Soccer: Seattle Sounders
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended Seattle Sounders FC defender Zach Scott one game and fined him an undisclosed amount for endangering the safety of FC Dallas midfielder Fabian Castillo in the 75th minute of the May 9 game on this foul.
Scott will serve his suspension this Saturday when Sounders FC host Real Salt Lake at 9 p.m. CT.
Fines collected will be donated to the charitable partners of MLS W.O.R.K.S. and the MLS Players Union.
Scott will serve his suspension this Saturday when Sounders FC host Real Salt Lake at 9 p.m. CT.
Fines collected will be donated to the charitable partners of MLS W.O.R.K.S. and the MLS Players Union.
Match photos: Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
May, 10, 2012
May 10
4:50
PM CT
By Matthew Visinsky | ESPNDallas.com
Shorthanded FCD didn't do so well. Here's the photos to prove it.
Direct link if the code isn't working for you.
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Fredy Montero scored twice in a 3-minute span to lead the Seattle Sounders to their fifth consecutive victory, 2-0 over FC Dallas on Wednesday night.
Seattle improved to 6-1-1. Dallas is 0-3-2 in its last five games and 3-5-3 overall.
After Dallas controlled the ball for most of the first 68 minutes, Seattle's Cordell Cato won a battle in the home team's end and sent the ball toward the right corner of the goal.
Montero maneuvered around defenders Matt Hedges and Hernan Pertuz and shot just inside the right post to beat goalkeeper Kevin Hartman on his short side from 15 yards out.
Montero's second goal came in the 71st minute on a short right-footed shot from in front of the net.
Montero, the Sounders' career leader with 37 MLS goals, entered the game with one goal and one assist in eight games this season. The team has scored only 13 goals this season, but has allowed a league-low three.
Seattle goalkeeper Bryan Meredith recorded his second shutout in his second start this season.
Despite missing injured starters Carlos Rodriguez and Ricardo Villar -- along with Daniel Hernandez, out after receiving a red card Sunday -- Dallas outplayed the Sounders in the first half.
FC Dallas' first-half advantage in shots was just 6-5, but the home team put four shots on goal to only one by Seattle. Dallas also had two corner kicks to one for the Sounders.
That one Seattle shot on goal was a good scoring chance. Hartman allowed a rebound with the net open, but the subsequent shot hit the post and the Sounders kicked the ball over the goal.
Meredith thwarted Dallas' best first-half chance by punching a header into the crossbar, then covering up the loose ball in front.
Seattle improved to 6-1-1. Dallas is 0-3-2 in its last five games and 3-5-3 overall.
After Dallas controlled the ball for most of the first 68 minutes, Seattle's Cordell Cato won a battle in the home team's end and sent the ball toward the right corner of the goal.
Montero maneuvered around defenders Matt Hedges and Hernan Pertuz and shot just inside the right post to beat goalkeeper Kevin Hartman on his short side from 15 yards out.
Montero's second goal came in the 71st minute on a short right-footed shot from in front of the net.
Montero, the Sounders' career leader with 37 MLS goals, entered the game with one goal and one assist in eight games this season. The team has scored only 13 goals this season, but has allowed a league-low three.
Seattle goalkeeper Bryan Meredith recorded his second shutout in his second start this season.
Despite missing injured starters Carlos Rodriguez and Ricardo Villar -- along with Daniel Hernandez, out after receiving a red card Sunday -- Dallas outplayed the Sounders in the first half.
FC Dallas' first-half advantage in shots was just 6-5, but the home team put four shots on goal to only one by Seattle. Dallas also had two corner kicks to one for the Sounders.
That one Seattle shot on goal was a good scoring chance. Hartman allowed a rebound with the net open, but the subsequent shot hit the post and the Sounders kicked the ball over the goal.
Meredith thwarted Dallas' best first-half chance by punching a header into the crossbar, then covering up the loose ball in front.
The Seattle Sounders are off to the best start in their four-year history, recently overcoming a packed schedule and the loss of their starting goalkeeper.
The depth of their defense has helped in both situations.
Seattle looks to match a franchise record with its fifth consecutive victory when it visits struggling FC Dallas on Wednesday.
The Sounders (6-1-1) will be playing their fourth game in 12 days, then they'll return home for a Western Conference showdown with Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
Fredy Montero assisted on Mauro Rosales' goal in the 63rd minute this past Saturday to give Seattle a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia and its fourth straight win.
Seattle won a team-record five in a row Sept. 18-Oct. 15, 2010.
"Three games in a week is not an easy task, but we came out with nine points which is something that we are very happy about," coach Sigi Schmid told the team's official website. "I thought we had chances to get more than one goal and we were a bit unlucky. One day those floodgates will open up."
The Sounders haven't had to score much given how well their defense has played. They've outscored opponents 6-1 during their winning streak and they've posted five shutouts this season.
Schmid has used a rotation of seven defenders, allowing him to keep the defense somewhat fresh during a tough stretch of games. He's started six different four-player combinations, and the Sounders have allowed a league-low three goals.
"I really think we have seven starters," Schmid said regarding the depth of the defense. "It's a team effort when you get a shutout. It's not just the defenders, it's everyone together."
Bryan Meredith earned a shutout in his first MLS start Saturday in place of the injured Michael Gspurning, who will miss at least the next two games after aggravating a right hip injury in the first half of a 2-0 win over Los Angeles last Wednesday.
"I thought Meredith did a great job in goal and dealt with the things he needed to deal with," Schmid said. "Our defense did a good job of keeping things away from him."
He'll be in net again versus Dallas (3-4-3), which dropped to 0-2-2 in its last four with a 2-0 loss to Colorado on Sunday.
As if the recent struggles weren't enough, Dallas went down two men in the first half when Daniel Hernandez got his second yellow card in the 34th minute before Blas Perez was given a red card for what the referee deemed a reckless play in the 36th minute.
Each will serve a one-game suspension Wednesday for a Dallas team that's allowed 14 goals -- tied with Los Angeles for most in the West.
"We won't be putting our best team on the field because of the red cards and the injuries," coach Schellas Hyndman told the team's official website. "But I know I have a lot of guys in the locker room looking for an opportunity, and so they'll be given that opportunity."
Seattle is 1-0-2 all-time at Dallas, winning 1-0 in the most recent meeting Aug. 20 when Montero assisted on Rosales' goal in the 16th minute.
The depth of their defense has helped in both situations.
Seattle looks to match a franchise record with its fifth consecutive victory when it visits struggling FC Dallas on Wednesday.
The Sounders (6-1-1) will be playing their fourth game in 12 days, then they'll return home for a Western Conference showdown with Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
Fredy Montero assisted on Mauro Rosales' goal in the 63rd minute this past Saturday to give Seattle a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia and its fourth straight win.
Seattle won a team-record five in a row Sept. 18-Oct. 15, 2010.
"Three games in a week is not an easy task, but we came out with nine points which is something that we are very happy about," coach Sigi Schmid told the team's official website. "I thought we had chances to get more than one goal and we were a bit unlucky. One day those floodgates will open up."
The Sounders haven't had to score much given how well their defense has played. They've outscored opponents 6-1 during their winning streak and they've posted five shutouts this season.
Schmid has used a rotation of seven defenders, allowing him to keep the defense somewhat fresh during a tough stretch of games. He's started six different four-player combinations, and the Sounders have allowed a league-low three goals.
"I really think we have seven starters," Schmid said regarding the depth of the defense. "It's a team effort when you get a shutout. It's not just the defenders, it's everyone together."
Bryan Meredith earned a shutout in his first MLS start Saturday in place of the injured Michael Gspurning, who will miss at least the next two games after aggravating a right hip injury in the first half of a 2-0 win over Los Angeles last Wednesday.
"I thought Meredith did a great job in goal and dealt with the things he needed to deal with," Schmid said. "Our defense did a good job of keeping things away from him."
He'll be in net again versus Dallas (3-4-3), which dropped to 0-2-2 in its last four with a 2-0 loss to Colorado on Sunday.
As if the recent struggles weren't enough, Dallas went down two men in the first half when Daniel Hernandez got his second yellow card in the 34th minute before Blas Perez was given a red card for what the referee deemed a reckless play in the 36th minute.
Each will serve a one-game suspension Wednesday for a Dallas team that's allowed 14 goals -- tied with Los Angeles for most in the West.
"We won't be putting our best team on the field because of the red cards and the injuries," coach Schellas Hyndman told the team's official website. "But I know I have a lot of guys in the locker room looking for an opportunity, and so they'll be given that opportunity."
Seattle is 1-0-2 all-time at Dallas, winning 1-0 in the most recent meeting Aug. 20 when Montero assisted on Rosales' goal in the 16th minute.
Schellas Hyndman discusses FCD's next opponent: Seattle
May, 8, 2012
May 8
3:44
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas had a short recovery session Monday morning, after which Schellas Hyndman addressed several subjects to the leering press. Here are his thoughts on his side’s next opponent, Seattle Sounders FC, who will visit Frisco on Wednesday night.
Seattle’s currently on a run of good form. Discuss how they’re playing.
Hyndman: They’re doing a very good job. They’re not sitting around with all the injuries. They bring Eddie Johnson off the bench. If Eddie Johnson was on this team, would he be coming off the bench? That’s the reality. Seattle’s a good team. They’ll be disciplined. They’re one of the teams in the league and it comes from the coach that they’re like a shark. They smell blood and they go after you, so they’re going to be here for domination and three points. They’re not coming in trying to sneak out a game. They’re coming in, hey these guys are vulnerable, they’re bleeding, let’s go put a stake in their heart.
Third-year forward David Estrada currently leads them with four goals this season. What are your thoughts on him?
Hyndman: He’s one of those players that just works his butt off getting an opportunity and finding the back of the net. As long as he’s doing that, I think the thing that you have to understand for a young player, for an unproven player to find success in this league, they’ve got to work. They’ve got to bring it every day. They’ve got to do all their stuff that other players won’t do whether it’s constant motion, whether it’s checking back and helping the defense. But until you get an established position or the confidence of the coach, the one thing you have to bring is work ethic and work ethic should be a given by every player but for some reason it isn’t. I think when you reward players that don’t have work ethic you’re just building a problem.
You and Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid are longtime friends. Discuss how you two are similar in terms of what you expect from your players yet still different in other ways.
Hyndman: I think in many ways, we are similar. We’ve come through the same era. We were both players that weren’t outstanding players. We were good players, professional players, but we weren’t the outstanding players and I think we’ve had the same education. I think we both have a same view of how players should play. I think we’re also similar in our passion and our work ethic, so I think there’s a lot of similarities. But of course, as many similarities [as there are], there’s also differences but I think in regard to players, we want the best out of players all the time. Neither of us are coaches that will have players tell us what they’ve done. We want them to show us what they’re doing and if you’ve got players that are walking through it, they’re not going to see the field until they get through it. Now, we’ve got guys that aren’t at their best right now but we’re playing them because of necessity. We hope that we can change that standard or mentality as well.
Seattle’s currently on a run of good form. Discuss how they’re playing.
Hyndman: They’re doing a very good job. They’re not sitting around with all the injuries. They bring Eddie Johnson off the bench. If Eddie Johnson was on this team, would he be coming off the bench? That’s the reality. Seattle’s a good team. They’ll be disciplined. They’re one of the teams in the league and it comes from the coach that they’re like a shark. They smell blood and they go after you, so they’re going to be here for domination and three points. They’re not coming in trying to sneak out a game. They’re coming in, hey these guys are vulnerable, they’re bleeding, let’s go put a stake in their heart.
Third-year forward David Estrada currently leads them with four goals this season. What are your thoughts on him?
Hyndman: He’s one of those players that just works his butt off getting an opportunity and finding the back of the net. As long as he’s doing that, I think the thing that you have to understand for a young player, for an unproven player to find success in this league, they’ve got to work. They’ve got to bring it every day. They’ve got to do all their stuff that other players won’t do whether it’s constant motion, whether it’s checking back and helping the defense. But until you get an established position or the confidence of the coach, the one thing you have to bring is work ethic and work ethic should be a given by every player but for some reason it isn’t. I think when you reward players that don’t have work ethic you’re just building a problem.
You and Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid are longtime friends. Discuss how you two are similar in terms of what you expect from your players yet still different in other ways.
Hyndman: I think in many ways, we are similar. We’ve come through the same era. We were both players that weren’t outstanding players. We were good players, professional players, but we weren’t the outstanding players and I think we’ve had the same education. I think we both have a same view of how players should play. I think we’re also similar in our passion and our work ethic, so I think there’s a lot of similarities. But of course, as many similarities [as there are], there’s also differences but I think in regard to players, we want the best out of players all the time. Neither of us are coaches that will have players tell us what they’ve done. We want them to show us what they’re doing and if you’ve got players that are walking through it, they’re not going to see the field until they get through it. Now, we’ve got guys that aren’t at their best right now but we’re playing them because of necessity. We hope that we can change that standard or mentality as well.
If there was ever a game for FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman and his players to stow away and to never be discussed again, it was Sunday night’s 2-0 loss to Colorado at FC Dallas Stadium, a game that was defined more by the two red cards issued to Dallas starters Daniel Hernandez and Blas Perez than anything else.
Hyndman’s disappointment was clearly evident in his postgame remarks to the media and with FCD returning to the field in just two days’ time, he and his team need to forget this one more than ever. Here are several thoughts on that loss going forward:
A Complete Aberration---That’s the best way to sum up Sunday’s game. Sure, Colorado ended a four-game road losing streak and won for just the second time ever in Frisco and that victory counts three points like every other one, but this one should carry an asterisk for obvious reasons. Red cards are fairly rare in soccer and having two players sent off is pretty rare to say the least. In fact, Sunday night marked just the fourth time in FCD franchise history that the club had finished with nine men. Hyndman himself remarked in a misguided question to say the least that he couldn’t remember ever coaching a game where his team had two players sent off. So, put this one in File 13 and move on, that’s about all there is to say.
James Marcelin Might Have Something---Seeing the recently-signed midfielder James Marcelin make his Dallas debut after halftime has to rank as one of the few highlights of Sunday’s debacle. Marcelin has good size and did pretty well filling in at defensive mid after the ejection of Hernandez. And since the ex-FCD captain is out for Wednesday’s visit from Seattle, Marcelin looks like the obvious choice to fill in for the SMU product once again. A nice signing by Dallas in the wake of a surprising and disconcerting injury to Bobby Warshaw and who knows, if Marcelin does well in the interim, he could even stick here.
Kevin Hartman Is No Worse for Wear---Another big bright spot for FCD, one Hyndman discussed postgame was the seven-save performance from one Kevin Hartman. El Gato was making his first start after missing three straight matches due to back spasms and he was rock solid. The diving save he made on Jeff Larentowicz’s free kick in the 84th minute was one of several goal-saving plays he made. Had Dallas not had Big Kev between the posts, this game could have very easily been 4-0 or even 5-0. Hyndman said he’d like to give backup Chris Seitz one of these next two starts in goal, have a feeling that the ex-Terp will get the nod on Wednesday against Seattle.
It’s Crunch Time for Scott Sealy---By all accounts, Scott Sealy is a great guy and the story of how he made the Dallas roster during preseason was definitely a good one. But now that the hamstring issue that sidelined him for pretty much the first of the season is a thing of the past, it’s time to see what the native of Trindad and Tobago has. And it’s safe to say the initial returns have been fairly underwhelming. Maybe he’s still getting adjusted to his new teammates and to Hyndman’s system. But with Perez out for Wednesday, this figures to be another golden opportunity for Sealy... or does it? Ruben Luna has been playing well of late for the FCD reserves but as is often the case with young players, inconsistency is the issue. Could Hyndman throw caution to the wind and roll the dice with Luna against Seattle? It’s a possibility.
Hyndman’s disappointment was clearly evident in his postgame remarks to the media and with FCD returning to the field in just two days’ time, he and his team need to forget this one more than ever. Here are several thoughts on that loss going forward:
A Complete Aberration---That’s the best way to sum up Sunday’s game. Sure, Colorado ended a four-game road losing streak and won for just the second time ever in Frisco and that victory counts three points like every other one, but this one should carry an asterisk for obvious reasons. Red cards are fairly rare in soccer and having two players sent off is pretty rare to say the least. In fact, Sunday night marked just the fourth time in FCD franchise history that the club had finished with nine men. Hyndman himself remarked in a misguided question to say the least that he couldn’t remember ever coaching a game where his team had two players sent off. So, put this one in File 13 and move on, that’s about all there is to say.
James Marcelin Might Have Something---Seeing the recently-signed midfielder James Marcelin make his Dallas debut after halftime has to rank as one of the few highlights of Sunday’s debacle. Marcelin has good size and did pretty well filling in at defensive mid after the ejection of Hernandez. And since the ex-FCD captain is out for Wednesday’s visit from Seattle, Marcelin looks like the obvious choice to fill in for the SMU product once again. A nice signing by Dallas in the wake of a surprising and disconcerting injury to Bobby Warshaw and who knows, if Marcelin does well in the interim, he could even stick here.
Kevin Hartman Is No Worse for Wear---Another big bright spot for FCD, one Hyndman discussed postgame was the seven-save performance from one Kevin Hartman. El Gato was making his first start after missing three straight matches due to back spasms and he was rock solid. The diving save he made on Jeff Larentowicz’s free kick in the 84th minute was one of several goal-saving plays he made. Had Dallas not had Big Kev between the posts, this game could have very easily been 4-0 or even 5-0. Hyndman said he’d like to give backup Chris Seitz one of these next two starts in goal, have a feeling that the ex-Terp will get the nod on Wednesday against Seattle.
It’s Crunch Time for Scott Sealy---By all accounts, Scott Sealy is a great guy and the story of how he made the Dallas roster during preseason was definitely a good one. But now that the hamstring issue that sidelined him for pretty much the first of the season is a thing of the past, it’s time to see what the native of Trindad and Tobago has. And it’s safe to say the initial returns have been fairly underwhelming. Maybe he’s still getting adjusted to his new teammates and to Hyndman’s system. But with Perez out for Wednesday, this figures to be another golden opportunity for Sealy... or does it? Ruben Luna has been playing well of late for the FCD reserves but as is often the case with young players, inconsistency is the issue. Could Hyndman throw caution to the wind and roll the dice with Luna against Seattle? It’s a possibility.
FC Dallas to host playoff pep rally at Pizza Hut Park this Sunday
October, 22, 2011
10/22/11
12:32
PM CT
In celebration of clinching its second consecutive berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs, FC Dallas is inviting fans to join the team for a playoff pep rally presented by Cash America at Pizza Hut Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23.
The event kicks off when the team returns to Pizza Hut Park from this weekend’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes. The entire FC Dallas team will be on hand to celebrate with fans in the Budweiser Beer Garden. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Currently tied with rival Real Salt Lake, an FC Dallas win or tie against the Earthquakes on Saturday coupled with an RSL loss, would boost the defending Western Conference Champions into a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals against Seattle Sounders FC. Should RSL defeat the Portland Timbers at Rio Tinto Stadium this Saturday, Dallas would remain in the first wild card position and face the fourth place wild card team on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Pizza Hut Park.
Bolstered by the play of MLS MVP candidate Brek Shea, FC Dallas (15-11-7, 52 points) equaled the club record for points in a season Saturday when it defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0. The clean sheet was also goalkeeper Kevin Hartman’s 13th of the season, further extending his franchise record.
The event kicks off when the team returns to Pizza Hut Park from this weekend’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes. The entire FC Dallas team will be on hand to celebrate with fans in the Budweiser Beer Garden. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Currently tied with rival Real Salt Lake, an FC Dallas win or tie against the Earthquakes on Saturday coupled with an RSL loss, would boost the defending Western Conference Champions into a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals against Seattle Sounders FC. Should RSL defeat the Portland Timbers at Rio Tinto Stadium this Saturday, Dallas would remain in the first wild card position and face the fourth place wild card team on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Pizza Hut Park.
Bolstered by the play of MLS MVP candidate Brek Shea, FC Dallas (15-11-7, 52 points) equaled the club record for points in a season Saturday when it defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0. The clean sheet was also goalkeeper Kevin Hartman’s 13th of the season, further extending his franchise record.
FC Dallas
at
Seattle Sounders
US Open Cup Semifinals
Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash
9 PM CT, streamed LIVE on FCDallas.com
Most recent MLS Injury Report (8/26)
FC DALLAS—OUT: DF Edson Edward (R knee ACL tear); MF David Ferreira (R ankle); FW Maykel Galindo (R hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Zach Loyd (R hamstring strain)
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC -- OUT: MF Michael Seamon (lateral ankle tendon); MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); FW O’Brian White (leg surgery); QUESTIONABLE: DF Patrick Ianni (hamstring strain)
John Side note: this game marks the return of George John to FC Dallas from his trip to (unsuccessfully) sign with Blackburn. So GOerge JOhn will be available, but may not start.
FCD PRO ERA RECORDS: 21-12-4 (4-0 in PKs) | 6-8-2 vs. MLS teams
Seattle PRO ERA RECORDS: 9-0-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall | 7-0-0 vs. MLS Teams
(Seattle does not count their USL era)
HEAD-TO-HEAD (Including Seattle’s USL history)
1996 US Open Cup Quarterfinals
Dallas Burn (MLS) 3:2 Seattle Sounders (A-League)
Cotton Bowl – Dallas, TX
2007 US Open Cup Semifinals
FC Dallas (MLS) 2:1 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Qwest Field – Seattle, WA
2011 USOC Finals Scenarios
If the Seattle Sounders defeat FC Dallas on Tuesday, they will host the 2011 US Open Cup Final. If FC Dallas win, the only way they can host the championship game is if they are victorious against Seattle and the Richmond Kickers upset the Chicago Fire.
TheCup.com's USOC match preview and bonus match preview about FCD's epic road trip.
FCD How they got here...
Quarterfinal: Real Salt Lake (MLS) 0:2 FC Dallas (MLS)
Third Round: Orlando City (USL Pro) 2:3 FC Dallas (MLS)
Seattle How they got here...
Quarterfinal: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:3 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Third Round: Kitsap Pumas (PDL) 1:2 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
at
Seattle Sounders
US Open Cup Semifinals
Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash
9 PM CT, streamed LIVE on FCDallas.com
Most recent MLS Injury Report (8/26)
FC DALLAS—OUT: DF Edson Edward (R knee ACL tear); MF David Ferreira (R ankle); FW Maykel Galindo (R hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Zach Loyd (R hamstring strain)
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC -- OUT: MF Michael Seamon (lateral ankle tendon); MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); FW O’Brian White (leg surgery); QUESTIONABLE: DF Patrick Ianni (hamstring strain)
John Side note: this game marks the return of George John to FC Dallas from his trip to (unsuccessfully) sign with Blackburn. So GOerge JOhn will be available, but may not start.
FCD PRO ERA RECORDS: 21-12-4 (4-0 in PKs) | 6-8-2 vs. MLS teams
Seattle PRO ERA RECORDS: 9-0-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall | 7-0-0 vs. MLS Teams
(Seattle does not count their USL era)
HEAD-TO-HEAD (Including Seattle’s USL history)
1996 US Open Cup Quarterfinals
Dallas Burn (MLS) 3:2 Seattle Sounders (A-League)
Cotton Bowl – Dallas, TX
2007 US Open Cup Semifinals
FC Dallas (MLS) 2:1 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Qwest Field – Seattle, WA
2011 USOC Finals Scenarios
If the Seattle Sounders defeat FC Dallas on Tuesday, they will host the 2011 US Open Cup Final. If FC Dallas win, the only way they can host the championship game is if they are victorious against Seattle and the Richmond Kickers upset the Chicago Fire.
TheCup.com's USOC match preview and bonus match preview about FCD's epic road trip.
FCD How they got here...
Quarterfinal: Real Salt Lake (MLS) 0:2 FC Dallas (MLS)
Third Round: Orlando City (USL Pro) 2:3 FC Dallas (MLS)
Seattle How they got here...
Quarterfinal: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:3 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Third Round: Kitsap Pumas (PDL) 1:2 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Talking tactics: Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
August, 22, 2011
8/22/11
12:49
PM CT
By Blake Owen | ESPNDallas.com
Schellas Hyndman isn't unfamiliar with the tactics Seattle manager Sigi Schmid used to garner a 1-0 victory on Saturday. Schmid deployed a 4-4-1-1, conceding possession but pushing forward swiftly on the counter. Earlier in the week, Hyndman led FC Dallas to victory in Mexico with a similar, defense-first 4-2-3-1. Dallas held just 43% of possession in the 1-0 triumph over Pumas.
Seattle's tactics on Saturday seem even more familiar when looked at in context of the earlier MLS encounter between the two teams. In that mirror-image 1-0 Dallas victory, the victors managed only 33% of possession, with Brek Shea and Andrew Jacobson combining on a counter to notch the lone goal. Saturday, Mauro Rosales and Freddy Montero produced a similar goal on a counter that originated from an almost identical location on the pitch.
The 16th minute tally, like Shea's goal in Seattle, occurred against the run of play. Up to that point, Dallas had attempted 63 passes, Seattle 40. Ugo Ihemelu's botched clearance on the sequence only added insult to injury.
The home side maintained a similar possession advantage for the rest of the match. Dallas completed 92 more passes than Seattle, including a 16 passes completed advantage after Daniel Cruz's puzzling second yellow card.
And it's not as if Seattle didn't have the shape or personnel to attempt a possession-minded strategy. Schmid's 4-4-1-1 allowed withdrawn forward Freddy Montero space in front of the center backs, as the diminutive but spry Michael Fucito constantly dragged one of the center backs wide. Schmid trusted his defense to hold firm, hoping that a lone goal would lead to a full three points.
And, for the most part, Seattle's defending was solid. But right back Zach Scott did his best to allow Dallas to equalize. Scott's 5 fouls conceded (including a yellow card), topped his team's chart. While Scott did a decent job bothering Shea, he struggled to find proper positioning whenever another attacker moved to the flank. Maicon Santos exploited Scott's lax defending and completed 7 of his 19 passes left of center.
But as a team, Seattle produced an overall solid defensive effort. Center back Jhon Hurtado made a brilliant tackle to deny Shea an early 1 on 1 with Kasey Keller, the entire backline made a few key clearances, and Keller made a fantastic save in injury time.
The upcoming US Open Cup semifinal should produce similar heroics, though hopefully Hyndman, not Schmid, will come out on top.
Blake Owen is the editor and publisher of futbolforgringos.com.
[+] Enlarge
Schellas Hyndman stuck with his now familiar 4-2-3-1, though the absence of George John moved Zach Loyd to center back and brought on Jackson at right back.
Schellas Hyndman stuck with his now familiar 4-2-3-1, though the absence of George John moved Zach Loyd to center back and brought on Jackson at right back.The 16th minute tally, like Shea's goal in Seattle, occurred against the run of play. Up to that point, Dallas had attempted 63 passes, Seattle 40. Ugo Ihemelu's botched clearance on the sequence only added insult to injury.
The home side maintained a similar possession advantage for the rest of the match. Dallas completed 92 more passes than Seattle, including a 16 passes completed advantage after Daniel Cruz's puzzling second yellow card.
And it's not as if Seattle didn't have the shape or personnel to attempt a possession-minded strategy. Schmid's 4-4-1-1 allowed withdrawn forward Freddy Montero space in front of the center backs, as the diminutive but spry Michael Fucito constantly dragged one of the center backs wide. Schmid trusted his defense to hold firm, hoping that a lone goal would lead to a full three points.
[+] Enlarge
As this chalkboard of Dallas' key passes illustrates, Dallas had slightly more success creating goal-scoring opportunities from the left flank than the right.
As this chalkboard of Dallas' key passes illustrates, Dallas had slightly more success creating goal-scoring opportunities from the left flank than the right.But as a team, Seattle produced an overall solid defensive effort. Center back Jhon Hurtado made a brilliant tackle to deny Shea an early 1 on 1 with Kasey Keller, the entire backline made a few key clearances, and Keller made a fantastic save in injury time.
The upcoming US Open Cup semifinal should produce similar heroics, though hopefully Hyndman, not Schmid, will come out on top.
Blake Owen is the editor and publisher of futbolforgringos.com.
Match photos: Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
August, 21, 2011
8/21/11
9:33
PM CT
By Matt Visinsky | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman
General thoughts on the game...
"I thought it was a well fought match by both teams. There was a lot on the line. We had beaten Seattle on the road, 1-0. Then, a little bit of a mistake on one of our defenders gave them a chance in front of the goal. From that point in time we were trying to play catch-up. Our guys created a lot of opportunities, created some corner kick opportunities and in the second half, we really went at them. Unfortunately, we got called for a second yellow on Daniel Cruz, which made it really difficult for us. Our players showed a lot of character to continue to play, continue to go forward and continue to put Seattle and Kasey Keller under pressure. The thing you always have to be concerned about is character and attitude. Tonight we put everything we had on the line and came up a little bit short."
FC Dallas midfielder Daniel Cruz
How do you feel following your first start for FC Dallas?
"I feel very bad because it was the first time I played here for our supporters. We lost the game and it was a decisive moment in the game when I went out, when I got the red card. To see how FC Dallas pushed Seattle with only 10 men was nice to see."
FC Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu
On changes to the back line...
"We just have to adjust. It comes down to communication and trusting the guy beside you. We're going to have to build that trust and just get an understanding as quickly as possible because games are coming quick right now."
Was fatigue an issue?
"You kind of get into a rhythm when you're playing these games. We're not training too much. We're just getting games to play. You can't blame it on fatigue. You have to just keep grinding. You have to keep going. You can't really stop and use it as an excuse. Other teams are playing games too. Every game you've got to turn it on a little bit, focus and go to work."
Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid
Thoughts on the game…
“I thought it was game where Dallas had more control of the game than we did but it was the same thing when we played in Seattle, we had more than they did. That was a game we were unfortunate to lose while tonight was a game we were fortunate to win. I thought we did well, we scored the opening goal, and we had some good chances early on and also later in the game.
Talk about the play of Kasey Keller and how big did he come up tonight…
“Not big, he came up huge. He made a huge save at the end of the day for us. He also dealt a lot with the crosses and made sure we stayed marked up."
Talk about the goal scored...
“It was a good play. Lamar [Neagle] got the ball on the left and looked inside for Fredy [Montero] and found him with the ball. Ugo [Ihemelu] may have got a little touch on it. Fredy then drew in the defenders and found Mauro [Rosales] and he finished it home past Kevin [Hartman].
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller
Thoughts on the game…
"For us, we haven’t been used to the heat at all, Today in Seattle was the first day over 80 degrees. Coming in here, having it be in the 100s, it is a little bit much. It was a tough game. We didn’t play as well as we should have. We scored a goal early and hung on for dear life. In the end if you’re going to win games in the playoffs you need to win games like this. It was a good show for us today, but we could have played better.”
How big of a win is this with the MLS season coming to an end here in the next two months?
“It’s nice that we can jump ahead of Dallas, but we know there is a lot left to play in the season. It’s more of a confidence thing where you know you can go in and win on the road against a team that is in good form. We know we can play better, but at the end of the day we know both teams are most likely going to be in the playoffs and that is when it really counts.”
General thoughts on the game...
"I thought it was a well fought match by both teams. There was a lot on the line. We had beaten Seattle on the road, 1-0. Then, a little bit of a mistake on one of our defenders gave them a chance in front of the goal. From that point in time we were trying to play catch-up. Our guys created a lot of opportunities, created some corner kick opportunities and in the second half, we really went at them. Unfortunately, we got called for a second yellow on Daniel Cruz, which made it really difficult for us. Our players showed a lot of character to continue to play, continue to go forward and continue to put Seattle and Kasey Keller under pressure. The thing you always have to be concerned about is character and attitude. Tonight we put everything we had on the line and came up a little bit short."
FC Dallas midfielder Daniel Cruz
How do you feel following your first start for FC Dallas?
"I feel very bad because it was the first time I played here for our supporters. We lost the game and it was a decisive moment in the game when I went out, when I got the red card. To see how FC Dallas pushed Seattle with only 10 men was nice to see."
FC Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu
On changes to the back line...
"We just have to adjust. It comes down to communication and trusting the guy beside you. We're going to have to build that trust and just get an understanding as quickly as possible because games are coming quick right now."
Was fatigue an issue?
"You kind of get into a rhythm when you're playing these games. We're not training too much. We're just getting games to play. You can't blame it on fatigue. You have to just keep grinding. You have to keep going. You can't really stop and use it as an excuse. Other teams are playing games too. Every game you've got to turn it on a little bit, focus and go to work."
Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid
Thoughts on the game…
“I thought it was game where Dallas had more control of the game than we did but it was the same thing when we played in Seattle, we had more than they did. That was a game we were unfortunate to lose while tonight was a game we were fortunate to win. I thought we did well, we scored the opening goal, and we had some good chances early on and also later in the game.
Talk about the play of Kasey Keller and how big did he come up tonight…
“Not big, he came up huge. He made a huge save at the end of the day for us. He also dealt a lot with the crosses and made sure we stayed marked up."
Talk about the goal scored...
“It was a good play. Lamar [Neagle] got the ball on the left and looked inside for Fredy [Montero] and found him with the ball. Ugo [Ihemelu] may have got a little touch on it. Fredy then drew in the defenders and found Mauro [Rosales] and he finished it home past Kevin [Hartman].
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller
Thoughts on the game…
"For us, we haven’t been used to the heat at all, Today in Seattle was the first day over 80 degrees. Coming in here, having it be in the 100s, it is a little bit much. It was a tough game. We didn’t play as well as we should have. We scored a goal early and hung on for dear life. In the end if you’re going to win games in the playoffs you need to win games like this. It was a good show for us today, but we could have played better.”
How big of a win is this with the MLS season coming to an end here in the next two months?
“It’s nice that we can jump ahead of Dallas, but we know there is a lot left to play in the season. It’s more of a confidence thing where you know you can go in and win on the road against a team that is in good form. We know we can play better, but at the end of the day we know both teams are most likely going to be in the playoffs and that is when it really counts.”
Stream of Consciousness: Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
August, 21, 2011
8/21/11
3:06
AM CT
By DJ Walker | ESPNDallas.com
he encyclopedia says Stream of Consciousness is “a narrative mode that seeks to portray an individual's point of view by giving the written equivalent of the character's thought processes.” In other words, DJ watches games, and writes down whatever comes to mind. Sometimes prescient, sometimes odd, almost always entertaining.
There's an old song by the Minutemen, “It's Expected I'm Gone.” I think that pretty much sums up our George John situation.
He is not in the starting lineup because of a red card suspension, and I don't have any inside information, but I have a feeling we've seen the last of of the kid in hoops.
That's bad news.
Well, I say it's bad news, but in truth it's only bad news for us, the fans and supporters of FC Dallas. For George, it may be tremendously good news.
In case you have no idea what I'm babbling about right now, I'm referring to the reports that Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League have made a bid to buy George away from FC Dallas. His size, excellent recent form, and Greek passport make him a very tempting target for English teams.
If you're wondering about the passport part, you have to understand that in England, there are very strict work-permit laws which hamper non-European players who try to move to the Premiership. European Union law, however, forbids discrimination against EU passport holders. Thus, George John will have no problems getting a permit.
Like most of us (I suspect), I have terribly mixed feelings about this. George John is a terrific young man, a very talented player, and the foundation of a vastly improved FC Dallas defense. So I hate to see him go.
On the proverbial other hand, let's face it; George John is underpaid for a man of his talent. He's one of the top defenders in MLS, and he's making school teacher money. If he was one of the top defenders in say, the NFL, he'd be making school district money.
As in, add up the money all the teachers in your local school district are making put together, and you're somewhere in the ballpark.
I have to think, without knowing the details of the average Premiership payroll, that George would be getting at least a ten-fold increase in salary at Blackburn. Maybe twenty-fold.
So what do you do, if you're FC Dallas?
Tell him no? Sure, he signed a contract, and there would be nothing immoral in expecting him to honor it. But this is the opportunity of a lifetime; it would be well nigh unconscionable to deny it to him.
Give him a raise? Okay, but unless the club is willing to make him a Designated Player, the money won't even come close to what he would be getting at Blackburn. Is FC Dallas likely to make him a DP? Not really.
So, probably, you let him go, suck it up, enjoy the allocation money, wish him well, and hope someone will fill his shoes.
What about us, the fans? Are we to resent George John for leaving in the middle of what could potentially be a treble-winning year?
Some might, but not me. Sure, I think his absence would seriously impair the odds of FC Dallas lifting any hardware this season, and that is depressing (in a non-real-world, soccer kind of way. Real depression is reserved for stuff like deaths in the family, divorce, unemployment, and the cancellation of Firefly by the idiots at Fox).
But, in my little universe, the players on my favorite team are not chess pieces, to be sacrificed with no emotional attachment. They are people whom I admire for their talent and dedication. They are people who bring me joy on a weekly basis during the season. If something bad happens to them, I hurt for them. If something good happens to them, I rejoice with them.
So, if George John gets to go to England, I'll hurt with him a little, because I know he'll be sad to leave. But I'll also rejoice with him, because he's doing something most of us will never get to do: live out his dream.
As for tonight, Zach Loyd is starting in central defense, and the team has come out in the first few minutes playing with confidence. It's nice to see. Confidence and a bit of flair. It's a whole new attitude with this team. They play like they are in charge of things, as opposed to years past when almost everything was reactive with this team, even in successful years. This is a team that imposes its will on the opposition more often than I am used to seeing.
Of course, no sooner do I write this, than Seattle scores first, in the 15th minute, taking advantage of an atypically bad touch by Ugo Ihemelu.
Now Zach Loyd is coming off the field, with what looks like a hamstring problem. Yikes. Jeremy Hall is coming in, having just been acquired from Portland (possibly because the front office knew George John was going to be leaving soon). I hope Zach is okay, but I'm glad to get a look at Hall.
I am very impressed by the large contingent of Sounders fans gathered in section 132. It looks to be 30-40 people that made the long trip from Seattle; they're in fine voice, as well. That, my friends, is good support. Well done.
Annnnnnnd, Match Day Live is giving me a “Technical Difficulties” notice. I hate to go negative here, but I'm really not a fan of the MDL experience. Lots of technical glitches and a consistently bad picture equal one unhappy customer.
I know, I know, I'm watching soccer, in America, on a computer, for not a terribly great amount of money. I'm aware of that. I'm on record as being sufficiently awed and thankful for the improvement in the lot of the American soccer fanatic since the days of, say, one NASL match per season, on a channel you could barely get reception on, played during the exact time your Dad insisted on the lawn being mowed and trimmed even though you had the entire weekend to do it. I get it. I lived through those days. But I'm bitching about MDL tonight, despite all that. So sue me.
Well, since I have a blank screen in front of me, I guess it is as good a time as any for a slight digression. To wit: How in the world is Robbie Keane getting multi-millions per year? I like Robbie Keane, don't get me wrong. He's fun to watch, he's a proven goal scorer, not too old at 31 years old; yes, all of that. Conceded.
But really, 2-3 million a year?
My mind is officially boggled at those numbers. Am I out of line on this? Is that a reasonable amount of money?
Okay, Match Day Live is on the air again, just in time for the last few minutes of the first half. The boys are down 1-0 going in to the locker room, but I'm not terribly worried. The Seattle goal was flukish (though quite nicely finished, I must admit), and FC Dallas out-shot Seattle by something like 11-1 for the half. So my naturally pessimistic nature is somewhat quieted.
The first ten minutes of the second half are much like the first ten minutes of the first. Lots and lots of FC Dallas pressure, lots of good chances, but so far no goals.
Oh, no. Come on. Disaster.
Danny Cruz is sent off. In the 55th minute. He picked up a cheap yellow in the first half, and now Mr. Gantar shows him the second yellow for, supposedly, taking a dive. I've been pretty happy with Mr. Gantar in the few games I've seen him work, but this call was atrocious. Unacceptable. (Ooh, freaky, I was typing the word 'unacceptable' just as Steve Jolley was speaking the same word on the broadcast. You know what they say about great minds, though . . .)
That was without a doubt one of the worst calls I've ever seen in MLS. Cruz was sandwiched between two players, running with the ball toward goal, and went down; a case of legs getting tangled. I don't even know that it was a foul on the defensive player, much less a dive by Danny Cruz.
Bizarre is not to strong a word to describe that call. And I say that as a fan who is all for throwing a diver out of a game. I think it doesn't happen nearly enough in any league, anywhere in the world. That being said, this was still a horrible call.
It may Castillo time. He should be ready to get back in to the swing of things by scoring a quick goal tonight. Or two.
The impressive thing right now is that FC Dallas is still carrying the attack to Seattle, even a man down. I think the Boys have an equalizer in them tonight, if not a winner. That would be a huge confidence boost at this point in the season. Not to mention a crushing blow for Seattle, which wouldn't hurt, seeing as they are the opponents in the upcoming US Open Cup semifinals.
Ha! There he is, Señor Castillo, right on schedule.
The main thing going against FC Dallas right this second, more so than the lack of an 11th player, is the presence of Kasey Keller. Kasey's just not really a give-up-the-late-goal kind of guy. Never has been.
There's been so many fouls called that Mr. Gantar's little spray can has run out of white paint for free kicks. Soon, a game like this will be known as a 'two can game'. You heard it here first.
Three minutes left, plus stoppage.
Four minutes added on. Come on Boys. A little magic.
AHHH! Well, there was a little magic there in the last minute, but sadly it was performed by Kasey Keller. He robbed Bruno Guarda like a drunk sailor on shore leave.
Full time. What a bizarre loss. One bad touch by Ugo leads to a goal, then an absolutely crazy red card helps prevent an equalizer.
And, lest you think I'm picking on Ugo, let me go on the record in saying that he was terrific tonight, that one thing aside; brilliant at times defensively, and only a Kasey Keller save away from scoring an equalizer. Ugo is the man, and make no mistake about it.
Okay, folks, I'm road tripping to Kansas City for next weekend's game, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, so there may just be a road trip edition in our future.
See you then.
There's an old song by the Minutemen, “It's Expected I'm Gone.” I think that pretty much sums up our George John situation.
He is not in the starting lineup because of a red card suspension, and I don't have any inside information, but I have a feeling we've seen the last of of the kid in hoops.
That's bad news.
Well, I say it's bad news, but in truth it's only bad news for us, the fans and supporters of FC Dallas. For George, it may be tremendously good news.
In case you have no idea what I'm babbling about right now, I'm referring to the reports that Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League have made a bid to buy George away from FC Dallas. His size, excellent recent form, and Greek passport make him a very tempting target for English teams.
If you're wondering about the passport part, you have to understand that in England, there are very strict work-permit laws which hamper non-European players who try to move to the Premiership. European Union law, however, forbids discrimination against EU passport holders. Thus, George John will have no problems getting a permit.
Like most of us (I suspect), I have terribly mixed feelings about this. George John is a terrific young man, a very talented player, and the foundation of a vastly improved FC Dallas defense. So I hate to see him go.
On the proverbial other hand, let's face it; George John is underpaid for a man of his talent. He's one of the top defenders in MLS, and he's making school teacher money. If he was one of the top defenders in say, the NFL, he'd be making school district money.
As in, add up the money all the teachers in your local school district are making put together, and you're somewhere in the ballpark.
I have to think, without knowing the details of the average Premiership payroll, that George would be getting at least a ten-fold increase in salary at Blackburn. Maybe twenty-fold.
So what do you do, if you're FC Dallas?
Tell him no? Sure, he signed a contract, and there would be nothing immoral in expecting him to honor it. But this is the opportunity of a lifetime; it would be well nigh unconscionable to deny it to him.
Give him a raise? Okay, but unless the club is willing to make him a Designated Player, the money won't even come close to what he would be getting at Blackburn. Is FC Dallas likely to make him a DP? Not really.
So, probably, you let him go, suck it up, enjoy the allocation money, wish him well, and hope someone will fill his shoes.
What about us, the fans? Are we to resent George John for leaving in the middle of what could potentially be a treble-winning year?
Some might, but not me. Sure, I think his absence would seriously impair the odds of FC Dallas lifting any hardware this season, and that is depressing (in a non-real-world, soccer kind of way. Real depression is reserved for stuff like deaths in the family, divorce, unemployment, and the cancellation of Firefly by the idiots at Fox).
But, in my little universe, the players on my favorite team are not chess pieces, to be sacrificed with no emotional attachment. They are people whom I admire for their talent and dedication. They are people who bring me joy on a weekly basis during the season. If something bad happens to them, I hurt for them. If something good happens to them, I rejoice with them.
So, if George John gets to go to England, I'll hurt with him a little, because I know he'll be sad to leave. But I'll also rejoice with him, because he's doing something most of us will never get to do: live out his dream.
As for tonight, Zach Loyd is starting in central defense, and the team has come out in the first few minutes playing with confidence. It's nice to see. Confidence and a bit of flair. It's a whole new attitude with this team. They play like they are in charge of things, as opposed to years past when almost everything was reactive with this team, even in successful years. This is a team that imposes its will on the opposition more often than I am used to seeing.
Of course, no sooner do I write this, than Seattle scores first, in the 15th minute, taking advantage of an atypically bad touch by Ugo Ihemelu.
Now Zach Loyd is coming off the field, with what looks like a hamstring problem. Yikes. Jeremy Hall is coming in, having just been acquired from Portland (possibly because the front office knew George John was going to be leaving soon). I hope Zach is okay, but I'm glad to get a look at Hall.
I am very impressed by the large contingent of Sounders fans gathered in section 132. It looks to be 30-40 people that made the long trip from Seattle; they're in fine voice, as well. That, my friends, is good support. Well done.
Annnnnnnd, Match Day Live is giving me a “Technical Difficulties” notice. I hate to go negative here, but I'm really not a fan of the MDL experience. Lots of technical glitches and a consistently bad picture equal one unhappy customer.
I know, I know, I'm watching soccer, in America, on a computer, for not a terribly great amount of money. I'm aware of that. I'm on record as being sufficiently awed and thankful for the improvement in the lot of the American soccer fanatic since the days of, say, one NASL match per season, on a channel you could barely get reception on, played during the exact time your Dad insisted on the lawn being mowed and trimmed even though you had the entire weekend to do it. I get it. I lived through those days. But I'm bitching about MDL tonight, despite all that. So sue me.
Well, since I have a blank screen in front of me, I guess it is as good a time as any for a slight digression. To wit: How in the world is Robbie Keane getting multi-millions per year? I like Robbie Keane, don't get me wrong. He's fun to watch, he's a proven goal scorer, not too old at 31 years old; yes, all of that. Conceded.
But really, 2-3 million a year?
My mind is officially boggled at those numbers. Am I out of line on this? Is that a reasonable amount of money?
Okay, Match Day Live is on the air again, just in time for the last few minutes of the first half. The boys are down 1-0 going in to the locker room, but I'm not terribly worried. The Seattle goal was flukish (though quite nicely finished, I must admit), and FC Dallas out-shot Seattle by something like 11-1 for the half. So my naturally pessimistic nature is somewhat quieted.
The first ten minutes of the second half are much like the first ten minutes of the first. Lots and lots of FC Dallas pressure, lots of good chances, but so far no goals.
Oh, no. Come on. Disaster.
Danny Cruz is sent off. In the 55th minute. He picked up a cheap yellow in the first half, and now Mr. Gantar shows him the second yellow for, supposedly, taking a dive. I've been pretty happy with Mr. Gantar in the few games I've seen him work, but this call was atrocious. Unacceptable. (Ooh, freaky, I was typing the word 'unacceptable' just as Steve Jolley was speaking the same word on the broadcast. You know what they say about great minds, though . . .)
That was without a doubt one of the worst calls I've ever seen in MLS. Cruz was sandwiched between two players, running with the ball toward goal, and went down; a case of legs getting tangled. I don't even know that it was a foul on the defensive player, much less a dive by Danny Cruz.
Bizarre is not to strong a word to describe that call. And I say that as a fan who is all for throwing a diver out of a game. I think it doesn't happen nearly enough in any league, anywhere in the world. That being said, this was still a horrible call.
It may Castillo time. He should be ready to get back in to the swing of things by scoring a quick goal tonight. Or two.
The impressive thing right now is that FC Dallas is still carrying the attack to Seattle, even a man down. I think the Boys have an equalizer in them tonight, if not a winner. That would be a huge confidence boost at this point in the season. Not to mention a crushing blow for Seattle, which wouldn't hurt, seeing as they are the opponents in the upcoming US Open Cup semifinals.
Ha! There he is, Señor Castillo, right on schedule.
The main thing going against FC Dallas right this second, more so than the lack of an 11th player, is the presence of Kasey Keller. Kasey's just not really a give-up-the-late-goal kind of guy. Never has been.
There's been so many fouls called that Mr. Gantar's little spray can has run out of white paint for free kicks. Soon, a game like this will be known as a 'two can game'. You heard it here first.
Three minutes left, plus stoppage.
Four minutes added on. Come on Boys. A little magic.
AHHH! Well, there was a little magic there in the last minute, but sadly it was performed by Kasey Keller. He robbed Bruno Guarda like a drunk sailor on shore leave.
Full time. What a bizarre loss. One bad touch by Ugo leads to a goal, then an absolutely crazy red card helps prevent an equalizer.
And, lest you think I'm picking on Ugo, let me go on the record in saying that he was terrific tonight, that one thing aside; brilliant at times defensively, and only a Kasey Keller save away from scoring an equalizer. Ugo is the man, and make no mistake about it.
Okay, folks, I'm road tripping to Kansas City for next weekend's game, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, so there may just be a road trip edition in our future.
See you then.
Seattle Sounders
vs
FC Dallas
8:00 p.m., TXA 21
MATCHDAY INFO:
- 6:30 p.m. Gates open with specials on the Budweiser Beer Garden like $2 beers, $4 'ritas, $4 wine and $5 beer bombers
- Pre-game performance by The Orbans on the Budweiser Beer Garden
- 7:30 p.m. March to the Match
- National Anthem by the Flower Mound High School Choir
- 8:00 p.m. kickoff
REFEREE: David Gantar.
MLS Career: 7 games; FC/gm: 24.3; Y/gm: 3.6; R: 3; pens: 1
SAR (bench): Philippe Briere;
JAR (opposite): Anthony Vasoli;
4th: Tyler Ploeger
INJURY REPORT:
FC DALLAS – OUT: DF Edson Edward (R knee ACL tear); MF David Ferreira (R ankle); FW Maykel Galindo (R hamstring strain) …
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – OUT: MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); QUESTIONABLE: FW O’Brian White (leg surgery)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: none
SUSPENDED: DAL: George John (through Aug. 21)
WARNINGS:
SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD:
DAL: George John, Andrew Jacobson …
SEA: Servando Carrasco, Tyson Wahl
SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS:
DAL: Marvin Chavez, Daniel Hernandez, Ugo Ihemelu, Zach Loyd, Brek Shea …
SEA: Osvaldo Alonso, Alvaro Fernandez, Erik Friberg, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Fredy Montero, James Riley
HEAD-TO-HEAD
ALL-TIME (5 meetings):
FC Dallas 1 win, 6 goals …
Sounders FC 1 win, 6 goals …
Ties 3
AT PIZZA HUT PARK (2 meetings):
FC Dallas 0 wins, 3 goals …
Sounders FC 0 wins, 3 goals …
Ties 2
- Brek Shea scored in the 18th minute to lead FC Dallas to a 1-0 victory in the first meeting this season, May 25 in Seattle.
- This year’s FCD win was the first in the series since a 2-1 Seattle win at Qwest Field on the final day of the 2009 season that knocked FC Dallas out of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Coaches record: Schellas Hyndman vs. SEA: P5 W1 L1 D3 … Sigi Schmid v DAL: P30 W12 L8 D10
LAST MEETING (MLS)
5/25: SEA 0, DAL 1 (Shea 17)
- The game's lone goal came in the 17th minute. Andrew Jacobson slotted a pass through the heart of the Sounders FC defense, perfectly into the stride of Brek Shea, and he finished calmly past Kasey Keller inside the right post.
- Kevin Hartman had four saves as Sounders FC uncorked a season-high in shots, but FC Dallas extended their shutout streak to a then-club record 489 minutes.
vs
FC Dallas
8:00 p.m., TXA 21
MATCHDAY INFO:
- 6:30 p.m. Gates open with specials on the Budweiser Beer Garden like $2 beers, $4 'ritas, $4 wine and $5 beer bombers
- Pre-game performance by The Orbans on the Budweiser Beer Garden
- 7:30 p.m. March to the Match
- National Anthem by the Flower Mound High School Choir
- 8:00 p.m. kickoff
REFEREE: David Gantar.
MLS Career: 7 games; FC/gm: 24.3; Y/gm: 3.6; R: 3; pens: 1
SAR (bench): Philippe Briere;
JAR (opposite): Anthony Vasoli;
4th: Tyler Ploeger
INJURY REPORT:
FC DALLAS – OUT: DF Edson Edward (R knee ACL tear); MF David Ferreira (R ankle); FW Maykel Galindo (R hamstring strain) …
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – OUT: MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); QUESTIONABLE: FW O’Brian White (leg surgery)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: none
SUSPENDED: DAL: George John (through Aug. 21)
WARNINGS:
SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD:
DAL: George John, Andrew Jacobson …
SEA: Servando Carrasco, Tyson Wahl
SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS:
DAL: Marvin Chavez, Daniel Hernandez, Ugo Ihemelu, Zach Loyd, Brek Shea …
SEA: Osvaldo Alonso, Alvaro Fernandez, Erik Friberg, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Fredy Montero, James Riley
HEAD-TO-HEAD
ALL-TIME (5 meetings):
FC Dallas 1 win, 6 goals …
Sounders FC 1 win, 6 goals …
Ties 3
AT PIZZA HUT PARK (2 meetings):
FC Dallas 0 wins, 3 goals …
Sounders FC 0 wins, 3 goals …
Ties 2
- Brek Shea scored in the 18th minute to lead FC Dallas to a 1-0 victory in the first meeting this season, May 25 in Seattle.
- This year’s FCD win was the first in the series since a 2-1 Seattle win at Qwest Field on the final day of the 2009 season that knocked FC Dallas out of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Coaches record: Schellas Hyndman vs. SEA: P5 W1 L1 D3 … Sigi Schmid v DAL: P30 W12 L8 D10
LAST MEETING (MLS)
5/25: SEA 0, DAL 1 (Shea 17)
- The game's lone goal came in the 17th minute. Andrew Jacobson slotted a pass through the heart of the Sounders FC defense, perfectly into the stride of Brek Shea, and he finished calmly past Kasey Keller inside the right post.
- Kevin Hartman had four saves as Sounders FC uncorked a season-high in shots, but FC Dallas extended their shutout streak to a then-club record 489 minutes.
Talking tactics: FC Dallas at Seattle Sounders
May, 27, 2011
5/27/11
7:52
PM CT
By Blake Owen | ESPNDallas.com
If your wingers can't connect with your strikers, focus on connecting your wingers with your midfielders. In Wednesday's match against Seattle, Schellas Hyndman continued to field his post-David Ferreira 4-4-2.
While the overall strategy stayed the same - stay compact defensively and punish the opposition on the break - Hyndman made greater use of Brek Shea's unique talents than at any previous point this season.
4-4-2 vs 4-4-2
Given that both squads were fielding a 4-4-2, the match boiled down to a series of individual matchups. The central midfielders canceled each other out, the wingers attempted to pin back the fullbacks, and the center backs each picked up a striker. Honestly, it wasn't a very interesting tactical battle.
At least until Brek Shea started moving where he wasn't supposed to (from a Seattle standpoint, that is). Shea kept crashing toward Seattle's center backs. His presence alternatively gave the Hoops a 3-2 advantage in that area or, when Fabian Castillo or Marvin Chavez dropped into midfield, forced the Sounders to rotate defensive responsibilities. His excellent off the ball movement allowed him a free lane on the way to his 18th minute goal.
Ihemelu leads the charge
But Shea never could have gotten away with his central positioning had Dallas' defense not been so stout. Dallas again played a counter-attacking style. This time Hyndman's strategy resulted in a 65% to 35% possession disadvantage.
Stellar defending in the final third, and the always excellent Kevin Hartman, negated Seattle's possession advantage. Ugo Ihemelu's performance was particularly noteworthy. In the first half alone, Ihemelu single-handedly created 4 counters, including an interception that started the Shea goal-scoring sequence.
Perhaps Hyndman's sole mistake was shifting to a 4-5-1 a bit early. In the 63rd, Ruben Luna came on for Castillo, with Chavez shifting to the right wing and Eric Alexander moving inside. In this formation Dallas invited even more pressure and Hartman was called on to make 3 saves over the final 24 minutes. As long as Hartman continues his outstanding play, Dallas can keep playing on the counter. But when Hyndman shifts to a 4-5-1, he needs to find a way to offer Luna support, and, thus, give his defenders a brief rest.
Blake Owen is the editor and publisher of futbolforgringos.com.
[+] Enlarge
The starting XI.
The starting XI.4-4-2 vs 4-4-2
Given that both squads were fielding a 4-4-2, the match boiled down to a series of individual matchups. The central midfielders canceled each other out, the wingers attempted to pin back the fullbacks, and the center backs each picked up a striker. Honestly, it wasn't a very interesting tactical battle.
At least until Brek Shea started moving where he wasn't supposed to (from a Seattle standpoint, that is). Shea kept crashing toward Seattle's center backs. His presence alternatively gave the Hoops a 3-2 advantage in that area or, when Fabian Castillo or Marvin Chavez dropped into midfield, forced the Sounders to rotate defensive responsibilities. His excellent off the ball movement allowed him a free lane on the way to his 18th minute goal.
Ihemelu leads the charge
[+] Enlarge
Hyndman changed his squad's shape to a 4-5-1 in the 2nd half.
Hyndman changed his squad's shape to a 4-5-1 in the 2nd half.Stellar defending in the final third, and the always excellent Kevin Hartman, negated Seattle's possession advantage. Ugo Ihemelu's performance was particularly noteworthy. In the first half alone, Ihemelu single-handedly created 4 counters, including an interception that started the Shea goal-scoring sequence.
Perhaps Hyndman's sole mistake was shifting to a 4-5-1 a bit early. In the 63rd, Ruben Luna came on for Castillo, with Chavez shifting to the right wing and Eric Alexander moving inside. In this formation Dallas invited even more pressure and Hartman was called on to make 3 saves over the final 24 minutes. As long as Hartman continues his outstanding play, Dallas can keep playing on the counter. But when Hyndman shifts to a 4-5-1, he needs to find a way to offer Luna support, and, thus, give his defenders a brief rest.
Blake Owen is the editor and publisher of futbolforgringos.com.
Schellas Hyndman - FC Dallas Head Coach
General Comments...
“It's Kevin [Hartman's] birthday today and we were talking about getting that shutout and to do it in a difficult environment like this with as much pressure on us. I thought it was a very good team performance."
On the defense...
“The whole game, especially the last 20 minutes, was really hard. I think they threw everything at us. When [Nate] Jaqua came in it brought another problem because not only was he able to hold the ball, but he was able to flick the ball on and he was able to connect at the end of it. We had it pretty well in our favor but what we had to do was keep knocking it out. When he came it, it added a different dimension. They are a good team that was very inspired to play at home and win in front of their fans. We don't get this done today if it isn't a complete team effort.
On Brek Shea...
“He continues to develop. He just turned 21 and we just signed him to a four year contract so he's a player that we have a lot of faith in. He's going to continue to develop. He broke through and beat [Kasey] Keller when he was coming out. It changed the whole game at that point in time."
Kevin Hartman - FC Dallas Goalkeeper
General Comments...
“It was one of those games where we really have to concentrate. We had to work hard for a long period of time because Seattle was throwing a lot of numbers at us and some quality at us. I thought we weathered the first half pretty easily and they kept throwing bodies at us in the second half. Fortunately we were able to block some shots, save some shots and prevent shots. At the end of the day, we were pretty content to get the three points and get out of here."
Brek Shea - FC Dallas Defender/Midfielder
On Dallas defense...
"As a team, we got a goal early. It was a pretty crazy game. Every time we come to Seattle, the fans, the turf, the water. We had to defend a lot tonight."
On goal...
"I was able to make a run, saw an opening, and split the defense. AJ (Andrew Jacobson) happened to find me and I saw Keller coming out and I tried to put it past him."
Sigi Schmid - Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach
General comments...
“So basically the soccer was better, but everyone is more disappointed with the result. Sometimes with bad soccer, you get a result, and better soccer, you don't get a result. The mistake on the goal, where we opened up... I thought we had chances and we certainly went forward. I was very pleased with the effort of [Mike] Fucito, thought he played very well. I thought [Lamar] Neagle came in and did well, I thought [Nate] Jaqua came in in this one and had an impact. "
On whether he's disappointed with the outing...
“No, we're really happy about it. I mean, we're over-thrilled about it. Of course we're disappointed. We're not happy about the fact that we only got four points at home in three games."
Mike Fucito - Sounders FC Forward
On his scoring chances tonight...
"He (FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman) made some pretty good saves. It'd be nice if one of these times the ball bounced to my left foot. We got close. I thought we were going to get one."
Fredy Montero - Sounders FC Forward
On the scoring opportunities tonight...
“Everybody saw that the game was progressing, we were playing well and opportunities were being created but every time that a team cannot score and cannot convert, they put themselves in danger. The opponent had one chance that they converted on and that's what happened."
General Comments...
“It's Kevin [Hartman's] birthday today and we were talking about getting that shutout and to do it in a difficult environment like this with as much pressure on us. I thought it was a very good team performance."
On the defense...
“The whole game, especially the last 20 minutes, was really hard. I think they threw everything at us. When [Nate] Jaqua came in it brought another problem because not only was he able to hold the ball, but he was able to flick the ball on and he was able to connect at the end of it. We had it pretty well in our favor but what we had to do was keep knocking it out. When he came it, it added a different dimension. They are a good team that was very inspired to play at home and win in front of their fans. We don't get this done today if it isn't a complete team effort.
On Brek Shea...
“He continues to develop. He just turned 21 and we just signed him to a four year contract so he's a player that we have a lot of faith in. He's going to continue to develop. He broke through and beat [Kasey] Keller when he was coming out. It changed the whole game at that point in time."
Kevin Hartman - FC Dallas Goalkeeper
General Comments...
“It was one of those games where we really have to concentrate. We had to work hard for a long period of time because Seattle was throwing a lot of numbers at us and some quality at us. I thought we weathered the first half pretty easily and they kept throwing bodies at us in the second half. Fortunately we were able to block some shots, save some shots and prevent shots. At the end of the day, we were pretty content to get the three points and get out of here."
Brek Shea - FC Dallas Defender/Midfielder
On Dallas defense...
"As a team, we got a goal early. It was a pretty crazy game. Every time we come to Seattle, the fans, the turf, the water. We had to defend a lot tonight."
On goal...
"I was able to make a run, saw an opening, and split the defense. AJ (Andrew Jacobson) happened to find me and I saw Keller coming out and I tried to put it past him."
Sigi Schmid - Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach
General comments...
“So basically the soccer was better, but everyone is more disappointed with the result. Sometimes with bad soccer, you get a result, and better soccer, you don't get a result. The mistake on the goal, where we opened up... I thought we had chances and we certainly went forward. I was very pleased with the effort of [Mike] Fucito, thought he played very well. I thought [Lamar] Neagle came in and did well, I thought [Nate] Jaqua came in in this one and had an impact. "
On whether he's disappointed with the outing...
“No, we're really happy about it. I mean, we're over-thrilled about it. Of course we're disappointed. We're not happy about the fact that we only got four points at home in three games."
Mike Fucito - Sounders FC Forward
On his scoring chances tonight...
"He (FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman) made some pretty good saves. It'd be nice if one of these times the ball bounced to my left foot. We got close. I thought we were going to get one."
Fredy Montero - Sounders FC Forward
On the scoring opportunities tonight...
“Everybody saw that the game was progressing, we were playing well and opportunities were being created but every time that a team cannot score and cannot convert, they put themselves in danger. The opponent had one chance that they converted on and that's what happened."
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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