t get it done.”
On regrouping before the next match against Salt Lake:
“I’ll say this about our guys. I’m frustrated, I think the word we all use and we used it at halftime and at the end of the game, we should be pissed. Because we are giving everything we have, we’re in the game and we can’t overcome our own mistakes so we should be pissed. But we want to be and continue to be fighters. We want to show up and play good soccer. We want to put everything out there and not be victims where everything is going against us. So a lot of it is just mentality. Our injured players will come back and when they come back, we’ll be better.”
FC Dallas Defender Matt Hedges
On the importance of his goal:
“I think it was an important goal for us because we’ve been playing well all half and I think it should boost our confidence but in the end we gave up a goal a couple minutes later so it’s kind of disappointing. But the first goal, I was excited but it just wasn’t enough.”
On the team’s sense of urgency:
“Absolutely, we need to get points any way we can, a win, a tie, whatever. We have to keep working hard. We’ve been playing well but it’s not going our way. We have to start getting more points-we haven’t gotten too many points in the last seven or eight games.”
On building on the team’s play from the first half:
“We’ve had a lot of injuries and a lot of guys who don’t normally play are getting a lot of minutes so I think they’re getting good, quality experience. When we get the [starters] back, they’ll be able to help us a little more.
FC Dallas Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman
On the match:
“Obviously we are disappointed. We had our opportunity to go up in the second half. Sean Johnson made a great save on Perez’s penalty kick. It’s really disappointing. We have a game on Saturday we need to get ready for now. We have to really grab each other around the shoulders and give each other a hug and say that we have the guys and the talent and the opportunity against a really good Salt Lake team that we have a quick turn around again. We can’t really hang our heads. We have to deal with it like men and move on with it. Practices have been good and we’re just in the position now that we’re going to need someone to work a little harder and put their head in one of those 50/50 balls and maybe get a goal for us. And that might be something that will change the tide for us. I thought tonight when we had the penalty kick opportunity, I thought this is it, this is our opportunity and then Sean Johnson came up with a great save, so hats off to him.”
On the team’s performance in the first half:
“I was really content with it. I thought we didn’t give up too many opportunities, but you can’t give Grazzini a free kick from the 19 yard line. He’s just too good of a player. Maybe we were a little naďve on that. We have some new guys on the park. Zach [Loyd] comes in and plays inside and plays in the center and I don’t think Zach’s played in the center for a while. Matt’s [Hedges] just out of college, I think he’s performed very admirably. But unfortunately I think there was a lesson there maybe tonight that we can take something from this game and hopefully add it to one of the experiences of 2012 and it’ll make us a better team.”
Frank Klopas – Chicago Fire Head Coach
Comments on the match…
“Obviously just a great win for our club. I thought it was important for us being at home and coming out with a lot of energy from the beginning. We pressed higher up the field instead of waiting and going a goal down, and then starting to play. I felt that in the beginning we were a little bit flat and tired, and Dallas did a good job of really stepping high and pressing us. I thought that they were the bigger team and winning most balls. We gave up that goal, but we had a good response from the group. It’s just a huge win. We scored from behind again which shows a lot of character for the group. It’s all about the group and the team. It was a great performance and we scored the two goals and then created some more opportunities to put the game away. In the last five minutes, you have to say a couple prayers. It was just a great win for us and now we have to move on to the next match.”
On the goal by Grazzini...
“We gave up that goal in the 41st minute of the game, which is never a good time to give up the goal before going into the locker room. Sebastián scored a fantastic goal-a world class goal. Those are the type of goals that he can score with his ability. I felt that the group was positive and that the goal lifted us going into halftime. We talked more about strategy at the half and they came out with good energy and pushed hard. Sometimes it is difficult with the road trips...we came back from the trip to Portland and we had a great response from the group tonight.”
On the tendency to give up goals and having to battle back...
“I don’t know if it is a tendency. We talked about about playing from the beginning until the end and being more consistent. I was worried to see how we would start off because of the short week. It took us a little bit of time, but their goal came from nothing. From set pieces we need to get better. The positive thing is that we never gave up. The trend in this league is that the team that gives up the first goal normally does not win. I’m proud of the guys because they believe in themselves."
On scoring from set pieces and the corner kick...
“I think it helped when they went with a smaller group in the second half. George John came off with an injury, then James Marcelin came off. Then we felt pretty good with the set pieces. I don’t think that we lost one aerial battle. The key was the second balls because we were getting a little bit stretched. It’s an area that we have to keep working on.”
On Sean Johnson stopping the penalty...
“It was huge for a morale standpoint and also for him. After that save, you saw a different Sean with more confidence and command in his box. It was also important in giving the whole team new energy. It was an important moment in the game.”
On playing at Columbus on Saturday...
“It’s great because last year it was my first win as interim coach and it was really something special because normally before the games I don’t go outside the locker rooms...I’m superstitious at times and do the same routine. I knew that when they came in from the warm ups that it was great because they came back and were in awe to see the amount of fans that we had there. There was a positive feeling in the room. There has been some special players and special teams at this club. I believe that then and now. It is time to write our own history and be remembered forever, like the team in ’98. That’s what it is all about. It was a great win and it was great to see so many of our fans there. It's a difficult match-its a very good team, it's a rivalry. We’re looking forward to it. We need to assess everyone tomorrow and if we need to make some adjustments, we will. Now we have a couple days and not that long of a trip. We look forward to the match.”
Sean Johnson, Chicago Fire goalkeeper
On his PK save:
“Most importantly the save was big for the team at that point in the game to help turn things around. There was a spell there where they were putting a lot of pressure on us – they got the ball into a deep spot and we gave up the foul, which was unfortunate. We needed that stop to keep sp in the game – it’s all about making crucial saves in the game when we need them. “
On the result:
“It was a team effort tonight and we were able to put one back on the other end of the field and come away with three points.”
On his confidence after the PK save:
“It’s always good to save a big save in the game like that to help turn things around and get the team going a bit. The second half was definitely better for me personally.”
On seeing the ball on the PK save:
“I was just trying to read it and get a good jump, and once the ball was out safely then you can regroup as a team and get things back in order and organized for the next play.”
Marco Pappa, Chicago Fire midfielder
On the slow start:
“After the first half when we came into the locker room we talked about how we needed to push ourselves more in the game. We knew we had to give a better effort in the second half of the game. We had some extra motivation after Sean’s [Johnson] penalty kick save.”
On his goal:
“I always said that before the ball goes into the net that I need to find the ball and stay with it. I made the sprint and the ball came to me, and it resulted in three points for the team so I’m happy with that. The best thing for me is that if I score the winner, everybody is a winner in the locker room, it’s good to get three points. “
Chicago’s Sebastian Grazzini:
On the result:
“It was definitely difficult today because they were definitely crowding the midfield. It seemed like they were playing with three defensive midfielders and it was difficult to break through, but we were able to create some space and score in a timely manner. It was definitely a wonderful victory to have here at home. “
On his goal:
“I thought it worked out really well. I’ve been connecting a lot more with Marco [Pappa] and Rafa [Robayo] a lot and it was an excellent wall for me to place it over and put it in. I’m just happy that it came at a good time to help tie the match.”
Loss to Fire extends FC Dallas' winless streak
May, 23, 2012
May 23
10:41
PM CT
By ESPN.com news services
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Sebastian Grazzini and Marco Pappa scored and goalkeeper Sean Johnson stopped a penalty kick as the Chicago Fire rallied for a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas on Wednesday night.
The Fire (5-3-3) won for the third time in five matches to remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Defender Matt Hedges scored in the 41st minute to put FC Dallas (3-7-4) on the board first. Dallas extended its winless streak to eight matches (0-5-3) and remained winless on the road (0-5-1).
Grazzini tied the score in the 45th minute, lofting a 25-yard left-footed shot over Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman's right shoulder.
Johnson stopped Blas Perez's penalty kick in the 52nd minute, diving to his right to get a hand on the low shot. The attempt was ordered when Fire forward Dominic Oduro tripped Bruno Guarda from behind near the goal line.
Pappa got the tiebreaker in the 63rd on rebound off a penalty kick by Grazzini. Pappa was three steps into the penalty area before Grazzini launched his kick, but no infraction was detected by referee Hilario Grajeda, and Pappa converted the rebound with goalkeeper Kevin Hartman on the turf. The penalty kick resulted from Dallas defender Zach Loyd pulling Pappa down as they chased a loose ball into the penalty area.
FC Dallas and the Chicago Fire renew their Brimstone Cup rivalry on Wednesday night at Toyota Park. The Men in Red fell 2-1 at Portland on Sunday night while FCD has now gone seven straight without a win, the second-longest such streak in franchise history.
Here are some points to ponder heading into this game:
Is FCD Going Streaking or Not?---Clearly, the current seven-game winless streak is nothing for FC Dallas to celebrate. And considering that this team has yet to win on the road this season, it would surprise absolutely no one to see Dallas drop each of their next three matches, all of which are on the road, to equal the franchise-record winless streak of 10 straight set during 2005. However, on the flipside, if ever there was an opportunity for FCD to break through with their first win since April 14, it would have to be Wednesday night at Toyota Park, a venue Dallas has never lost at (5-0-1). But if FCD fails to come away with three points, then realistically the next time Dallas supporters can expect this team to win could be the late June visit by Chivas USA.
Return of the Zach Attack---Those who used to watch Saved by the Bell got that reference and everyone else, oh well. Getting Zach Loyd back on the right side of the defense will definitely be a big boost to the Dallas backline. With Hernan Pertuz out several weeks with an ankle injury, it will be interesting to see if Schellas Hyndman goes with rookie Matt Hedges or Carlos Rodriguez, who had a pretty rough game in his return in Saturday’s draw with Philly to say the least. Hyndman seems to really like what Hedges has done thus far, so one has to think Hedges gets the start in Bridgeview. But getting Loyd back, who before Saturday had been the only FCD player to start every game and play every minute this season, is huge for a group that occasional mental lapses aside has been a pretty solid group.
Can Leyva Follow it Up?---Bryan Leyva’s overall performance, especially on set pieces, in the 1-1 draw with the Union over the weekend ranked as one of the few bright spots in what had to be termed a disappointing turn of events for FCD. But with Fabian Castillo still listed as questionable on the injury report, any hopes Dallas fans had of seeing Leyva on one flank and Castillo on the other in Chicago might have been dashed. But Leyva is still a young pup and the usual knock on young players is inconsistency, so all eyes will be on the young homegrown talent to see if he can follow up a mostly solid performance on Saturday with one on an equal if not on a higher level . If Leyva can start stringing consistently solid performances together and can display some finishing skills, he could very well challenge Castillo for a starting spot.
Chicago’s Fire-power---No pun intended, but the Fire’s attack can be quite incendiary when it’s firing on all cylinders. Of course, ex-Dallas striker Dominic Oduro, who leads the team with four goals, leads the way but the Men in Red also feature the likes of Patrick Nyarko, Marco Pappa and Sebastian Grazzini, who leads Chicago with three assists. In short, the FCD defense has plenty of attacking players to concern themselves with, something that clearly wasn’t the case against the offensively deficient Union over the weekend. A mental lapse or even two by Dallas and they leave Toyota Park with their first-ever loss at the home of the Fire, it’s that simple. This club has too many offensive options to be forced to settle for a draw.
Brimstone’s New Home?---The Brimstone Cup has basically belonged to Dallas since 2001. But if ever there was a year when the supporters’ trophy headed back to the Windy City, this would have to be it. Chicago isn’t exactly setting the world on fire in the Eastern Conference, but Frank Klopas’ club isn’t half bad on the home or on the road. And despite injuries, suspensions and questionable officiating, things just aren’t going well for FC Dallas through their first 13 games. Will that trend continue or will Wednesday’s match be the latest chapter in a recent run of disappointing results and tales of points not taken? One thing’s for sure, if FCD doesn’t hold onto the Brimstone Cup, then they might not have much in the way of trophies this season. The Pioneer Cup already went to Columbus, El Capitan looks like it most likely will stay in Houston and who knows about the Rio Grande Plate rivalry with Tigres UANL since there has been nary a mention of it by anyone on World Cup Way.
Here are some points to ponder heading into this game:
Is FCD Going Streaking or Not?---Clearly, the current seven-game winless streak is nothing for FC Dallas to celebrate. And considering that this team has yet to win on the road this season, it would surprise absolutely no one to see Dallas drop each of their next three matches, all of which are on the road, to equal the franchise-record winless streak of 10 straight set during 2005. However, on the flipside, if ever there was an opportunity for FCD to break through with their first win since April 14, it would have to be Wednesday night at Toyota Park, a venue Dallas has never lost at (5-0-1). But if FCD fails to come away with three points, then realistically the next time Dallas supporters can expect this team to win could be the late June visit by Chivas USA.
Return of the Zach Attack---Those who used to watch Saved by the Bell got that reference and everyone else, oh well. Getting Zach Loyd back on the right side of the defense will definitely be a big boost to the Dallas backline. With Hernan Pertuz out several weeks with an ankle injury, it will be interesting to see if Schellas Hyndman goes with rookie Matt Hedges or Carlos Rodriguez, who had a pretty rough game in his return in Saturday’s draw with Philly to say the least. Hyndman seems to really like what Hedges has done thus far, so one has to think Hedges gets the start in Bridgeview. But getting Loyd back, who before Saturday had been the only FCD player to start every game and play every minute this season, is huge for a group that occasional mental lapses aside has been a pretty solid group.
Can Leyva Follow it Up?---Bryan Leyva’s overall performance, especially on set pieces, in the 1-1 draw with the Union over the weekend ranked as one of the few bright spots in what had to be termed a disappointing turn of events for FCD. But with Fabian Castillo still listed as questionable on the injury report, any hopes Dallas fans had of seeing Leyva on one flank and Castillo on the other in Chicago might have been dashed. But Leyva is still a young pup and the usual knock on young players is inconsistency, so all eyes will be on the young homegrown talent to see if he can follow up a mostly solid performance on Saturday with one on an equal if not on a higher level . If Leyva can start stringing consistently solid performances together and can display some finishing skills, he could very well challenge Castillo for a starting spot.
Chicago’s Fire-power---No pun intended, but the Fire’s attack can be quite incendiary when it’s firing on all cylinders. Of course, ex-Dallas striker Dominic Oduro, who leads the team with four goals, leads the way but the Men in Red also feature the likes of Patrick Nyarko, Marco Pappa and Sebastian Grazzini, who leads Chicago with three assists. In short, the FCD defense has plenty of attacking players to concern themselves with, something that clearly wasn’t the case against the offensively deficient Union over the weekend. A mental lapse or even two by Dallas and they leave Toyota Park with their first-ever loss at the home of the Fire, it’s that simple. This club has too many offensive options to be forced to settle for a draw.
Brimstone’s New Home?---The Brimstone Cup has basically belonged to Dallas since 2001. But if ever there was a year when the supporters’ trophy headed back to the Windy City, this would have to be it. Chicago isn’t exactly setting the world on fire in the Eastern Conference, but Frank Klopas’ club isn’t half bad on the home or on the road. And despite injuries, suspensions and questionable officiating, things just aren’t going well for FC Dallas through their first 13 games. Will that trend continue or will Wednesday’s match be the latest chapter in a recent run of disappointing results and tales of points not taken? One thing’s for sure, if FCD doesn’t hold onto the Brimstone Cup, then they might not have much in the way of trophies this season. The Pioneer Cup already went to Columbus, El Capitan looks like it most likely will stay in Houston and who knows about the Rio Grande Plate rivalry with Tigres UANL since there has been nary a mention of it by anyone on World Cup Way.
After each season series between the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas, the Brimstone Cup is awarded to the team that earns the most points.
Chicago may not even remember what the trophy looks like.
The Fire look to claim their first Brimstone Cup since it was created 11 years ago while seeking to end a five-game winless streak against struggling Dallas on Wednesday night.
Chicago captured the inaugural award in 2001 but hasn't reclaimed it since relinquishing it the following season. Dallas has gone 14-3-3 against the Fire since 2002 and 3-0-2 in the last five meetings.
This will be the only regular-season contest between these teams, meaning the winner will claim the Brimstone Cup. If the match ends in a draw, Dallas (3-6-4) will hold it for an 11th straight year.
Chicago has never beaten Dallas at Toyota Park, going 0-5-1 since it opened in 2006. Its last home victory in the series was June 12, 2005, at Soldier Field.
The Fire (4-3-3) seemingly have a good opportunity to end that skid, though.
Dallas is 0-4-3 in its last seven after a 1-all draw with Philadelphia on Saturday, last winning April 14 over Montreal. It hasn't gone this many games without a victory since a club-record 10-game stretch July 2-Sept. 10, 2005.
"I thought we played well enough to win. It's just same old story," midfielder Daniel Hernandez told the league's official website. "We can't find a way to get three points."
Dallas is 1-7-1 in its last nine road games, winning 2-1 at Chicago on Oct. 12.
The Fire are coming off a 2-1 loss at Portland on Sunday, ending a three-game unbeaten streak. After Jalil Anibaba tied the game in the 39th minute, Chicago's Logan Pause deflected a header into his own net in the 52nd minute.
"I thought that we didn't deserve to walk away with a loss," coach Frank Klopas said. "Overall, I thought it was frustrating because I feel disappointed when we lose, but when you feel that you should have walked away with points from here it's hard to take the loss."
Inconsistency has plagued a Chicago team that hasn't won consecutive games all season with an attack that has gone dormant for stretches during matches.
"We've put very good halves together, we've played very well in 60-minute stretches," defender Dan Gargan told the team's official website. "I think we're looking for a really good 90-minute performance from start to finish. That's certainly something we need to get better at."
The same goes for Dallas, which got a goal from Blas Perez in the seventh minute Saturday but little else after that. It hasn't scored a goal in the second half other than on a penalty kick since Brek Shea's tally in the 88th minute in Dallas' most recent win.
"We created some really good chances in the first half," coach Schellas Hyndman said after Saturday's match. "And then, the game just got to the point where it unfortunately got more physical than it needed to be."
Dallas has outscored Chicago 10-3 in the last five matchups.
Chicago may not even remember what the trophy looks like.
The Fire look to claim their first Brimstone Cup since it was created 11 years ago while seeking to end a five-game winless streak against struggling Dallas on Wednesday night.
Chicago captured the inaugural award in 2001 but hasn't reclaimed it since relinquishing it the following season. Dallas has gone 14-3-3 against the Fire since 2002 and 3-0-2 in the last five meetings.
This will be the only regular-season contest between these teams, meaning the winner will claim the Brimstone Cup. If the match ends in a draw, Dallas (3-6-4) will hold it for an 11th straight year.
Chicago has never beaten Dallas at Toyota Park, going 0-5-1 since it opened in 2006. Its last home victory in the series was June 12, 2005, at Soldier Field.
The Fire (4-3-3) seemingly have a good opportunity to end that skid, though.
Dallas is 0-4-3 in its last seven after a 1-all draw with Philadelphia on Saturday, last winning April 14 over Montreal. It hasn't gone this many games without a victory since a club-record 10-game stretch July 2-Sept. 10, 2005.
"I thought we played well enough to win. It's just same old story," midfielder Daniel Hernandez told the league's official website. "We can't find a way to get three points."
Dallas is 1-7-1 in its last nine road games, winning 2-1 at Chicago on Oct. 12.
The Fire are coming off a 2-1 loss at Portland on Sunday, ending a three-game unbeaten streak. After Jalil Anibaba tied the game in the 39th minute, Chicago's Logan Pause deflected a header into his own net in the 52nd minute.
"I thought that we didn't deserve to walk away with a loss," coach Frank Klopas said. "Overall, I thought it was frustrating because I feel disappointed when we lose, but when you feel that you should have walked away with points from here it's hard to take the loss."
Inconsistency has plagued a Chicago team that hasn't won consecutive games all season with an attack that has gone dormant for stretches during matches.
"We've put very good halves together, we've played very well in 60-minute stretches," defender Dan Gargan told the team's official website. "I think we're looking for a really good 90-minute performance from start to finish. That's certainly something we need to get better at."
The same goes for Dallas, which got a goal from Blas Perez in the seventh minute Saturday but little else after that. It hasn't scored a goal in the second half other than on a penalty kick since Brek Shea's tally in the 88th minute in Dallas' most recent win.
"We created some really good chances in the first half," coach Schellas Hyndman said after Saturday's match. "And then, the game just got to the point where it unfortunately got more physical than it needed to be."
Dallas has outscored Chicago 10-3 in the last five matchups.
FC devil’s advocate: Losing Hernan Pertuz was turning point in draw
May, 21, 2012
May 21
2:59
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
No doubt about it, FC Dallas’ 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on Saturday night was some ugly soccer in the second half. Peter Nowak’s Union played a very physical game in the second half, being whistled for 15 of their 22 fouls after the break and finishing the night with four yellows.
But you kind of have to give the ex-Fire coach some credit; the book is in on how to take FCD off their game: foul them and foul them frequently. And until the league decides to do something about such a brand of physical play, if they ever do, that’s exactly what Dallas can expect to face almost each and every time they hit the pitch this year.
Sure, some, including coach Schellas Hyndman, ex-captain Daniel Hernandez and current leading scorer Blas Perez have some merit behind them when they gripe about the current lack of calls going their way. But no matter the sport, it seems like teams who complain the most about officiating never seem to get any calls and that theory is definitely in play here.
However, some who have already analyzed exactly what went wrong against Philly have clearly missed the point. The game turned late in the first half when Hernan Pertuz had to leave the pitch on a stretcher with what Hyndman later termed a possible foot injury. We’ll know more on Pertuz’s status going forward on Monday but when he left the game, Hyndman had no choice but to put the versatile Carlos Rodriguez out there in Pertuz’s place.
Some wondered why Hyndman wouldn't go with homegrown talent Moises Hernandez instead of Rodriguez, well the answer to that is simple. Hernandez hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in reserve games and while some might want to see what he’s got, he’s still a long way from logging minutes with the first team, plain and simple. So, a less than 100 percent Rodriguez was still a much better option than a talented yet raw Hernandez.
And once Pertuz left the field, Philly centered much of their attack on the left flank. Once again, a tactical adjustment by Nowak that allowed his side to leave Frisco with just their fourth point all year on the road.
Hyndman addressed losing Pertuz and it being a key point in the game in his postgame remarks to the media. “I think one key point was when Pertuz got hurt. It changed our defense. We weren’t as strong in the air. We weren’t as strong marking wise,” Hyndman said.
“That changed the game to the point where if you look at the number of chances that Philadelphia had late, it was normally turnovers in the back third. I thought we were doing that quite well in the first half. The moment Pertuz got hurt, I think it changed,” he said.
While this team has been rocked by a litany of injuries, suspensions and textbook boneheaded plays, one of the biggest question marks heading into this season was this club’s lack of depth. And as the saying goes, our worst fears have been realized. As Hyndman put it, when Philly decided to get physical, Dallas simply didn’t have the personnel on the bench to handle it.
But if there is a bright spot to all this it is that at least on Wednesday night in Chicago, FCD figures to have right back Zach Loyd, who missed Saturday’s game on suspension, back in the fold. Fabian Castillo could also return after Hyndman called him 70 percent on Friday even with his ankle injury. The thought of having Castillo on one flank and fellow youngster Bryan Leyva on the other is a great idea indeed and who knows, maybe FCD can continue their unbeaten run at Toyota Park and finish May with at least one win?
But you kind of have to give the ex-Fire coach some credit; the book is in on how to take FCD off their game: foul them and foul them frequently. And until the league decides to do something about such a brand of physical play, if they ever do, that’s exactly what Dallas can expect to face almost each and every time they hit the pitch this year.
Sure, some, including coach Schellas Hyndman, ex-captain Daniel Hernandez and current leading scorer Blas Perez have some merit behind them when they gripe about the current lack of calls going their way. But no matter the sport, it seems like teams who complain the most about officiating never seem to get any calls and that theory is definitely in play here.
However, some who have already analyzed exactly what went wrong against Philly have clearly missed the point. The game turned late in the first half when Hernan Pertuz had to leave the pitch on a stretcher with what Hyndman later termed a possible foot injury. We’ll know more on Pertuz’s status going forward on Monday but when he left the game, Hyndman had no choice but to put the versatile Carlos Rodriguez out there in Pertuz’s place.
Some wondered why Hyndman wouldn't go with homegrown talent Moises Hernandez instead of Rodriguez, well the answer to that is simple. Hernandez hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in reserve games and while some might want to see what he’s got, he’s still a long way from logging minutes with the first team, plain and simple. So, a less than 100 percent Rodriguez was still a much better option than a talented yet raw Hernandez.
And once Pertuz left the field, Philly centered much of their attack on the left flank. Once again, a tactical adjustment by Nowak that allowed his side to leave Frisco with just their fourth point all year on the road.
Hyndman addressed losing Pertuz and it being a key point in the game in his postgame remarks to the media. “I think one key point was when Pertuz got hurt. It changed our defense. We weren’t as strong in the air. We weren’t as strong marking wise,” Hyndman said.
“That changed the game to the point where if you look at the number of chances that Philadelphia had late, it was normally turnovers in the back third. I thought we were doing that quite well in the first half. The moment Pertuz got hurt, I think it changed,” he said.
While this team has been rocked by a litany of injuries, suspensions and textbook boneheaded plays, one of the biggest question marks heading into this season was this club’s lack of depth. And as the saying goes, our worst fears have been realized. As Hyndman put it, when Philly decided to get physical, Dallas simply didn’t have the personnel on the bench to handle it.
But if there is a bright spot to all this it is that at least on Wednesday night in Chicago, FCD figures to have right back Zach Loyd, who missed Saturday’s game on suspension, back in the fold. Fabian Castillo could also return after Hyndman called him 70 percent on Friday even with his ankle injury. The thought of having Castillo on one flank and fellow youngster Bryan Leyva on the other is a great idea indeed and who knows, maybe FCD can continue their unbeaten run at Toyota Park and finish May with at least one win?
Hernan Pertuz out 3 to 4 weeks with a sprained ankle
May, 21, 2012
May 21
12:33
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
According to FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman, versatile defender Hernan Pertúz has a sprained right ankle and will miss 3 to 4 weeks.
Pertúz injured his right ankle against Philadelphia Union on Saturday and was replaced by the just returned from injured Carlos Rodriguez.
Pertúz injured his right ankle against Philadelphia Union on Saturday and was replaced by the just returned from injured Carlos Rodriguez.
Is FC Dallas on the verge of history?
May, 21, 2012
May 21
11:56
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
Other than the opening of Pizza Hut Park, the 2005 season was one to pretty much forget for FC Dallas fans. Besides FCD finishing second in the Western Conference with 48 points before bowing out in the opening round of the playoffs to Colorado in heartbreaking fashion, that season also ranks as memorable in another respect as it was during ’05 that Dallas went 10 games without a win, a streak that ranks as the longest in franchise history.
That streak looks to be in jeopardy as the 2012 FCD club has currently gone seven games without a victory and with road games at Chicago, Real Salt Lake and Houston next up on the docket, it wouldn’t be a huge stretch to see them at least tie the mark for franchise futility.
It has now been 35 days since Dallas last earned three points, beating Montreal, 2-1 at FC Dallas Stadium back on April 14. Since that victory, FCD has gone 0-4-3 and their current seven-game winless streak is the second-longest in franchise history.
But back to the 2005 streak, FCD didn’t win between July 2 and Sept. 10 under Colin Clarke, but still managed to make the playoffs. So what are the parallels between that streak and this current one? It’s tough to say, but we’ll see how this plays out over the next few weeks.
That streak looks to be in jeopardy as the 2012 FCD club has currently gone seven games without a victory and with road games at Chicago, Real Salt Lake and Houston next up on the docket, it wouldn’t be a huge stretch to see them at least tie the mark for franchise futility.
It has now been 35 days since Dallas last earned three points, beating Montreal, 2-1 at FC Dallas Stadium back on April 14. Since that victory, FCD has gone 0-4-3 and their current seven-game winless streak is the second-longest in franchise history.
But back to the 2005 streak, FCD didn’t win between July 2 and Sept. 10 under Colin Clarke, but still managed to make the playoffs. So what are the parallels between that streak and this current one? It’s tough to say, but we’ll see how this plays out over the next few weeks.
Bryan Leyva's performance one of few bright spots
May, 21, 2012
May 21
7:54
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
Another game for FC Dallas and yet another less than favorable result, but if there was one silver lining to come out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Union, it was the performance of Bryan Leyva in the third start of his career at left mid.
Leyva got his first career assist, delivering a great ball on a corner kick seven minutes in that first found the head of George John and then Blas Perez, who finished nicely for his team-leading fourth goal of the year.
Dallas gaffer Schellas Hyndman didn’t have many good things to say after seeing his club blow a 1-0 lead for the fourth time in their last seven games, but he did heap some praise on the young shoulders of his pacey midfielder.
“What a nice performance for Bryan Leyva, a player that was coming along for us, picked up an injury and now he’s coming back, getting his rhythm and getting in with the team,” Hyndman said. “I thought he played very well. I thought he was composed. I thought he was able to get some very good passes. He’s a player that if he can continue to get more and more playing time, he could very well compete for a starting position on this team.”
Leyva had yet to speak with his coach but admitted in the locker room postgame that it felt good to be able to contribute after getting several starts in March only to be sidelined by several injuries.
“I haven’t talked to Schellas other than when he walked by and said that I had played well. I felt great,” he said. “It was my first game back since I injured my ankle. It did not give me any trouble during the game. I hope I can continue to play and contribute to this team.”
The homegrown talent was only in the first 11 because Brek Shea was serving the first of a three-game suspension and Fabian Castillo was out with an ankle injury. Castillo could return for this Wednesday’s tilt at Chicago, but why not leave Leyva in for the next few games and see what this kid has?
Leyva got his first career assist, delivering a great ball on a corner kick seven minutes in that first found the head of George John and then Blas Perez, who finished nicely for his team-leading fourth goal of the year.
Dallas gaffer Schellas Hyndman didn’t have many good things to say after seeing his club blow a 1-0 lead for the fourth time in their last seven games, but he did heap some praise on the young shoulders of his pacey midfielder.
“What a nice performance for Bryan Leyva, a player that was coming along for us, picked up an injury and now he’s coming back, getting his rhythm and getting in with the team,” Hyndman said. “I thought he played very well. I thought he was composed. I thought he was able to get some very good passes. He’s a player that if he can continue to get more and more playing time, he could very well compete for a starting position on this team.”
Leyva had yet to speak with his coach but admitted in the locker room postgame that it felt good to be able to contribute after getting several starts in March only to be sidelined by several injuries.
“I haven’t talked to Schellas other than when he walked by and said that I had played well. I felt great,” he said. “It was my first game back since I injured my ankle. It did not give me any trouble during the game. I hope I can continue to play and contribute to this team.”
The homegrown talent was only in the first 11 because Brek Shea was serving the first of a three-game suspension and Fabian Castillo was out with an ankle injury. Castillo could return for this Wednesday’s tilt at Chicago, but why not leave Leyva in for the next few games and see what this kid has?
Schellas Hyndman: We Want to be Fighters, Not Victims
May, 20, 2012
May 20
11:54
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
Sometimes after a tough result in any sport, the manager or coach is well within his right to keep his postgame remarks to the leering press brief in nature. So, if FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman decided to do so after Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 draw to Philadelphia, it would have been understandable.
However, the affable and loquacious gaffer instead chose to take questions for well over six minutes. But it was late in his remarks to the press that he delivered what had to be considered the latest in a long line of gems he has given the media during his time with FC Dallas.
The question was about whether or not the locker room was getting frustrated with the current seven-game winless streak, a question where the answer was an obvious yes who can see it on the faces of the players, but Hyndman took it a different direction. So without further adieu, here’s that bit of greatness from the ex-SMU coach.
“The thing we have to do is we have to continue to keep our heads up and continue to compete. We talk about the ball not bouncing our way. We talk about the calls not going our way. We talk about we got more suspensions than anybody in the league. We talk about the cards that aren’t going on our way. When we do have a referee that’s willing to give out the cards, it seems they go against us. So when you talk about all those things, you talk about a victim because that’s what victims do, they make excuses and they point fingers at someone else,” Hyndman said. “We want to be fighters. We want to come out and compete and compete and compete.”
However, the affable and loquacious gaffer instead chose to take questions for well over six minutes. But it was late in his remarks to the press that he delivered what had to be considered the latest in a long line of gems he has given the media during his time with FC Dallas.
The question was about whether or not the locker room was getting frustrated with the current seven-game winless streak, a question where the answer was an obvious yes who can see it on the faces of the players, but Hyndman took it a different direction. So without further adieu, here’s that bit of greatness from the ex-SMU coach.
“The thing we have to do is we have to continue to keep our heads up and continue to compete. We talk about the ball not bouncing our way. We talk about the calls not going our way. We talk about we got more suspensions than anybody in the league. We talk about the cards that aren’t going on our way. When we do have a referee that’s willing to give out the cards, it seems they go against us. So when you talk about all those things, you talk about a victim because that’s what victims do, they make excuses and they point fingers at someone else,” Hyndman said. “We want to be fighters. We want to come out and compete and compete and compete.”
Match photos: Philadelphia Union at FC Dallas
May, 20, 2012
May 20
11:52
PM CT
By Matthew Visinsky | ESPNDallas.com
Scoring Summary:
DAL – Blas Perez 7
PHL – Gabriel Gomez 56
FC Dallas – Kevin Hartman, Jair Benitez, Matt Hedges, George John, Hernan Pertuz (Carlos Rodriguez 45+), Bryan Leyva (Ruben Luna 77), James Marcelin, Andrew Jacobson, Daniel Hernandez, Jackson, Blas Perez.
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Seitz, Bruno Guarda, Victor Ulloa, Scott Sealy, Moises Hernandez.
TOTAL SHOTS: 11 (Blas Perez 4);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Blas Perez 2);
FOULS: 13 (Jair Benitez 5);
OFFSIDES: 3 (Blas Perez 3);
CORNER KICKS: 7 (Bryan Leyva 4);
SAVES: 2 (Kevin Hartman 2).
Philadelphia Union – Chase Harrison, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes (Porfirio Lopez 78), Michael Farfan, Raymon Gaddis, Keon Daniel, Michael Lahoud (Josue Martinez 55), Gabriel Gomez (Amobi Okugo 58), Brian Carroll, Lionard Pajoy, Danny Mwanga.
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Konopka, Cristhian Hernandez, Chandler Hoffman, Antoine Hoppenot.
TOTAL SHOTS: 9 (three players with two);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Josue Martinez, Michael Farfan, Gabriel Gomez 1);
FOULS: 22 (Michael Farfan 5);
OFFSIDES: 0;
CORNER KICKS: 5 (Keon Daniel 3);
SAVES: 2 (Chase Harrison 2).
Misconduct Summary:
PHI – Michael Lahoud (caution) 37
PHI – Carlos Valdes (caution) 62
DAL – Andrew Jacobson (caution) 72
PHI – Michael Farfan (caution) 77
PHI – Chase Harrison (caution) 79
DAL – Blas Perez (caution) 88
Referee: Mark Kadlecik
Referee’s Assistants: Anthony Vasoli, Brian Dunn
4th Official: Mark Declouet
Attendance: 13,272
Time of Game: 1:59
Weather: Sunny, 88 degrees
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Buzz Carrick
Buzz Carrick has been the owner and publisher of 3rd Degree since it was founded in 1997. A graduate of Texas A&M and Boston University, Carrick has been in television production since 1992, primarily in the field of live sports. For two years Carrick was the co-host of Inside Soccer with Brad Sham. While 3rd Degree is mostly focused on FC Dallas, Carrick has also written MLS SuperDraft Rankings for ESPN Soccernet.
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