Soccer: Richard Sanchez
FC Dallas goalkeeper Richard Sanchez has joined the Mexican U-20 National team for two upcoming tournaments in The Netherlands.
The European tour begins on May 15 with the International Terborg Football Tournament running from May 18 through May 20. The invitation-only tournament features eight teams, including Ajax, Cruzeiro and Anderlecht as well as Mexico and China.
The team will then participate in Holland’s ADO Cup before returning to Mexico. Sanchez will be with the U-20 side until Monday, May 28.
FC Dallas Homegrown goalkeeper Sanchez became a FIFA U-17 World Cup Champion after his Mexican team toppled Uruguay, 2-0, in front of a packed house at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on July 10, 2011. The FC Dallas Academy product pushed his U-17 World Cup record to 3-0-0 with a 3-2 win over The Netherlands on June 24. He earned his first shutout of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Panama in the round of 16 and picked up his fifth win in a 2-1 result over France on July 4. Sanchez and the Mexican U-17 side downed Germany in epic fashion, winning 3-2 on July 7 to claim their spot in the tournament finale.
Sanchez signed with FC Dallas as a Homegrown player on Feb. 18, 2011.
The European tour begins on May 15 with the International Terborg Football Tournament running from May 18 through May 20. The invitation-only tournament features eight teams, including Ajax, Cruzeiro and Anderlecht as well as Mexico and China.
The team will then participate in Holland’s ADO Cup before returning to Mexico. Sanchez will be with the U-20 side until Monday, May 28.
FC Dallas Homegrown goalkeeper Sanchez became a FIFA U-17 World Cup Champion after his Mexican team toppled Uruguay, 2-0, in front of a packed house at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on July 10, 2011. The FC Dallas Academy product pushed his U-17 World Cup record to 3-0-0 with a 3-2 win over The Netherlands on June 24. He earned his first shutout of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Panama in the round of 16 and picked up his fifth win in a 2-1 result over France on July 4. Sanchez and the Mexican U-17 side downed Germany in epic fashion, winning 3-2 on July 7 to claim their spot in the tournament finale.
Sanchez signed with FC Dallas as a Homegrown player on Feb. 18, 2011.
According to Schellas Hyndman...
Jair Benitez is fine and is available.
Hartman is technically listed as questionable on injury report but Schellas said he's unavailable. So Chris Seitz should start with Richard Sanchez as the backup.
Andrew Jacobson is questionable.
Jair Benitez is fine and is available.
Hartman is technically listed as questionable on injury report but Schellas said he's unavailable. So Chris Seitz should start with Richard Sanchez as the backup.
Andrew Jacobson is questionable.
Scattershooting with Schellas Hyndman
March, 15, 2012
Mar 15
10:24
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
I discussed a wide array of subjects after FC Dallas practice on Wednesday with the gaffer Schellas Hyndman and here’s the meat of that conversation:
How did you think Ricardo Villar did against the Red Bulls?
Hyndman: I thought he did very well. I really thought he did well. When you can tell how much you miss someone is when they go off the field. And I thought when he went off the field, we were having a really hard time holding the ball. Secondly, we were having a hard time finding people to get the ball to and third thing was when Blas got the ball, he didn’t have the support and I thought Villar did all those things.
With Brek Shea at U.S. Olympic qualifying, can we expect a steady diet of Carlos Rodriguez at left mid in the meantime?
Hyndman: Yeah, it’ll have to be right now. I think the thing Rodriguez brings to us is he’s a left back, left-sided midfielder and there’s a real nice coordination between him and Jair [Benitez] where if one goes forward and the other one’s comfortable staying back.
Scott Sealy is now running. How long before he’s back in training?
Hyndman: Yeah, I think he’ll probably be coming back pretty quickly. I think this is probably his second week out. We had thought it would be two to three weeks.
What are your thoughts on Richard Sanchez training with Chelsea?
Hyndman: Great opportunity for Richard. As I’ve said before, he’s the best keeper I’ve seen at that age. He’s got a great future ahead of him. We want to give him opportunities to be seen and go on trials. I think Chelsea, reports we’re getting they like him. They want to continue monitoring him, World Cup champion with Under-17s, comes out, trains as hard as anybody. If he’s not going overseas or internationally, he’ll be a player in the MLS.
How has fellow homegrown player Victor Ulloa been doing since returning from his foot injury during preseason?
Hyndman: Yeah, he’s coming back. He’s doing better. We need more games like we had yesterday with the reserve squad so they can get more tests, real tests. If they’re not playing, still the mistakes they make are the same mistakes they made when they were in academy. It’s just that in academy they can get away with it.
Are you finally starting to see Chris Seitz really push Kevin Hartman in goal?
Hyndman: Seeing Chris pushing, I think the reserve game showed it last night. Chris had a good game, was under some good pressure and made some good saves. The goal he got scored on was basically a couple blunders on the defense and he was one-on-one and it was tough. But I thought he made some nice saves as well.
What did you think of Jair Benitez’s performance on Sunday?
Hyndman: Jair I thought was solid. I think first game of the year he might have been trying to do just a little bit too much, but I’d rather have a player do too much than not enough.
How did you think Ricardo Villar did against the Red Bulls?
Hyndman: I thought he did very well. I really thought he did well. When you can tell how much you miss someone is when they go off the field. And I thought when he went off the field, we were having a really hard time holding the ball. Secondly, we were having a hard time finding people to get the ball to and third thing was when Blas got the ball, he didn’t have the support and I thought Villar did all those things.
With Brek Shea at U.S. Olympic qualifying, can we expect a steady diet of Carlos Rodriguez at left mid in the meantime?
Hyndman: Yeah, it’ll have to be right now. I think the thing Rodriguez brings to us is he’s a left back, left-sided midfielder and there’s a real nice coordination between him and Jair [Benitez] where if one goes forward and the other one’s comfortable staying back.
Scott Sealy is now running. How long before he’s back in training?
Hyndman: Yeah, I think he’ll probably be coming back pretty quickly. I think this is probably his second week out. We had thought it would be two to three weeks.
What are your thoughts on Richard Sanchez training with Chelsea?
Hyndman: Great opportunity for Richard. As I’ve said before, he’s the best keeper I’ve seen at that age. He’s got a great future ahead of him. We want to give him opportunities to be seen and go on trials. I think Chelsea, reports we’re getting they like him. They want to continue monitoring him, World Cup champion with Under-17s, comes out, trains as hard as anybody. If he’s not going overseas or internationally, he’ll be a player in the MLS.
How has fellow homegrown player Victor Ulloa been doing since returning from his foot injury during preseason?
Hyndman: Yeah, he’s coming back. He’s doing better. We need more games like we had yesterday with the reserve squad so they can get more tests, real tests. If they’re not playing, still the mistakes they make are the same mistakes they made when they were in academy. It’s just that in academy they can get away with it.
Are you finally starting to see Chris Seitz really push Kevin Hartman in goal?
Hyndman: Seeing Chris pushing, I think the reserve game showed it last night. Chris had a good game, was under some good pressure and made some good saves. The goal he got scored on was basically a couple blunders on the defense and he was one-on-one and it was tough. But I thought he made some nice saves as well.
What did you think of Jair Benitez’s performance on Sunday?
Hyndman: Jair I thought was solid. I think first game of the year he might have been trying to do just a little bit too much, but I’d rather have a player do too much than not enough.
Schellas Hyndman weighs in on homegrown players
March, 10, 2012
Mar 10
2:23
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman weighed in on five of the club’s six homegrown players after practice on Friday and here’s what he had to say.
D Moises Hernandez
“I think Moises has made some big strides from a year ago and I think he’s getting better and better. He’s a real hard, he’s a very aggressive, great left-foot defender. The thing we’re trying to do is just get him into just thinking things through a little bit quicker. Not every tackle has to be a ball-winning tackle. Not every confrontation has to be a confrontation. Just figure things out. Put himself more into a controlled environment and I think he can develop into a pretty good player.”
M Bryan Leyva
“I think for me, he seems to be really enjoying training. This was an area I don’t think he was enjoying a lot and it might have been because we were putting such high demands on him and he wasn’t prepared to meet them. Right now I think he’s enjoying training. I think he looks forward to it. I think he works awfully hard at it. He’s still got to do a little bit better job taking care of himself but the thing is he gets it, so he’s working on it.”
F Ruben Luna
“That [his injury during preseason] really pulled him back. I think he was just trying to wait until he was completely healthy. Well, before you know it preseason’s over and you’re forgotten. So he’s brought himself back. Within the last week or so, he’s really worked hard.”
GK Richard Sanchez
“Yeah, he’s playing his best. He’s very confident. Every time we see him, we like him more and more. He just turned 18 and that’s a very young age to be thrown into MLS soccer but I think he’s going to have a good future with us.”
F Jonathan Top
“I see great improvements, wonderful improvements, wonderful young man, really an active player, good finishing. Just still a little naďve and a little young... really transformed his body, I think he must have lost like 20 pounds. I think his body fat was 17 percent. Now it’s like eight. So he’s really taken care of himself and working hard. We’re happy he’s playing with the academy and helping the academy find the success they’re used to.”
D Moises Hernandez
“I think Moises has made some big strides from a year ago and I think he’s getting better and better. He’s a real hard, he’s a very aggressive, great left-foot defender. The thing we’re trying to do is just get him into just thinking things through a little bit quicker. Not every tackle has to be a ball-winning tackle. Not every confrontation has to be a confrontation. Just figure things out. Put himself more into a controlled environment and I think he can develop into a pretty good player.”
M Bryan Leyva
“I think for me, he seems to be really enjoying training. This was an area I don’t think he was enjoying a lot and it might have been because we were putting such high demands on him and he wasn’t prepared to meet them. Right now I think he’s enjoying training. I think he looks forward to it. I think he works awfully hard at it. He’s still got to do a little bit better job taking care of himself but the thing is he gets it, so he’s working on it.”
F Ruben Luna
“That [his injury during preseason] really pulled him back. I think he was just trying to wait until he was completely healthy. Well, before you know it preseason’s over and you’re forgotten. So he’s brought himself back. Within the last week or so, he’s really worked hard.”
GK Richard Sanchez
“Yeah, he’s playing his best. He’s very confident. Every time we see him, we like him more and more. He just turned 18 and that’s a very young age to be thrown into MLS soccer but I think he’s going to have a good future with us.”
F Jonathan Top
“I see great improvements, wonderful improvements, wonderful young man, really an active player, good finishing. Just still a little naďve and a little young... really transformed his body, I think he must have lost like 20 pounds. I think his body fat was 17 percent. Now it’s like eight. So he’s really taken care of himself and working hard. We’re happy he’s playing with the academy and helping the academy find the success they’re used to.”
Will Schellas Hyndman make a trade this week?
March, 5, 2012
Mar 5
12:58
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
After talking to FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman last week, one thing was readily apparent - he’s not terribly happy with the depth his club has as is currently constructed. So, that brings the question: Will Hyndman make a trade this week? Here’s a look at why he might make a deal this week to bolster his roster:
This team needs some more depth, specifically in the midfield
No doubt about it, depth could be an issue for this team in 2012, specifically in the midfield. Ricardo Villar has battled injuries all through preseason. Daniel Cruz never was healthy and has now left the club, and who knows where Bruno Guarda stands with Hyndman and the club’s other brass after his suspension not all that long ago? Andrew Wiedeman has had a solid preseason but his six goals did come against college kids, so how much can one really read into that? Homegrown player Bryan Leyva has made strides in his fitness but how much can we really expect from him this year. Fellow FCD Academy product Victor Ulloa only recently returned from a foot issue.
There is some precedent for a trade
Hyndman has never been afraid to pull the trigger when he feels like it’s necessary. Remember the trade of Heath Pearce to Chivas USA last February? That was necessitated by completely different reasons, but Schellas has never been afraid to make a deal if he feels like it would improve his club. Just listening to his tone last week, it sounds like he could finally be at that point. French midfielder Geoffrey Tulasne did OK during his trial but didn’t exactly set the world on fire and while the club has Scott Sealy on their roster, who can also play midfield, he might best serve this club by providing depth up top.
FCD has some pieces of value
While this might sound like heresy to some, besides the obvious draft picks and allocation money, FCD also has another resource they could choose to trade-one of their homegrown players. Left back Moises Hernandez might be one possibility here as he hasn’t done a ton to set himself apart from the other five homegrown players. Talented young goalkeeper Richard Sanchez is another possibility along with Leyva and even young striker Ruben Luna. Sure, it might send the Dallas supporters into a complete state of panic, but teams trade prospects all the time in other sports, especially in baseball. And considering FCD currently has six homegrown players on their roster, there’s a very good chance that only one of them or maybe even two ever pan out anyway. That’s just a simple law of averages, so why not get something for one of them while the club still can?
It would shake things up a bit
Hyndman isn’t too happy with the lack of internal competition on his club. What better way to shake things up than with a trade? Seeing someone new come in and maybe even one of their own head out of town could reinforce to the entire roster that no one’s job is truly safe.
The loquacious gaffer lamented earlier this preseason that his club’s chemistry remained a work in progress and that the room was nowhere near as tight as it was in 2010, when they made an unprecedented run to the MLS Cup. Part of that dip in chemistry might be the tough circumstances they endured in 2011, but it could also be largely attributed to a change in personnel. A club with chemistry that could be better, and also one that doesn’t have much in the way of internal competition heading into the season, sounds like a recipe for possible disaster later in the year if things continue on their current path.
This team needs some more depth, specifically in the midfield
No doubt about it, depth could be an issue for this team in 2012, specifically in the midfield. Ricardo Villar has battled injuries all through preseason. Daniel Cruz never was healthy and has now left the club, and who knows where Bruno Guarda stands with Hyndman and the club’s other brass after his suspension not all that long ago? Andrew Wiedeman has had a solid preseason but his six goals did come against college kids, so how much can one really read into that? Homegrown player Bryan Leyva has made strides in his fitness but how much can we really expect from him this year. Fellow FCD Academy product Victor Ulloa only recently returned from a foot issue.
There is some precedent for a trade
Hyndman has never been afraid to pull the trigger when he feels like it’s necessary. Remember the trade of Heath Pearce to Chivas USA last February? That was necessitated by completely different reasons, but Schellas has never been afraid to make a deal if he feels like it would improve his club. Just listening to his tone last week, it sounds like he could finally be at that point. French midfielder Geoffrey Tulasne did OK during his trial but didn’t exactly set the world on fire and while the club has Scott Sealy on their roster, who can also play midfield, he might best serve this club by providing depth up top.
FCD has some pieces of value
While this might sound like heresy to some, besides the obvious draft picks and allocation money, FCD also has another resource they could choose to trade-one of their homegrown players. Left back Moises Hernandez might be one possibility here as he hasn’t done a ton to set himself apart from the other five homegrown players. Talented young goalkeeper Richard Sanchez is another possibility along with Leyva and even young striker Ruben Luna. Sure, it might send the Dallas supporters into a complete state of panic, but teams trade prospects all the time in other sports, especially in baseball. And considering FCD currently has six homegrown players on their roster, there’s a very good chance that only one of them or maybe even two ever pan out anyway. That’s just a simple law of averages, so why not get something for one of them while the club still can?
It would shake things up a bit
Hyndman isn’t too happy with the lack of internal competition on his club. What better way to shake things up than with a trade? Seeing someone new come in and maybe even one of their own head out of town could reinforce to the entire roster that no one’s job is truly safe.
The loquacious gaffer lamented earlier this preseason that his club’s chemistry remained a work in progress and that the room was nowhere near as tight as it was in 2010, when they made an unprecedented run to the MLS Cup. Part of that dip in chemistry might be the tough circumstances they endured in 2011, but it could also be largely attributed to a change in personnel. A club with chemistry that could be better, and also one that doesn’t have much in the way of internal competition heading into the season, sounds like a recipe for possible disaster later in the year if things continue on their current path.
FC Dallas 2012 Roster Dance (updated)
February, 24, 2012
Feb 24
12:23
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
Updated for status as we see it right before Florida camp.
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/24/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. 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 8 currently filled.
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.
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 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.
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/24/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. 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 8 currently filled.
| 1 | David Ferreira | 32, Colombian F/M. (8/9/79) Got his green card. |
| 2 | Daniel Hernandez | New 5 year coach/player deal. 35, US M/D (7/23/76) |
| 3 | Jair Benitez | 33, Colombian LB, (1/11/79). Green card. |
| 4 | Blas Pérez | (I1) Panamanian striker, turns 31 this year. (3-13-81) |
| 5 | Brek Shea | 20, US Nats MF. (2/28/90). |
| 6 | Ugo Ihemelu | 28, US D. (4/3/83) |
| 7 | Kevin Hartman | 37, US GK. (5-25-1974) |
| 8 | Zach Loyd | 24, US Nats M/D. (7-18-87) |
| 9 | Fabian Castillo | (I2) 19, Colombian striker. (6-01-92) |
| 10 | Ricardo Villar | (I3) 32, Brazilian, AM. (8-11-79) working on green card |
| 11 | Andrew Jacobson | 26, US DM. (9-25-85) |
| 12 | Hernan Pertúz | (I4) 22, Columbian U23, D. (3-31-89) |
| 13 | Chris Seitz | 24, US GK. (3-12-87) |
| 14 | Bobby Warshaw | 23, US M/D. (11-21-88) |
| 15 | Carlos Rodriguez | (I5) 21 year old Panamian M/D from Tauro FC. (4-12-90) |
| 16 | Bruno Guarda | 26, Brazil MF. (2/6/86). Green card |
| 17 | Scott Sealy | T&T F. 30, Previously with KC and SJ. (6/4/81) green card. |
| 18 | George John | US CB. (3/20/87) Not currently on FCD roster. Spot saved? |
| 19 | Dogba | (I6) Ange Pacome Dogba Gnagbo.Ivory Coast F |
| 20 | Open Spot | Sports 19 and 20 don’t have to be filled. |
| -- | ||
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 | Matt Hedges | UD D, 2012 1st pick. (4-1-90) Senior roster? |
| 22 | Andrew Wiedeman | (Ga1) 22, US versatile. F/M/D. (8-22-89) |
| 23 | Bryan Leyva | (HG1) 20, Mexican U20 MF (2/9/92) green card. |
| 24 | Ruben Luna | (HG2, I7) 19, Mexican U20 striker. (2-10-92) |
| 25 | Victor Ulloa | (HG3) 19, US Midfielder. (3-4-92) |
| 26 | Moises Hernandez | (HG4) US D, former U20 (3-5-92) |
| 27 | Jonathan Top | (HG5) 19, US striker. (1-26-93) |
| 28 | Richard Sanchez | (HG6) 17, Mexican keeper, US Citizen. (2-28-94) |
| 29 | Christian Ibeagha | 22, Former US U17 from OK (born Nigeria). (1-10-90) |
| 30 | Alex Lee | 2012 supplemental pick, D from Maryland. |
| -- | Ian Kalis | 2012 supplemental pick from SMU. Injured? Still on roster, not traveling. |
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 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.
| Jack Stewart | Late 2011 defender depth, didn’t stick in 2012 |
| Rodolofo Espinoza | 30 year old Mexican M, spring trial. |
| Kleyner Bejarano | a.k.a. Kleyner Bejarano Colombian D, spring trial |
| Scott Gordon | 23 year old US D, spring trial |
| Daniel Osorno | Formerly of Puebla, AM/F |
| Nicolás Gianni | a.k.a. Nicolas Cridani. 29, F/M |
| Daniel Cruz | Colombian, M didn’t play well in 2011, injuries cost him in 2012. |
| Marvin Chavez | Traded to San Jose. |
| Walter Hines | M, preseason trialist |
| Martin John | LB, preseason trialist |
| Joe Madigan | M, preseason trialist |
| Jackson | Brazilian M, on loan to Cruzeiro |
| Mykel Galindo | Waived in off season. |
| Edson Edward | Waived in off season. |
| Josh Lambo | Former Ga GK, waived in off season. |
I caught up with FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman after Friday’s morning training session and here’s what he had to say on a wide variety of subjects.
Big Honor for Sanchez, Shea
Homegrown goalkeeper Richard Sanchez was recently called into the Under-20 National Team by Mexico, something Hyndman was definitely glad to hear. “For Richard, it’s a logical step up. They just won the Under-17 World Cup and now they need to continue to monitor his growth and see how he’s doing,” he said. “It’s very logical and we’re very supportive of that.”
And College Station native Brek Shea will be training with the United States Under-23 team later this week in Frisco, another big step for him. “Yeah, it is no big surprise. It’s something very important to Brek and it should be important to any player to get called into the Olympic team and have an opportunity for lifetime memories,” Hyndman said. “It’s quite an honor and I think he’ll do fine.’
Luna, Villar on the Mend
Two players who weren’t on the pitch in Wednesday’s preseason game at SMU and who also don’t figure to play on Saturday against Tulsa were both on the sidelines again on Friday morning-forward Ruben Luna and midfielder Ricardo Villar.
Hyndman offered the following explanation about Luna: “I think it’s the IT band that goes down his leg. I think what Ruben has to do is just get some time in the recovery but he’s probably got to do a little bit better job with pre-training warm-ups, post-training warm-ups, cool downs so that he doesn’t get stiffness.”
Villar’s ailment however isn’t quite as serious. “It’s just a hit in the calf and then it stretched to the hamstring, so he’s kind of frozen up on one side,” Hyndman said.
Latest News on Four Trialists
F Ange Pacome Dogba Gnagbo (Dogba): “[John] Ellinger calls him Dogman but his name’s Dogba. He’s very athletic, very quick, very hard, just constant energy, works extremely hard on both sides of the ball and continues to look better and better in each training session,” Hyndman said. “He came from South Africa [Ivory Coast].”
D Scott Gordon: “I think he’s done some good things but at the end of the day, we’ve only got so many spots,” Hyndman said. “We have our Academy players, the homegrown players they call them and they’re already in place. It is what it is with them.”
D Kleynar Mena: “I thought he did very well. I thought he did real well,” Hyndman said. “I thought he continued to improve and we just sent him back yesterday but we may be bringing him back down the road.”
M/F Scott Sealy: “Yeah, we’ll know very shortly [whether or not he makes the team],” Hyndman said.
Big Honor for Sanchez, Shea
Homegrown goalkeeper Richard Sanchez was recently called into the Under-20 National Team by Mexico, something Hyndman was definitely glad to hear. “For Richard, it’s a logical step up. They just won the Under-17 World Cup and now they need to continue to monitor his growth and see how he’s doing,” he said. “It’s very logical and we’re very supportive of that.”
And College Station native Brek Shea will be training with the United States Under-23 team later this week in Frisco, another big step for him. “Yeah, it is no big surprise. It’s something very important to Brek and it should be important to any player to get called into the Olympic team and have an opportunity for lifetime memories,” Hyndman said. “It’s quite an honor and I think he’ll do fine.’
Luna, Villar on the Mend
Two players who weren’t on the pitch in Wednesday’s preseason game at SMU and who also don’t figure to play on Saturday against Tulsa were both on the sidelines again on Friday morning-forward Ruben Luna and midfielder Ricardo Villar.
Hyndman offered the following explanation about Luna: “I think it’s the IT band that goes down his leg. I think what Ruben has to do is just get some time in the recovery but he’s probably got to do a little bit better job with pre-training warm-ups, post-training warm-ups, cool downs so that he doesn’t get stiffness.”
Villar’s ailment however isn’t quite as serious. “It’s just a hit in the calf and then it stretched to the hamstring, so he’s kind of frozen up on one side,” Hyndman said.
Latest News on Four Trialists
F Ange Pacome Dogba Gnagbo (Dogba): “[John] Ellinger calls him Dogman but his name’s Dogba. He’s very athletic, very quick, very hard, just constant energy, works extremely hard on both sides of the ball and continues to look better and better in each training session,” Hyndman said. “He came from South Africa [Ivory Coast].”
D Scott Gordon: “I think he’s done some good things but at the end of the day, we’ve only got so many spots,” Hyndman said. “We have our Academy players, the homegrown players they call them and they’re already in place. It is what it is with them.”
D Kleynar Mena: “I thought he did very well. I thought he did real well,” Hyndman said. “I thought he continued to improve and we just sent him back yesterday but we may be bringing him back down the road.”
M/F Scott Sealy: “Yeah, we’ll know very shortly [whether or not he makes the team],” Hyndman said.
FC Dallas Homegrown player, Richard Sanchez has been called in to Mexican Under-20 National Team camp. Sanchez is one of 28 players invited to train with new head coach Sergio Almaguer Trevińo in Mexico City, Mexico, through Sunday, March 4.
The Mexican U-20 side assembled in Mexico City this past weekend. The team will train there for two weeks before traveling to California to play three scheduled scrimmages.
The first scrimmage is set for Saturday, Feb. 25 at Cal State-Fullerton. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the team will play the UCLA Bruins at Birmingham Stadium. The final scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, against UC Berkley in Santa Maria, Calif.
The camp is an important one for Trevińo, who is looking to set his roster for the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey. Sanchez is competing with Alberto Gurrola of Atlas FC for a spot in net.
Born in Mission Hills, Calif., Sanchez moved to Texas with his family and initially played for Texas Football Club before joining Spain’s Atletico de Madrid U-16 squad. In 2009, Sanchez returned to Texas and began playing for the FC Dallas Development Academy. He signed with FC Dallas as a 16-year-old on Feb. 18, 2011.
The Mexican U-20 side assembled in Mexico City this past weekend. The team will train there for two weeks before traveling to California to play three scheduled scrimmages.
The first scrimmage is set for Saturday, Feb. 25 at Cal State-Fullerton. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the team will play the UCLA Bruins at Birmingham Stadium. The final scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, against UC Berkley in Santa Maria, Calif.
The camp is an important one for Trevińo, who is looking to set his roster for the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey. Sanchez is competing with Alberto Gurrola of Atlas FC for a spot in net.
Born in Mission Hills, Calif., Sanchez moved to Texas with his family and initially played for Texas Football Club before joining Spain’s Atletico de Madrid U-16 squad. In 2009, Sanchez returned to Texas and began playing for the FC Dallas Development Academy. He signed with FC Dallas as a 16-year-old on Feb. 18, 2011.
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/9/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. 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 8 currently filled.
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.
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 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.
Last updated: 2/9/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. 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 8 currently filled.
| 1 | David Ferreira | 32, Colombian F/M. (8/9/79) Got his green card. |
| 2 | Daniel Hernandez | New 5 year coach/player deal. 35, US M/D (7/23/76) |
| 3 | Jair Benitez | 33, Colombian LB, (1/11/79). Green card. |
| 4 | Blas Pérez | (I1) Panamanian striker, turns 31 this year. (3-13-81) |
| 5 | Brek Shea | 20, US Nats MF. (2/28/90). |
| 6 | Ugo Ihemelu | 28, US D. (4/3/83) |
| 7 | Kevin Hartman | 37, US GK. (5-25-1974) |
| 8 | Zach Loyd | 24, US Nats M/D. (7-18-87) |
| 9 | Fabian Castillo | (I2) 19, Colombian striker. (6-01-92) |
| 10 | Ricardo Villar | (I3) 32, Brazilian, AM. (8-11-79) working on green card |
| 11 | Andrew Jacobson | 26, US DM. (9-25-85) |
| 12 | Hernan Pertúz | (I4) 22, Columbian U23, D. (3-31-89) |
| 13 | Chris Seitz | 24, US GK. (3-12-87) |
| 14 | Bobby Warshaw | 23, US M/D. (11-21-88) |
| 15 | Carlos Rodriguez | (I5) 21 year old Panamian M/D from Tauro FC. (4-12-90) |
| 16 | Nicolás Gianni | (I6) a.k.a. Nicolas Cridani. 29, F/M. (3/9/82) starting for Ferreira. |
| 17 | Scott Sealy | T&T F. 30, Previously with KC and SJ. (6/4/81) green card. |
| 18 | Bruno Guarda | 26, Brazil MF. (2/6/86). Green card |
| 19 | Daniel Cruz | (I7) 30, Colombian, M. Injured. (5-3-81) May be in roster trouble… |
| 20 | Jack Stewart | 28 year old US D. (5-29-1983) He gets John’s spot for now. |
| -- | George John | US CB. (3/20/87) Not currently on FCD roster, loan ends in March? |
| -- | Rodolofo Espinoza | (I9) 30 year old Mexican M, Chivas USA 10-11. (6-14-81) |
| -- | Kleyner Bejarano | (I10) a.k.a. Kleyner Bejarano Mena 22, Colombian D. (9/16/89) |
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 | Matt Hedges | UD D, ‘12 1st pick. (4-1-90) Senior roster? |
| 22 | Andrew Wiedeman | (Ga1) 22, US versatile. F/M/D. (8-22-89) |
| 23 | Bryan Leyva | (HG1) 20, Mexican U20 MF (2/9/92) green card. |
| 24 | Ruben Luna | (HG2, I8) 19, Mexican U20 striker. (2-10-92) |
| 25 | Victor Ulloa | (HG3) 19, US Midfielder. (3-4-92) |
| 26 | Moises Hernandez | (HG4) US D, former U20 (3-5-92) |
| 27 | Jonathan Top | (HG5) 19, US striker. (1-26-93) |
| 28 | Richard Sanchez | (HG6) 17, Mexican keeper US Citizen. (2-28-94) |
| 29 | Scott Gordon | 23 year old US D, 3rd round pick in 2011. (4-6-88) |
| 30 | Christian Ibeagha | 22, US U17 from OK (born Nigeria). (1-10-90) |
| -- | Alex Lee | 2012 pick, D from Maryland. Just arrived in camp. |
| -- | Ian Kalis | 2012 Supplemental Draft pick from SMU. Injured? |
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 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.
| Marvin Chavez | Traded to San Jose. |
| Walter Hines | M, preseason trialist |
| Martin John | LB, preseason trialist |
| Joe Madigan | M, preseason trialist |
| Jackson | Brazilian M, on loan to Cruzeiro |
| Mykel Galindo | Waived in off season. |
| Edson Edward | Waived in off season. |
| Josh Lambo | Former Ga GK, waived in off season. |
If there was one position in 2011 where FC Dallas was pretty well squared away, it had to be between the posts. Kevin Hartman started every league game, except for the regular-season finale at San Jose, and was on the pitch for every game in both the CONCACAF Champions League as well as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Backup Chris Seitz started both games against Mexican partner Tigres UANL, the Battle for the Rio Grande Plate, and also was in goal for the finale at San Jose, but all in all, the ex-Terrapin never really pushed Hartman for minutes like FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman had hoped he would when they acquired him from Seattle during preseason.
So, how does this position shake out for 2012? Let's take a look.
Kevin Hartman
Big Kev is now 37, but after a season where he started all but one league game and went 15-11-7 with 13 shutouts and had a goals-against-average of just 1.06, is there really any reason to doubt that Hartman won’t again be the man between the posts for FCD this season?
Unlike in 2010, he was able to stay healthy for the entire season, which was a big plus for the veteran keeper. Not only does he bring a lot to the pitch for Dallas, but he also brings a great deal off the field as a mentor to the likes of youngster Richard Sanchez as well as backup Chris Seitz. Some might think FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman played Hartman a bit too much last year as he also started every game in both CONCACAF Champions League as well as in the U.S. Open Cup, but that was because the gaffer just wasn’t comfortable with putting Seitz in there. Hopefully all that changes in 2012 and the ex-Terp will push Hartman for the top spot.
Richard Sanchez
Last year was a pretty great one for the 17-year-old Sanchez. Who could forget his impressive run between the posts for Mexico in the 2011 Under-17 World Cup? With Josh Lambo now gone, Sanchez is officially the third ‘keeper, which means he figures to get more reps this season.
Is it still too early to expect him to push Seitz to earn some games as FCD’s backup on game day? Probably so, but one thing I know about this kid is to never rule him out. He could make a huge leap this season. Then again, he could spend much of the year getting experience in reserve games and building for what could be a huge 2013 for this young phenom.
Chris Seitz
One has to give Seitz credit. When asked how he appraised his performance last season, he didn’t mince words, saying it wasn’t at the level where he wants it to be. He has come into this preseason in great shape and ready to roll, so maybe his disappointing 2011 was nothing more than a mere aberration. Seitz and Hyndman both hope so because the FCD gaffer wants his current backup to make a legitimate push and put some pressure on Hartman for that starting spot since having such tough competition at keeper each and every day in practice will make them, as well as the entire team, better.
Seitz should have a nice resurgence in 2012 and figures to get some starts here and there to ensure Hartman is well-rested for the second half of the year.
Backup Chris Seitz started both games against Mexican partner Tigres UANL, the Battle for the Rio Grande Plate, and also was in goal for the finale at San Jose, but all in all, the ex-Terrapin never really pushed Hartman for minutes like FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman had hoped he would when they acquired him from Seattle during preseason.
So, how does this position shake out for 2012? Let's take a look.
Kevin Hartman
Big Kev is now 37, but after a season where he started all but one league game and went 15-11-7 with 13 shutouts and had a goals-against-average of just 1.06, is there really any reason to doubt that Hartman won’t again be the man between the posts for FCD this season?
Unlike in 2010, he was able to stay healthy for the entire season, which was a big plus for the veteran keeper. Not only does he bring a lot to the pitch for Dallas, but he also brings a great deal off the field as a mentor to the likes of youngster Richard Sanchez as well as backup Chris Seitz. Some might think FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman played Hartman a bit too much last year as he also started every game in both CONCACAF Champions League as well as in the U.S. Open Cup, but that was because the gaffer just wasn’t comfortable with putting Seitz in there. Hopefully all that changes in 2012 and the ex-Terp will push Hartman for the top spot.
Richard Sanchez
Last year was a pretty great one for the 17-year-old Sanchez. Who could forget his impressive run between the posts for Mexico in the 2011 Under-17 World Cup? With Josh Lambo now gone, Sanchez is officially the third ‘keeper, which means he figures to get more reps this season.
Is it still too early to expect him to push Seitz to earn some games as FCD’s backup on game day? Probably so, but one thing I know about this kid is to never rule him out. He could make a huge leap this season. Then again, he could spend much of the year getting experience in reserve games and building for what could be a huge 2013 for this young phenom.
Chris Seitz
One has to give Seitz credit. When asked how he appraised his performance last season, he didn’t mince words, saying it wasn’t at the level where he wants it to be. He has come into this preseason in great shape and ready to roll, so maybe his disappointing 2011 was nothing more than a mere aberration. Seitz and Hyndman both hope so because the FCD gaffer wants his current backup to make a legitimate push and put some pressure on Hartman for that starting spot since having such tough competition at keeper each and every day in practice will make them, as well as the entire team, better.
Seitz should have a nice resurgence in 2012 and figures to get some starts here and there to ensure Hartman is well-rested for the second half of the year.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Champion Richard Sanchez has been called into camp by newly appointed Mexican U-18 National Team head coach Mario Arteaga Herrera. Sanchez departed for Mexico City, Mexico over the weekend and will return to Dallas on Thursday, Jan. 26.
“We really love Richard Sanchez,” said FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman. “What a great story, winning the U-17 World Cup with Mexico and signing with FC Dallas last season. It was a really good year for him and his family. He’s a player Mexico obviously has a lot of interest in. Getting called into the Mexican U-18 National Team camp is a natural progression for him.”
Sanchez is one of 20 players Herrera called into camp in an effort to establish a solid foundation of players who will represent Mexico in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
“I had a chance to speak with a member of the Mexican U-17 National Team coaching staff while I was in Kansas City for the MLS SuperDraft, and they have very much targeted Richard as being a special player for Mexico in the future,” said Hyndman. “We’ve been contacted by several Mexican clubs interested in having him come down and train, but we’ve got big plans for Richard ourselves. We want him here training with Drew Keeshan, Chris Seitz and Kevin Hartman on a daily basis.”
Born in Mission Hills, Calif., Sanchez moved to Texas with his family and initially played for Texas Football Club before joining Spain’s Atletico de Madrid U-16 squad. In 2009, Sanchez returned to Texas and began playing for the FC Dallas Development Academy. He signed with FC Dallas as a 16-year-old on Feb. 18, 2011.
“We really love Richard Sanchez,” said FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman. “What a great story, winning the U-17 World Cup with Mexico and signing with FC Dallas last season. It was a really good year for him and his family. He’s a player Mexico obviously has a lot of interest in. Getting called into the Mexican U-18 National Team camp is a natural progression for him.”
Sanchez is one of 20 players Herrera called into camp in an effort to establish a solid foundation of players who will represent Mexico in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
“I had a chance to speak with a member of the Mexican U-17 National Team coaching staff while I was in Kansas City for the MLS SuperDraft, and they have very much targeted Richard as being a special player for Mexico in the future,” said Hyndman. “We’ve been contacted by several Mexican clubs interested in having him come down and train, but we’ve got big plans for Richard ourselves. We want him here training with Drew Keeshan, Chris Seitz and Kevin Hartman on a daily basis.”
Born in Mission Hills, Calif., Sanchez moved to Texas with his family and initially played for Texas Football Club before joining Spain’s Atletico de Madrid U-16 squad. In 2009, Sanchez returned to Texas and began playing for the FC Dallas Development Academy. He signed with FC Dallas as a 16-year-old on Feb. 18, 2011.
The five best FC Dallas coaching moves of 2011
November, 1, 2011
11/01/11
11:56
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
It was a tough end of the FC Dallas season for most fans to stomach, over the last moth the record was horrible and FCD crashed out of the US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, and the MLS Cup Playoffs. After the season had looked so promising in the first 2/3s it's hard to come to grips with the end.
Yet without the bad finish, FC Dallas had a good season by most measures. The club had a shot at three trophies they were in competition for. Dallas tied the 2nd highest point total in franchise history with 52 points, albeit in 34 games. 1.52 points per game, our preferred measure, is 4th best in FCD history, still pretty good. FCD made its first appearance in the CCL and was the first MLS team to ever win in Mexico only failing to advance on the very last day of the group stage. The Red Stripes also made it to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup before losing to the eventual (and frequent) champs Seattle.
So was the season everything FCD hoped for? No, but it was still a solid run by most measures. In fact some things went quite well and there is reason to be optimistic for 2010. This season can be learned from, both the good and the bad. So let's start to look back and learn with the five best coaching moves of 2011.
1. Keeping Brek Shea at Left Mid
A no brainer you might say, but consider that every coaching bone in Schellas Hyndman's body is screaming for him to make this kid a center back. Hyndman thinks Shea could be world class back there. By keeping Shea at left mid, coach Hyndman is going against his instincts.
Keeping Shea at left mid paid off. Shea is FCD's clear MVP this year, heck he has a shot at MLS MVP. Even if Shea had just repeated last year's numbers I would have said it was a good move to keep him out wide, when Shea rips off 11 goals and 4 assist (in MLS regular season) then it become a heck of a move.
Sometimes doing nothing is the best play. So full credit to Hyndman for NOT doing what he wanted to do and maybe some credit to his coaching staff if they told Hyndman he was crazy to move Shea.
2. Signing Fabian Castillo
The signing of this young Colombian looks to be a terrific success as well. Still young and lots to learn on and of the field, yes, but what a wonderful talent. His fearlessness and ability to take on defenders with his crazy on the ball pace makes Castillo an incredible weapon. By buying half his player pass FCD now has Castillo for the foreseeable future.
Tons of credit here to Oscar Pareja in my book for finding the kid, credit to Hyndman for saying yes let's get him, and lots of kudos to the Hunts for paying the reported $800,000 fee for half Castillo's rights. That's a number for a kid that is unprecedented as far as I know in MLS and for darn sure is with HSG.
The coaching staff wanted a young unproven player and the Hunts stepped up with the cash. Now FCD has an amazing talent on their books that may pay big dividends on the field the next few years and in the coffers down the line if he's sold for big money.
3. Andrew Jacobson Trade
Back in February, FCD made a small move that looked to be for depth and was a low risk trade when they sent a 2nd round pick to Philly for Andrew Jacobson. What a steal that trade turned out to be as Jacobson became the starter in midfield finishing tops of the club with 5 assists. Jacobson is now a key cog as the club builds for 2012 as either the linking mid or as the holding mid if Daniel Heranndez has to wind it down. Jacobson showed some leadership by playing hurt and now will need offseason knee surgery.
2nd round MLS SuperDraft picks are a crap shoot. Sure, you can find a starter in the 2nd round, but it can take a couple seasons for those players to develop. Chances aren't even 50/50 in my estimation that a 2nd rounder will pan out. So to get the top assist man for the season and a key piece to build around for the future is quite a move.
4. Marvin Chavez Call Out
Sometimes coming down on a player works, sometimes it doesn't. It depends on the player and coach, and how its' handled.
Earlier this year when FCD was struggling to get along without David Ferreira, Marvin Chavez was looked to to help fill the scoring void. Yet Chavez wasn't really getting it done on the score sheet. So Coach Hydnman called Chavez out (in private, not public) about his lack of goals. Hyndman in essence said to Chavez, you're not scoring enough to stay on the field.
The call out worked. Chavez went on a mini-tear and finished the season as the 2nd leading scorer for FCD. Chavez started scoring goals and finishing, both while playing striker and when he went back to wide midfield. He even added 4 assists. Chavez became the player he is supposed to be and he'll be a key part of 2012.
5. Signing Richard Sanchez
I consider this a great move, not for what Richard Sanchez did this year (first American born male to win a world title, winning the U17 Worlds with Mexico), nor for the potential that he might some day play for FCD. Instead I consider this a brilliant move for when it happened.
Coach Hyndman doesn't like kids in his team, particularly this is true at keeper. So how many years might it take for Sanchez to crack the FCD lineup? Remember that keepers peak later than other players. Even if he is an all time great, and Hyndman said Sanchez was the best he'd ever seen at his age, Sanchez would still need 3, 4, or even 5 years to break in at 20 or 21. That's a long time for a signing to pay off, so why the rush to sign him at the age of 16?
Because somebody at FCD understands the worlds game and how the system works. FC Dallas announced the home grown signing of Richard Sanchez back in February when Sanchez became the clear starter for Mexico and started to garner attention. Yet Mexico, with Sanchez in net, didn't win the worlds until July 17th. FCD signed Sanchez right about the time of the CONCACAF U17 Championship in which Mexico did not participate as they were automatic qualifiers into the Worlds as hosts. Someone at FCD knew that Sanchez, as the starting keeper for Mexico, would likely became more valuable as the tournament approached that summer, with the potential to blow up if Mexico did well.
I actually don't think Sanchez will ever play for FC Dallas' senior side. Sanchez is already being tracked and is wanted by teams all over Mexico and maybe even around the world. Teams in Mexico are cash rich because of the TV networks. Sanchez, particularly if he continues to start for Mexico at he U20 level (Turkey 2013) and maybe even Olympic level (London 2012), is, I believe, going to skyrocket in value. Sometimes in the next 2 years or so, FCD should be able to cash Sancehz in for some serious coin.
...Or if FCD decides to hold on to him, and if he is as good as Hyndman says, they FCD may have one of the best keepers in the world on their hands in about 4 or 5 years.
Up next, the worst 5 coaching moves of 2011.
Yet without the bad finish, FC Dallas had a good season by most measures. The club had a shot at three trophies they were in competition for. Dallas tied the 2nd highest point total in franchise history with 52 points, albeit in 34 games. 1.52 points per game, our preferred measure, is 4th best in FCD history, still pretty good. FCD made its first appearance in the CCL and was the first MLS team to ever win in Mexico only failing to advance on the very last day of the group stage. The Red Stripes also made it to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup before losing to the eventual (and frequent) champs Seattle.
So was the season everything FCD hoped for? No, but it was still a solid run by most measures. In fact some things went quite well and there is reason to be optimistic for 2010. This season can be learned from, both the good and the bad. So let's start to look back and learn with the five best coaching moves of 2011.
1. Keeping Brek Shea at Left Mid
A no brainer you might say, but consider that every coaching bone in Schellas Hyndman's body is screaming for him to make this kid a center back. Hyndman thinks Shea could be world class back there. By keeping Shea at left mid, coach Hyndman is going against his instincts.
Keeping Shea at left mid paid off. Shea is FCD's clear MVP this year, heck he has a shot at MLS MVP. Even if Shea had just repeated last year's numbers I would have said it was a good move to keep him out wide, when Shea rips off 11 goals and 4 assist (in MLS regular season) then it become a heck of a move.
Sometimes doing nothing is the best play. So full credit to Hyndman for NOT doing what he wanted to do and maybe some credit to his coaching staff if they told Hyndman he was crazy to move Shea.
2. Signing Fabian Castillo
The signing of this young Colombian looks to be a terrific success as well. Still young and lots to learn on and of the field, yes, but what a wonderful talent. His fearlessness and ability to take on defenders with his crazy on the ball pace makes Castillo an incredible weapon. By buying half his player pass FCD now has Castillo for the foreseeable future.
Tons of credit here to Oscar Pareja in my book for finding the kid, credit to Hyndman for saying yes let's get him, and lots of kudos to the Hunts for paying the reported $800,000 fee for half Castillo's rights. That's a number for a kid that is unprecedented as far as I know in MLS and for darn sure is with HSG.
The coaching staff wanted a young unproven player and the Hunts stepped up with the cash. Now FCD has an amazing talent on their books that may pay big dividends on the field the next few years and in the coffers down the line if he's sold for big money.
3. Andrew Jacobson Trade
Back in February, FCD made a small move that looked to be for depth and was a low risk trade when they sent a 2nd round pick to Philly for Andrew Jacobson. What a steal that trade turned out to be as Jacobson became the starter in midfield finishing tops of the club with 5 assists. Jacobson is now a key cog as the club builds for 2012 as either the linking mid or as the holding mid if Daniel Heranndez has to wind it down. Jacobson showed some leadership by playing hurt and now will need offseason knee surgery.
2nd round MLS SuperDraft picks are a crap shoot. Sure, you can find a starter in the 2nd round, but it can take a couple seasons for those players to develop. Chances aren't even 50/50 in my estimation that a 2nd rounder will pan out. So to get the top assist man for the season and a key piece to build around for the future is quite a move.
4. Marvin Chavez Call Out
Sometimes coming down on a player works, sometimes it doesn't. It depends on the player and coach, and how its' handled.
Earlier this year when FCD was struggling to get along without David Ferreira, Marvin Chavez was looked to to help fill the scoring void. Yet Chavez wasn't really getting it done on the score sheet. So Coach Hydnman called Chavez out (in private, not public) about his lack of goals. Hyndman in essence said to Chavez, you're not scoring enough to stay on the field.
The call out worked. Chavez went on a mini-tear and finished the season as the 2nd leading scorer for FCD. Chavez started scoring goals and finishing, both while playing striker and when he went back to wide midfield. He even added 4 assists. Chavez became the player he is supposed to be and he'll be a key part of 2012.
5. Signing Richard Sanchez
I consider this a great move, not for what Richard Sanchez did this year (first American born male to win a world title, winning the U17 Worlds with Mexico), nor for the potential that he might some day play for FCD. Instead I consider this a brilliant move for when it happened.
Coach Hyndman doesn't like kids in his team, particularly this is true at keeper. So how many years might it take for Sanchez to crack the FCD lineup? Remember that keepers peak later than other players. Even if he is an all time great, and Hyndman said Sanchez was the best he'd ever seen at his age, Sanchez would still need 3, 4, or even 5 years to break in at 20 or 21. That's a long time for a signing to pay off, so why the rush to sign him at the age of 16?
Because somebody at FCD understands the worlds game and how the system works. FC Dallas announced the home grown signing of Richard Sanchez back in February when Sanchez became the clear starter for Mexico and started to garner attention. Yet Mexico, with Sanchez in net, didn't win the worlds until July 17th. FCD signed Sanchez right about the time of the CONCACAF U17 Championship in which Mexico did not participate as they were automatic qualifiers into the Worlds as hosts. Someone at FCD knew that Sanchez, as the starting keeper for Mexico, would likely became more valuable as the tournament approached that summer, with the potential to blow up if Mexico did well.
I actually don't think Sanchez will ever play for FC Dallas' senior side. Sanchez is already being tracked and is wanted by teams all over Mexico and maybe even around the world. Teams in Mexico are cash rich because of the TV networks. Sanchez, particularly if he continues to start for Mexico at he U20 level (Turkey 2013) and maybe even Olympic level (London 2012), is, I believe, going to skyrocket in value. Sometimes in the next 2 years or so, FCD should be able to cash Sancehz in for some serious coin.
...Or if FCD decides to hold on to him, and if he is as good as Hyndman says, they FCD may have one of the best keepers in the world on their hands in about 4 or 5 years.
Up next, the worst 5 coaching moves of 2011.
Richard Sanchez discusses his roots
September, 16, 2011
9/16/11
6:00
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
There is a really nice piece on FCD's mega-talented home-grown goalkeeper Richard Sanchez in ESPN HS magazine. Sanchez became the first male American-born player to win a world title in soccer when he brought home the U17 World Championship with Mexico.
ESPN The MagazineFC Dallas' Richard Sanchez, the first American-born player to win a world title in soccer, explains his feelings about playing for Mexico."I’ll be honest, I do feel more Mexican than American even though I’ve never truly lived in Mexico. I was born in California and live in Texas now, but I was eligible to play for Mexico because my parents were born there."
Give it a read, it's well worth checking out.
U17 World Cup Champion Richard Sanchez to lead March to the Match
July, 31, 2011
7/31/11
11:45
AM CT
FC Dallas and Mexico U17 World Cup Champion goalkeeper, Richard Sanchez will lead FC Dallas’ pre-game parade from The Londoner Pub in Frisco to the Lamar Hunt statue on the north concourse at Pizza Hut Park prior to Sunday’s match against Chivas USA. The march starts at 5:30 p.m. CT today.
FC Dallas goalkeeper Richard Sanchez became the first American-born player to win a FIFA men’s title when he started for Mexico in its 2-0 win over Uruguay to win the Under-17 World Cup before 105,000 fans at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Sunday, July 10. Sanchez started every game in goal for Mexico, posting a 1.00 goals against average and earning two shutouts in the tournament.
FC Dallas goalkeeper Richard Sanchez became the first American-born player to win a FIFA men’s title when he started for Mexico in its 2-0 win over Uruguay to win the Under-17 World Cup before 105,000 fans at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Sunday, July 10. Sanchez started every game in goal for Mexico, posting a 1.00 goals against average and earning two shutouts in the tournament.
Richard Sanchez taking time off
July, 14, 2011
7/14/11
8:03
PM CT
By Master Tesfatsion | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas goalkeeper Richard Sanchez is taking some time off in California to relax with his family before returning to the club following his championship run with Mexico’s Under-17 squad.
Sanchez became the first American-born player to win a FIFA men’s title Sunday. He started every game in net for host country Mexico -- including the 2-0 win over Uruguay in the final in front of 105,000 fans at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. Sanchez had a 1.00 goals-against average and held two teams scoreless in the tournament.
“It was an unforgettable experience that I will keep in my heart forever,” Sanchez said during a conference call Thursday. “I really liked spending time with players from other teams, with my teammates and all coaches, who I would like to thank for taking time away from family to be with us.”
Sanchez and his teammates took a tour around Mexico City and gave fans a glimpse of the trophy Monday. El Tri also stopped to visit with Mexico president Felipe Calderón and mingled with other Mexican leaders.
“I feel a little bit more confident after playing in the World Cup,” Sanchez said. “Being only 17 years old and living this experience, it did boost my confidence.”
FC Dallas academy and professional players sent Sanchez messages through Twitter and Facebook congratulating him on Mexico’s accomplishments.
“We have been working hard to accomplish a lot of our goals and it’s a good feeling to hear from them,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez’s name has blown up because on his international success. Sanchez denied hearing rumors of European teams showing interest in the goalkeeper. Although he said it would be a dream to return to a European club, Sanchez's intentions are with FC Dallas. Sanchez expects to return to the club during the last week of July.
“I know I have to train hard when I go back to the club if I want to get anywhere,” Sanchez said. “As soon as I get back I want to get into the team, focus on the team and hopefully win a starting spot someday after Kevin [Hartman].”
Sanchez became the first American-born player to win a FIFA men’s title Sunday. He started every game in net for host country Mexico -- including the 2-0 win over Uruguay in the final in front of 105,000 fans at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. Sanchez had a 1.00 goals-against average and held two teams scoreless in the tournament.
“It was an unforgettable experience that I will keep in my heart forever,” Sanchez said during a conference call Thursday. “I really liked spending time with players from other teams, with my teammates and all coaches, who I would like to thank for taking time away from family to be with us.”
Sanchez and his teammates took a tour around Mexico City and gave fans a glimpse of the trophy Monday. El Tri also stopped to visit with Mexico president Felipe Calderón and mingled with other Mexican leaders.
“I feel a little bit more confident after playing in the World Cup,” Sanchez said. “Being only 17 years old and living this experience, it did boost my confidence.”
FC Dallas academy and professional players sent Sanchez messages through Twitter and Facebook congratulating him on Mexico’s accomplishments.
“We have been working hard to accomplish a lot of our goals and it’s a good feeling to hear from them,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez’s name has blown up because on his international success. Sanchez denied hearing rumors of European teams showing interest in the goalkeeper. Although he said it would be a dream to return to a European club, Sanchez's intentions are with FC Dallas. Sanchez expects to return to the club during the last week of July.
“I know I have to train hard when I go back to the club if I want to get anywhere,” Sanchez said. “As soon as I get back I want to get into the team, focus on the team and hopefully win a starting spot someday after Kevin [Hartman].”
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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