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Major League Soccer announced the list of players elligible for the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Process and two FC Dallas players are on the list, both by virtue of having their contract option declined.

Maykel Galindo and Maicon Santos both had their contract option declined by FCD. Galindo was on a quite affordable $55k salary, but was an injury gamble when he signed and just didn't pan out due to more injuries. Santos on a much less easy to swallow, but by no means obscene, $126K salary just didn't deliver the good of a top line striker.

Clubs may still sign their Re-Entry Process eligible players through December 2. Additionally, eligible players may opt out of the Re-Entry Process between now and 5 p.m. ET on December 2.

The Stage 1 Draft of the Re-Entry Process will take place on Monday, December 5 and the Stage 2 Draft will take place on Monday, December 12. The two drafts will take place via teleconference with all 19 clubs represented. MLS will release the results following each of the calls.

The rules for the re-entry stuff are a bit convoluted, but suffice it to say that teams in MLS can pick up these players at their current contract or similar (stage 1) or get the player with an offer of a contract (stage 2). Clubs may not select their own players in Stage 1. If both stages pass without a player being selected he becomes a free agents.

By the way FC Dallas picks 10th. Keeping in mind most of these players were placed on here to dump their salaries. Yet there are still some names on this list worth a look.

Two names, Edson Edward and Jeremy Hall, have already been pared from the FC Dallas roster this off-season. Edward being released was no big surprise but then again, neither was the trade with Toronto FC to send a disappointing Hall to the Reds.

But with these two moves comes a bigger question, who’s next? After a disappointing finish to the season and having several Generation adidas players graduate, there will likely be several more personnel moves before preseason begins on Jan. 13, 2012. Here’s a look at who could be next:

Maykel Galindo---When FCD brought the Cuban-born striker in early last season, everyone hoped the club would get the Galindo from the early part of his stay in Chivas USA, when he was one of the top scorers in the league rather than the oft-injured version that surfaced later in his tenure with the Red-and-White. After arriving in poor shape, it took Galindo a while to get back to speed and after a litany of injuries. He did see the field for six games, including one start, but the results just weren’t there. Chalk this up to a gamble worth taking, but one that clearly didn’t work out. Expect an outright release here since Galindo has little to no trade value.

Bruno Guarda---Guarda could definitely help provide some midfield depth in 2012. When healthy in 2011, he did make some contributions-chipping in five assists in 11 games. However, the SMU product did just finish his third full season in MLS and other than a spot start here or there, he has yet to become a consistent member of FCD’s first 11. Logic dictates that if he hasn’t cracked Schellas Hyndman’s lineup yet that he never will. Still, I wouldn't expect to see Bruno released but he could be traded if Dallas could get something of value for him. Maybe Guarda would thrive with a fresh start elsewhere.

Josh Lambo---This Wisconsin native would honestly have been better served if he had gone the collegiate route and spent a couple of years playing at that level before coming to MLS. Lambo was taken in the first round of the same draft as Brek Shea, the 2008 Super Draft and we’ve all seen what kind of player Shea has become. Lambo on the other hand has languished on the bench and in the eyes of some, has even regressed. His maturity level was a big question early in his pro career and he has had bad luck with some injury issues. Now that FCD has up-and-comer Richard Sanchez in the fold, they won’t be keeping four ‘keepers, so Lambo will almost certainly be gone.

Jack Stewart---Stewart was another midseason addition who was brought in to give FCD some defensive cover. Of course, he did have the huge goal in the win over Toronto FC at BMO Field in Champions League play, a tally that’s all but forgotten after Dallas crashed out of the CCL with a 4-0 loss to the same Reds club back in September. Stewart is 27 and does have a solid resume of playing experience. Stewart appeared in two games, including one start, in league play. He could stick around for preseason as a depth guy in the back but could also be released should Dallas find a better option on defense. FCD assistant John Ellinger is a big fan of his after coaching him in Salt Lake and Ellinger’s voice carries considerable weight with Hyndman.

With the 2011 off-season now just over two weeks old for FC Dallas, it’s time to look at which players might remain in the fold for 2012 or which might be sent packing? This is just one individual’s opinion but here’s a take on four players who fall on both sides of the ledger:

Four to Drop

Edson Edward D---Seeing this guy make the opening-day roster in preseason 2010 was one heck of a great story, especially with him being from an NAIA school in Canada. He even got to make his MLS debut late last season. However, a knee injury sidelined him for all of 2011 and it would have been unlikely to see him make the roster anyway. Still, he’s a great kid with some solid skills who could get another shot in this league or maybe in the NASL.

Maykel Galindo F---Galindo came to FCD with a great attitude and a great mentality. However, there was one small issue with the Cuban-born striker, he wasn’t exactly fit when he arrived here early in the year. That lack of fitness ended up costing him dearly as it seemed like every time he got close to regaining his health, he suffered a setback in the form of some nagging ailment. He did get healthy toward the end of the year and did log some minutes with the first team but the results just weren’t there. It was worth a shot but this is one experiment that just didn’t work.

Jeremy Hall D---Hindsight is always 20/20 but there are few who follow this club that liked this deal from the start. After all, the trading of Eric Alexander out of the midfield was unpopular on several fronts. One, it sent to Portland a kid who had become a fan favorite and two, it ended up being a bad move because midfield depth wasn’t exactly the strength the FCD brass thought it was and this team definitely could have used Alexander down the stretch. Hall still has a great upside but hasn’t really cut it with New York, Portland or now with Dallas. Maybe it’s time we all realize he’s nowhere near the player in MLS that he was during his college days at Maryland.

Josh Lambo GK---Nothing against Lambo but he hasn’t really shown a great deal since he’s been here. Sure, there have been several injuries for him to contend with and he has been a Generation Adidas player but for a guy who was drafted so highly not all that long ago, where are the returns on this pick? Some thought him getting married during last off-season would result in a more mature and focused ‘keeper and for some of the time, it did. But with the emergence of Richard Sanchez from the FCD Academy, there really isn’t room for Lambo, so if indeed he graduates from GA status, he’s likely gone before 2012.

Four to Keep

Daniel Cruz M---Sure, Cruz didn’t exactly set the world on fire in his 10 games with FCD, six of which were starts. However, he did have one goal and one assist and did show flashes of some solid skill while on the ball. For a team whose midfield depth has now become somewhat of an issue, especially down the stretch of the recently-concluded 2011 season, keeping Cruz at least to start the season makes absolute sense. Now if he doesn’t show something else early on, it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see him go because if Dallas fans know anything, it’s that gaffer Schellas Hyndman is never afraid to make a move if he feels it will better his club.

Bruno Guarda M---Guarda saw time in 11 games, five of them starts and contributed two assists in 2011. And it is a fair point that he hasn’t even come close to being the star he was during his college years at SMU. But when healthy last season, he gave FCD a viable option in the middle of the park and at times, he was a more than able fill-in at linking mid with starter Andrew Jacobson battling knee issues for much of the year. If not just from a depth standpoint, Bruno has value on this team. The big question is whether or not Hyndman can find an upgrade over the former Mustang this off-season. If that’s the case, then Guarda’s time playing under Hyndman will effectively be over.

Maicon Santos F---To put it bluntly, Santos was the soccer equivalent of ex-big leaguer Kurt Bevacqua. If you don’t get the reference, former Dodger manager Tommy LaSorda once put it oh so eloquently in a rant that is forever immortalized on YouTube saying that Bevacqua couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a [expletive] boat. It was about that bad for Santos in his 11 games, nine of which were starts this year in league play. Maicon took a total of 40 shots, 11 of which were on frame and only two of those went in. That’s a success rate of a paltry five percent for those of you scoring at home. While this cold streak was going on, it turns out that he had been bothered by a tooth issue and had taken drugs for that ailment, which was affecting his play. But what about after his tooth healed? There was little if any difference. Santos likely starts 2011 with FCD but he will be on the shortest of leashes and if there is any hint of his finishing problems in 2012, then he could join the long list of former Dallas strikers who have been cut.

Ricardo Villar M---Villar’s first few months with FCD were pretty uneventful to say the least. He did start early in the year against San Jose and the results were underwhelming at best. The Brazilian-born midfielder was a bit miffed that he wasn’t getting more playing time, to which Hyndman replied he needed to show more during training. But to Villar's credit, he did the work in training to eventually earn a spot on the field and made some fairly notable contributions during the US Open Cup, an event where Dallas advanced all the way to the semifinals. Still, the big question with him is he a starting-caliber player, especially on this team? That remains to be seen but even if he isn’t, he could still be a valuable piece if not just for his set piece prowess heading into the 2012 season.

The 2011 MLS Expansion Draft is right around the corner (November 23rd). FCD is in the process of finalizing their protected list. But rather than wait for them to announce it, we're going to take a guess.

Each MLS team will submit a list of 11 protected names that coach Jesse Marsch and the expansion Montreal Impact can't draft.

In addition automatically protected are all the Home Grown and Generation adidas players. CD currently has eight of them: Josh Lambo, Andrew Wiedeman, Bryan Leyva, Ruben Luna, Victor Ulloa, Moises Hernandez, Jonathan Top, and Richard Sanchez. Any player graduating from Generation adidas (Josh Lambo?) will do so before the expansion draft and won't get automatic protection.

So here's our educated guess at the 11 FCD protected players.

1. David Ferreira - the 2010 MLS MVP. Injured all of 2011. Still a dead solid lock to be protected.

2. Brek Shea - the 2011 FCD MVP and a finalist for MLS MVP. Also a dead solid lock to be protected.

3. Kevin Hartman - The best keeper in MLS the last two years in many minds.

4. Marvin Chavez - FCD's second leading scorer in 2011 as he became the player FCD thought they were getting.

5. Ugo Ihemelu - The defensive leader for FCD. Hyndman raves about Ugo every chance he gets.

6. George John - Hyndman says the transfer thing is all water under the bridge. All it good.

7. Jair Benitez - FCD just gave him an extension. Oh, and speed kills.

8. Zach Loyd - By the end of 2011 the for sure starter at right back and he's even in the US National team pool.

9. Andrew Jacobson - When not injured he was one of FCD's best mids, led FCD is assists.

10. Fabian Castillo - You don't pay what FCD paid for this kid and then let him get taken in an expansion draft.

11. Jackson - Some days he's the best player on the field, some days he's a liability. Just to much talent to let go.

Which leaves a list of 10 names unprotected for Montreal to pick from. FCD could lose one, but only one, of these players. Let's look at each and talk about why I think FCD will expose them.

Daniel Hernandez - The captain and my 2nd place FCD MVP. Yes, he's a vital part of FCD... but he's 34. Montreal would never pick him.

Chris Seitz - A danger to get taken, has been an MLS starter and an expansion team could get a solid keeper here. When you have Kevin Hartman, a 2nd keeper is a luxury you can't afford to protect.

Ricardo Villar - Turned out to be a nice player down the stretch although more production would be nice. Would he start in Dallas if everyone was healthy? No. so he'll be exposed. Another player in risk of being taken.

Maicon Santos - Didn't produce the goals FCD needs up top, but has been a decent player for a couple clubs. A player an expansion team might take a shot on.

Daniel Cruz - Have we even seen what this guy is really like, he's only been in Dallas a short time. Does anyone else even know what he is about? There's just no room for him to be protected.

Bobby Warshaw - A talented young holding mid or defender with a bunch of upside, versatility and soccer smarts. A Hyndman kind of player. But not yet good enough to be protected. It would be a shame to lose him too.

Bruno Guarda - One of Hyndman's boys, but little risk he gets nabbed at his contract number.

Jeremy Hall - Played with an injured groin from the TFC CCL game (and a half) on. For a player who relies so much on pace, a groin injury is debilitating. His contract number means he won't get picked even if someone thinks he might fill out their back line.

Mykel Galindo - Injuries have killed his career. Low risk since FCD is almost certainly gonna waive him anyway. So if you want him just wait for the waiver.

Edson Edward - Out for a year injured, it will be very tough for him to make the FCD roster in 2012. I doubt he would have made it in 2011 if not for the injury.

FC Dallas midfielder Fabian Castillo and striker Maykel Galindo were both unexcused absences from FC Dallas training today, the last official session of the year. When asked about the missing players coach Schellas Hyndman responded he didn't know were either player was and both were missing without permission. While fans might not care about the missing Galindo, who was a long shot signing that didn't pay off, Castillo is another matter.

FC Dallas paid a massive (by MLS standards) fee for the young Colombian star's rights this season. Castillo had shown a bright future prior to leaving to join the Colombian U20 team but according to Hyndman it was "back to square one" when the young player returned from the World Championships. Castillo missing the final session of the year has to be a worrisome sign for the coaching staff who will want to get the bottom of this situation sooner rather than later.

A few more quick player updates on a few other people missing...

Daniel Hernandez is getting a second opinion on his knee today in order to help decide if he should have an operation to repair his torn meniscus.

Andrew Jacobson has already had surgery on his torn meniscus and is back in his home state of California starting the recovery and rehab process.

Break Shea is obviously with the US National Team.

Edson Edward is back doing some light training and some heavier rehab on the side.

Ugo Ihemelu and Jeremy Hall are both on bike duty today. Ugo has some irritation in the area of his hernia surgery from last winter, in fact it's been bugging him all year and he just played through it.

David Ferreira was not in training today but is rehabbing somewhere else. According to Hyndman, Ferreira has told to the coaching staff he wants to stay in Dallas this winter to really push his rehab and recovery for next year. That has to be a really pleasing development for the club.

Whatever momentum FC Dallas had accumulated with the recent wins against Vancouver and Chicago was lost out in the bay as the San Jose Earthquakes manhandled the FCD side missing half its starters. A sell out crowd watched the home town Quakes beat the depleated FCD side 4-2.

Dallas was missing 6 starters with Brek Shea, Ricardo Villar, Kevin Hartman, Daniel Hernandez, and Andrew Jacobson all being left in Dallas for rest and recovery. Jackson was also suspended for the match due to yellow cards. “Some of the players we left at home are injured,” said Hyndman. "They wouldn’t have been at their best, and we might have made the injury worse. And a couple of them we just wanted to rest."

With Real Salt Lake tieing Portland earlier in the day, a FCD win would have seen them move into 3rd in the West and earn a bye in round one of the playoffs. It has to be wondered if resting those player will pay off since FCD now has an extra game against either New York or Houston (depending on the Houston/LA result on Sunday).

Chris Seitz started in net with Jeremy Hall, Jack Stewart, Maykel Galindo, Bruno Guarda, Bobby Warshaw and Maicon Santos filling in for the other missing players.

It all went sour for FCD in the first half, shortly after RSL had stumbled, FCD proceeded to give up four goals in a span of just twelve minutes. One of the four goals was a PK by Chris Wondolowski allowing him to tie Dwayne DeRosario for the MLS Golden Boot with 16 goals on the season. Seitz made several second half saves to deny Wondolowski the outright title.

One bright spot late was the first career MLS goal for FCD starlet Ruben Luna who netted in the 90th minute.

Attendance: 10,744

Scoring Summary:
SJ – Simon Dawkins (unassisted) 26
SJ – Rafael Baca (Steven Beitashour, Khari Stephenson) 27
SJ – Chris Wondolowski (penalty kick) 34
SJ – Simon Dawkins (unassisted) 38
DAL – George John (Jack Stewart, Daniel Cruz) 46+
DAL – Ruben Luna (Bruno Guarda, Jair Benitez) 90

Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Bobby Burling (caution; Reckless Tackle) 77

FC Dallas – Chris Seitz, Jeremy Hall, George John, Jack Stewart, Jair Benitez, Daniel Cruz (Victor Ulloa 81), Maykel Galindo (Andrew Wiedeman 63), Bruno Guarda, Bobby Warshaw, Fabian Castillo, Maicon Santos (Ruben Luna 73)

Substitutes Not Used: Richard Sanchez, Moises Hernandez, Bryan Leyva, Zach Loyd

TOTAL SHOTS: 12 (Fabian Castillo 3); SHOTS ON GOAL: 7 (7 tied with 1); FOULS: 5 (Maicon Santos 2); OFFSIDES: 3 (Maicon Santos 3); CORNER KICKS: 3 (Daniel Cruz 3); SAVES: 5 (Chris Seitz 5).

San Jose Earthquakes – Jon Busch, Steven Beitashour, Bobby Burling, Jason Hernandez, Justin Morrow, Rafael Baca, Ramiro Corrales, Sam Cronin, Simon Dawkins (Ellis McLoughlin 85), Khari Stephenson (Joey Gjertsen 62), Chris Wondolowski.

Substitutes Not Used: David Bingham, Nana Attakora, Chris Leitch, Matt Luzunaris, Brad Ring

TOTAL SHOTS: 19 (Chris Wondolowski 7); SHOTS ON GOAL: 9 (Chris Wondolowski 4); FOULS: 10 (Sam Cronin 4); OFFSIDES: 2 (2 tied with 1); CORNER KICKS: 5 (Rafael Baca 3); SAVES: 5 (Jon Busch 5).

Referee: Kevin Stott
Referee’s Assistants: Adam Wienckowski, Brian Poeschel
4th Official: Yader Reyes

Time of Match: 1:51
Weather: Clear and 76 degrees

Earlier this week, news came out of the FC Dallas camp that the reigning Western Conference champions had indeed cut loose two forwards-Peri Marosevic and Milton Rodriguez. While some think this might signal they are putting together a deal for Dallas native Kenny Cooper, who was in Frisco from 2006 through 2009, but more on that later. What these two moves do signify is that FCD has at least two players in mind to make this club a better one for the final stretch run of the regular season.

Marosevic: Unrealized Potential

Let me preface this by saying that Marosevic is a great kid and a very positive personality who was definitely loved by his teammates as well as the coaching staff. But he never really did produce on the pitch and that is the bottom line, isn’t it? Considering he was taken ninth overall in the 2009 MLS Super Draft, the expectations surrounding the former Michigan Wolverine were high and why shouldn’t they be?

Peri was hyped both by Schellas as well as FCD management as being the one player they wanted above all others. Of course, the gaffer and company deserve considerable credit because they did get George John with the 14^th overall pick and few if any supporters of this club have any qualms with how the big Washington state native has performed in his first few seasons at center back.

Marosevic was given looks both up top as well as a flank midfielder and to say the results were underwhelming might have been a huge understatement. Put simply, he just wasn’t a good fit here and it was for the best that he was cut loose. And yes, it was good to see Toronto FC pick him up not soon after he was released, so maybe the change of venue will do him some good. Still, with at least one forward coming in, someone had to go and Marosevic was a logical first choice for Hyndman, club technical director Barry Gorman and the rest of the FCD brain trust.

Rodriguez: Peaked Too Early

During his just over a year with FCD, Milton Rodriguez did make some contributions in the form of goals and assists. But the problem was that those contributions were just too meager. He did have five goals and one assist in 13 regular-season games last year but an injury limited him to just one game during last fall’s magical playoff run to the first-ever MLS Cup in franchise history.

So, given how he finished 2010 with basically a whimper, much was expected from Rodriguez in 2011. On one hand, he was expected to contribute up top in the form of goals and assists. But the expectations didn’t end there. He was also being looked to help young forward Ruben Luna make the adjustment to becoming a first-team regular. Luna’s adjustment remains ongoing but the early returns weren’t good.

Rodriguez did have a goal, a nifty one off a back heel in the ’11 opener against Chicago, but that was his only goal of 2011. He started just five games before Hyndman had seen enough and despite a dearth of true forwards on the roster, the gaffer installed Colombian wunderkind Fabian Castillo up top. Thanks for your service Milton as well as your veteran leadership but the fact of the matter is he just wasn’t good enough and it was time to go in a different direction. He had nothing but good things to say about his time in Dallas just after he was cut loose and that wasn’t a big surprise. He is a class professional and a solid player, just not good enough to help this club reach that next level and win a championship.

What These Moves Mean

Well, not to merely state the obvious but these moves mean FCD will definitely be adding two new names to their roster before the international transfer window closes on August 15. One of those names looks like South American defender Derrick Johnson but it remains to be seen who the second Mystery Man will be. It will most likely be a striker, something this team needs.

But I would highly doubt this means the team is bringing Cooper back into the fold. Portland will likely want too much for the affable Dallas native and when asked about the possibility of KC 33 again wearing the Red, White and Blue for FCD, that was the major reservation that Hyndman had, what he might have to give up to get the deal done.

Who Could Be Next to Go

And there is always the thought that Peri and Milton might be the first two dominoes to fall in what could see several new faces enter the FCD fold. Hyndman, Gorman and company have about six weeks before the MLS roster freeze deadline on Sept. 15 to make moves.

Two of the players who have to be sweating right now are midfielder Eric Avila and forward Maykel Galindo. Avila is back with FCD after a proposed loan to Mexico fell through and while everyone loves the energy he brings off the bench, he hasn’t been the same player since he returned from south of the border. Something else working against the San Diego native is that he has never really become the type of two-way player that Hyndman wants on his roster. Avi’s time with FCD is most likely nearing an end, the only question is likely whether or not he lasts through the end of the season or not.

As for Galindo, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his time here, which is a shame. But that shouldn’t shock anyone, especially since his time with Chivas USA was marred by a rash of injuries. He was brought in as a low-risk, possibly high reward addition but the biggest question surrounding him when he got here was his durability or lack thereof. Since he is currently injured, he can’t be waived but once he gets healthy, something he hasn’t been for very long at all in 2011, he could be the next to go.

No team, no matter how good, is going to win every game, but at 4-0 going into this game it was starting to feel like the FCD Reserves would never not win. Of course a tie isn't the same as a loss, but the 4 game win streak to start the year ended with a 2-2- draw.

Andrew Wiedeman and Maykel Galindo had all the glory today as both registered a goal and an assist. In the 32nd minute Galindo found Andrew Wiedeman with a lofted pass in to the top of the area. Wiedeman, getting forward from right back, chested the ball down to his feet and volleyed a line-drive shot high over the right shoulder of the opposition keeper.

In the 50th minute Wiedeman again made another long run all the way to the Venezuelan end line, where he slid to save a pass from Ricardo Villar from going out for a goal kick. Wiedeman's sliding pass fell to the feet of Galindo, who also slid to redirect a bouncing shot low to the far post for a 2-1 lead.

One interest note, that made me chuckle a bit, is the continued FCD PR staff's refusal (inability?, impermissible?) to name the FCD trialists on the day. Instead in the stats we just see the name "trialist."

Also quite nice to see Jack Coleman, a FCD Academy player, starting with the reserve team.

Scoring Summary:
VEN – Nicolas Fedor (Cesar Gonzalez) 13
FCD – Andrew Wiedeman (Maykel Galindo) 32
FCD – Maykel Galindo (Andrew Wiedeman) 50
VEN – Alejandro Moreno (Roberto Rosales) 77

FC Dallas – Chris Seitz (trialist 46), Moises Hernandez, Bobby Warshaw, Jack Coleman, Andrew Wiedeman, Ricardo Villar, Bruno Guarda (trialist 46), Eric Avila (Peri Marosevic 71), Victor Ulloa, Maykel Galindo (Jonathan Top 88), Ruben Luna (Milton Rodriguez 46).

Venezuelan National Team – Dani Hernandez (Renny Vega 46), Grendi Perozo, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Roberto Rosales, Gabriel Cichero (Juan Fuenmayor 69), Franklin Lucena ( Jesus Meza 54), Tomas Rincon (Angelo Pena 84), Cesar Gonzalez (Francisco Flores 54), Yohandri Orozco (Luis Manuel Seijas 61), Nicolas Fedor (Gian Carlo Maldonado 61), Salomon Rondon (Alejandro Moreno 35).

Misconduct Summary:
DAL - trialist (caution; reckless foul) 66
VEN – Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (caution; reckless tackle) 68
DAL – Ricardo Villar (caution; reckless tackle) 78

Referee: Jose Luna Hernandez
Referee’s Assistants: Jonathan Johnson and Tom Harlett
Weather: Sunny, 88 degrees

Caught the very end of practice on Friday but learned that Schellas was throwing a number of looks out there. Since Fabian Castillo is back on the field, it looks pretty unlikely that FCD rolls out in a 4-4-2 against LA on Sunday evening at the Oven.

Here’s a quick Q&A with the gaffer and if you’re into reading a lot into what the Soccer Sinsei has to say, check out the answer to the last question about Ferreira’s leadership style. It may or may not tell everyone who’s starting in his place come Sunday against Beckham and company.

SCHELLAS HYNDMAN Q&A-4/29/11

Q: What is the focus this week, offense or defense?

A: We’ve watched a lot of games on LA. We know what their tendencies are. We know how they like to do things. So what we’re trying to do is keep our shape. When you remove a player from your starting lineup, what you want to make sure is whoever goes into that position or however you decide to play, that they understand their roles. It takes time to learn those roles but if you’re going to learn something, it’s more important to learn the defensive shape. That’s where you can really tell the effect.

Q: Do you think Alexander is an option at Ferreira’s spot?

A: Absolutely, yeah. I think we have Eric Alexander. I think we have Eric Avila. I think we have Ricardo Villar. I think they all bring certain qualities. The thing with David was David had all those qualities. So, they all bring certain qualities. A Bruno Guarda, that’s his type of position as well. So we’ll need a little bit more time to figure out who exactly is that person but we’re moving into a game on Sunday.

Q: Do you have a pretty good idea who that might be or do you need to see more in Saturday’s session before you decide?

A: I think when the coaches sit down, we’ll toss this over many times. One more session is really not going to be a difference maker because we’ve seen the players since February 2. There are a lot of things that come into this. It’s handling the pressure. It’s taking the pressure off your team. Not only does a player have to handle the pressure of being at home and playing a good team, sellout crowd, expectations are high on him, but also are other players going to be able to help that player get through it and then is that player going to be able to help others? So, we’re asking a lot from a few of our players.

Q: Some coaches like to change formations frequently but you don’t. Discuss.

A: There’s a lot of teams that will switch formations or style of play when they’re on the road, an idea of going in and maybe sneaking out a win and maybe for sure getting a tie. Our philosophy is this: let’s do what we do well and let’s do it at home, let’s do it on the road. And that’s why a record was set last year of an unbeaten streak on the road. I think everything has its positives and it’s negatives. If you’re prepared to change the structure of your team, are you prepared to accept the negatives that come with it? The positives must outweigh those negatives.

Q: Do you feel like this year’s team is as deep as your 2010 squad was?

A: I would agree that depth last year was a big thing for us. We’ve tried to get depth this year. We’ve tried to bring in some more experienced players-Ricardo Villar, Maykel Galindo, those players that can add a little more experience as well as depth. I think depth wise, we’re going to be OK. As far as compared to last year, I can’t say that yet because we haven’t really been looking to bring people in on depth. Now as we go into the games in May and not having Ferreira, we’re going to have an opportunity to see.

Q: When Galindo came in about a month ago, you said it would likely take four weeks for him to get fit. Is he now fully fit?

A: Yeah, I think we’re working with him. I think he’s working. I think his body is starting to shape differently. It’s a hard thing to come in and change your conditioning level, your body fat, your diet. There’s a lot of things involved in that but I will say Maykel has worked awfully hard to put himself in that position.

Q: Bryan Leyva is someone else who has struggled with his fitness. How is that coming?

A: I think he’s learning. I think players like Bryan, rightfully so we bring those players into the professional program because they have so much quality, so much technical ability, so much vision. Everything’s offensive for Bryan. What we’re trying to do is make him a complete player and try to incorporate the defensive side of the ball. And the only way you can do that is to have that fitness level to do that. I think the reward for him is playing better and to get on the field. So, right now, I think he’s working awfully hard at it. I think it’s something he understands but again, it’s not just a fitness thing and it’s not just to Bryan. To all players, it’s not just a fitness thing. It’s body fat, recovery. It’s strength and power and it’s also mental strength. And a lot of that kind of stuff comes with focusing and dieting.

Q: With Oscar Pareja now heading up the reserve team, has that changed the amount of input you and the rest of the coaching staff now have?

A: No, it’s not just a name only. I think he’s in charge of the reserve team but it’s all through coaches’ conversations. We have meetings every day and we talk about players and how they did in the reserve game. Even though he’s coaching the team, the whole staff is out there watching. We’re all making decisions. I tell him who I want to see and in what position. The idea of reserve games is to get these guys ready for the first team that they can get playing time and I can see them in a competitive environment. Now I can OK, this guy’s a center back because I’m looking for a center back coming off the bench and I can tell in a reserve game if he’s ready or not ready.

Q: After missing training yesterday, Fabian Castillo is back out today. Are there no further issues with his hammy?

A: Yeah, I think he’s a tough kid. He’s taken a heck of a beating. It reminds me of David [Ferreira]. He takes a heck of a beating. As long as he keeps showing up for the games, we’re happy.

Q: While he’s recovering, do you expect Ferreira to continue to hold a leadership role in the room?

A: I think so. I don’t David has always been the big voice. I think he’s always been the player that leads by example. By not having that ability to lead by example, I think he will be a little bit more vocal but probably much more vocal to the Colombians who he feels much more closer to or the language issue, maybe an Eric Avila. Avi, you’re playing my position. Here are some of the things that can help you. It’s not going to be rah-rah, team meeting type of things.

The folowing quotes are from Thursday, before FC Dallas left for Columbus.

Maykel Galindo

How are you feeling about joining FC Dallas?

“Right now, I feel happy because coming back to Dallas is good. It was hard for me the first two or three weeks because I hadn’t been practicing for a long time. After that, I feel comfortable with myself mentally and physically and am happy with the team. Everything has been better. When the preseason was finished, Dallas offered me something. I said no and went back to LA. Dallas and I have been in touch because I want to be here. I want to play soccer here. Right now, everything is getting better. It’s between the league and the organization in Dallas. Hopefully we can make a deal maybe today or in a few days. Everything is close. I’m very happy right now.”

There a lot of youg players here...

“I love it. I’m enjoying it. There are a lot of new players that are 18 or 19-years-old. I’m so happy to play with them.”

Given how it ended with Chivas USA, do you feeel you have something to prove?

“Yeah, that’s the reason why I’m here. I want to be Maykel Galindo again. Sometimes when you aren’t happy and you don’t want to play, you want to go to another team. I’m glad to be here in Dallas because this organization is amazing. Last year, they made the finals. Hopefully this year, we continue that. I want to be part of everything.”

Schellas Hyndman

Can you give us your thinking on brining in Galindo?

"Sure. He’s not ready to go but he’s a player I think can help us.”

How long it will take to get him fully fit?

“I think the time frame for getting fully fit is probably four weeks. Going through preseason helped a lot but he’s still got to get some work done.”

Is Galindo's injury history a concern?

“I think there’s always concern since there’s a bit of history there. At the same time, he went through training with us in preseason and never missed a day. We can use a player of his talent and his experience.”

Can Galindo possible mentor Luna and Castillo?

“I think he can do that as well. He likes it here. This might be a fit for him.”

In advance of today's game against the Columbus Crew, FC Dallas has acquired the rights to Maykel Galindo from Chivas USA. FCD send a first round supplemental draft pick to Chivas USA for the Cuban striker's rights. Galindo was not acquired in time to travel to Columbus and is not available in today's game.

FCD had agreed to terms with Galindo back in the spring when he came to the club on trial, but fitness issues prevent his acquisition and signing. As we reported earlier this week, FCD coach Schellas Hyndman is now satisfied with Galindo's fitness situation.

Here's FCD's press release...

FC Dallas acquires rights to Maykel Galindo from Chivas USA
Veteran striker spent preseason with the Dallas side

FRISCO, Texas (April 1, 2011) – FC Dallas has acquired the rights to forward Maykel Galindo from Chivas USA in exchange for a 2012 first round supplemental draft selection, the club announced today. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Galindo spent the 2011 preseason with FC Dallas, tallying one goal and two assists. In 2007, he led Chivas USA with 12 regular-season goals and five assists to earn the club’s Golden Boot. With three sports hernia surgeries shortening his 2008 season, Galindo returned midway through the 2009 season to play in 23 games with four goals and two assists.

Originally from Villa Clara, Cuba, Galindo sought political asylum in the U.S. while participating in the 2005 Gold Cup with the Cuban National Team, leaving the team hotel on July 10, 2005, just one day after scoring Cuba’s only goal in a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica at Seattle’s Qwest Field. He then began his professional career in the U.S. with the Seattle Sounders where, between 2005 and 2006, he scored five goals, including the equalizer in the 2005 USL First Division Championship Game (Seattle won on penalty kicks).

Name: Maykel Galindo
Position: F
DOB: Jan. 28, 1981
Birthplace: Villa Clara, Cuba
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 165

According to FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman, one hold up in the Maykel Galindo signing is the fact Chivas USA still holds his MLS rights.

"Maykel Galindo, we’re trying to make an offer for Maykel. He’s still with Chivas and we hope that something will happen shortly. We feel like he’s impressive enough to have him on our team. It’s a decision that he still has to make because not only is he a talented player but he adds a lot of experience, understanding the league and age wise. That will be hopefully determined shortly."

When a MLS team waives a player and he clear the waiver draft without being picked up, his rights revert to the previous team. In most cases when a team dumps a player like Maykel Galindo they are willing to trade the players rights for a not unreasonable amount. It remains to be seen if Chivas USA will pass on Galindo's rights to FC Dallas.

According to our soucres, and confirmed by Schellas Hyndman this morning, FC Dallas is about to sign Maykel Galindo. FCD has an open roster spot so team does not need to clear any roster room to ad Galindo.

Galindo trained most of the spring with FCD but wasn't add to start the season. Hyndman now feels Glaindo is more comfortable int he FCD system and is ready to join the club.

As I wrote a few days ago, the odds were starting to get a little long for Charlie Campbell and with Maykel Galindo not lighting it up in camp the Fabian Castillo signing was going to be trouble for him.

And so it goes, as FCD today parted with both Campbell and Galindo, the team announced via twitter. While unannounced, trialists Kevin Gall and Cristian Arrieta both did not return to Dallas with the team.

While FCD has not finalized their roster and won't till next week, it's starting to look like Scott Gordon may grab that last roster spot.

Thus here's the roster dance as it sits today.

Last updated: 3/10/11

Senior Roster (18 to 20)

MLS rosters are expanding to 30. Players 1 to 20 are on the senior roster and have to fit in the salary cap. (MLS teams may carry only 18 players on this senior roster if they wish)

FCD has 8 international slots in 2010 with 6 currently filled.

1	David Ferreira	(I1) Colombian, (8/9/79)
2	Daniel Hernandez	Re-signed for 2010. US M/D (7/23/76)
3	Jair Benitez	(I2) Colombian LB, (1/11/79).
4	Marvin Chávez	(I3) Honduran MF, (11/3/83)
5	Brek Shea	Promoted from GA. MF US U20. (2/28/90).
6	Ugo Ihemelu	US D. (4/3/83)
7	George John	US CB. (3/20/87)
8	Kevin Hartman	US GK.
9	Zach Loyd	M/D US
10	Jackson	(I4) 22 year old M/D from São Paulo, Brazilian.
11	Eric Alexander	US M
12	Milton Rodriguez	(I5) 34 year old Colombian striker
13	Eric Avila	Promoted from GA 2011. MF US U23. (11/24/87)
14	Kyle Davies	US D. (4/11/89)
15	Bruno Guarda	Brazil MF. (2/6/86) Promoted to senior roster for 2011. Green card
16	Ricardo Villar	(I6) Barry Gorman’s handpicked McCarty replacement.
17	Chris Seitz	Dario Sala replacement. US GK.
18	Bobby Warshaw	2011 first round pick. US M
19	Andrew Jacobson	US D-mid. Acquired from Philly.
20	Fabian Castillo	18 year old Colombian striker.
--	Edson Edward	US D, on IR.

Players occupying roster spots 1-24 will earn at least $42,000 in 2011.

Off-Budget Roster (10)

Roster Spots 21 to 30. Generation adidas, developmental players, and home grown. Players 24 and under that don’t count on the salary cap. MLS teams can have a maximum of 10 off-budget players.

21	Josh Lambo	(Ga 1) GK US (11/19/90)
22	Peri Marosevic	(Ga 2) US F (5/5/89)
23	Andrew Wiedeman	(Ga 3) US F, has been playing some RB too.
24	Bryan Leyva	(HG 1) Mexican MF (2/9/92) green card.
25	Ruben Luna	(HG 2) (I?) Mexican striker
26	Victor Ulloa	(HG 3) Midfielder
27	Moises Hernandez	(HG 4) US D, former U20
28	Jonathan Top	(HG 5) US striker.
29	Richard Sanchez	(HG 6) Mexican keeper
30	Scott Gordon	2011 draft pick, D from Lynn.

Players occupying roster spots 21-30 will earn at least $32,600 in 2011.



Other Players

Anyone connected, rumored, tried out, waived, training invited, or signed as a short term player.

Christian Arrieta	31 Puerto Rican D
Kevin Gall	Welsh striker 29, trialist
Craig Hill	2011 Supplemental pick, GK
Paul Ogunyemi	2011 Supplemental pick, F/M
Maykel Galindo	Trialist, ex-Chivas USA
Alexis Pradie	2011 draft pick
Charlie Campbell	2011 draft pick
Bruno Martins	Spring trialist, Brazilian Dmid.
Bryan Martinez	Supplemental draft pick.
Sheldon Palmer	Jamaican spring trialist out of a Juco.
Jason Yeisley	3010 2010 FCD striker, let go in the spring.
Jeff Cunningham	Contract not renewed
Dario Sala	Contract not renewed
Heath Pearce	Traded to Chivas USA in pre-season
Atiba Harris	Lost in the 2011 Expansion draft.
Dax McCarty	Lost in the 2011 Expansion draft.

FC Dallas ran roughshod over AZ Sahuaros 7-0 at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona Saturday night. Milton Rodriguez had two goals for the Red Stripes with David Ferreira adding a goal and two assists.

Aside form the injury debacle at center back, which Brek Shea pairing with Scott Gordon, most of the starting eleven took the field to start the match. It's perhaps not shocking that FCD was up 6-0 at halftime then. Eric Avila got the nod at left mid with Shea in the back line. Eric Alexander continues to hold down the linking midfield role.

It can't be good for Maykel Galindo or Kevin Gal that they failed to score in the 2nd half against this level of competition before being pulled for home grown players. Ruben Luna netted in the 90th plus minute for the 7th FCD goal.

Scoring Summary:
Milton Rodriguez (Jair Benitez) 26
Eric Avila (Eric Alexander) 30
Rodriguez (Jackson) 35
Jackson (David Ferreira) 36
Ferreira (Alexander) 38
Marvin Chavez (Ferreira) 41
Ruben Luna 90+

Misconduct Summary:
None

Lineups:
FC Dallas - Kevin Hartman (Chris Seitz 46), Jair Benitez (Moises Hernandez 46), Brek Shea (George John 46), Scott Gordon (Victor Ulloa 74), Jackson (Charlie Campbell 46), Eric Avila (Andrew Wiedeman 46), Deniel Hernandez (Bruno Guarda 46, Bryan Leyva 74), Eric Alexander (Bobby Warshaw 46), Marvin Chavez (Christian Arrieta 46, Peri Marosevic 61), David Ferreira (Kevin Gall 46, Ruben Luna 77), Milton Rodriguez (Maykel Galindo 46, Jonathan Top 77).

Arizona Sahuros - Franco Carotounto, Jesse Baker, Mike Duhaney, Nick Sykes, Brian Green, Erving Garcia, Mitch Garcia, Chris Green, Skelly Keller, Billy Forbes, Kyle Cilento.