Soccer: Zach Loyd
FC devil’s advocate: Losing Hernan Pertuz was turning point in draw
May, 21, 2012
May 21
2:59
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
No doubt about it, FC Dallas’ 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on Saturday night was some ugly soccer in the second half. Peter Nowak’s Union played a very physical game in the second half, being whistled for 15 of their 22 fouls after the break and finishing the night with four yellows.
But you kind of have to give the ex-Fire coach some credit; the book is in on how to take FCD off their game: foul them and foul them frequently. And until the league decides to do something about such a brand of physical play, if they ever do, that’s exactly what Dallas can expect to face almost each and every time they hit the pitch this year.
Sure, some, including coach Schellas Hyndman, ex-captain Daniel Hernandez and current leading scorer Blas Perez have some merit behind them when they gripe about the current lack of calls going their way. But no matter the sport, it seems like teams who complain the most about officiating never seem to get any calls and that theory is definitely in play here.
However, some who have already analyzed exactly what went wrong against Philly have clearly missed the point. The game turned late in the first half when Hernan Pertuz had to leave the pitch on a stretcher with what Hyndman later termed a possible foot injury. We’ll know more on Pertuz’s status going forward on Monday but when he left the game, Hyndman had no choice but to put the versatile Carlos Rodriguez out there in Pertuz’s place.
Some wondered why Hyndman wouldn't go with homegrown talent Moises Hernandez instead of Rodriguez, well the answer to that is simple. Hernandez hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in reserve games and while some might want to see what he’s got, he’s still a long way from logging minutes with the first team, plain and simple. So, a less than 100 percent Rodriguez was still a much better option than a talented yet raw Hernandez.
And once Pertuz left the field, Philly centered much of their attack on the left flank. Once again, a tactical adjustment by Nowak that allowed his side to leave Frisco with just their fourth point all year on the road.
Hyndman addressed losing Pertuz and it being a key point in the game in his postgame remarks to the media. “I think one key point was when Pertuz got hurt. It changed our defense. We weren’t as strong in the air. We weren’t as strong marking wise,” Hyndman said.
“That changed the game to the point where if you look at the number of chances that Philadelphia had late, it was normally turnovers in the back third. I thought we were doing that quite well in the first half. The moment Pertuz got hurt, I think it changed,” he said.
While this team has been rocked by a litany of injuries, suspensions and textbook boneheaded plays, one of the biggest question marks heading into this season was this club’s lack of depth. And as the saying goes, our worst fears have been realized. As Hyndman put it, when Philly decided to get physical, Dallas simply didn’t have the personnel on the bench to handle it.
But if there is a bright spot to all this it is that at least on Wednesday night in Chicago, FCD figures to have right back Zach Loyd, who missed Saturday’s game on suspension, back in the fold. Fabian Castillo could also return after Hyndman called him 70 percent on Friday even with his ankle injury. The thought of having Castillo on one flank and fellow youngster Bryan Leyva on the other is a great idea indeed and who knows, maybe FCD can continue their unbeaten run at Toyota Park and finish May with at least one win?
But you kind of have to give the ex-Fire coach some credit; the book is in on how to take FCD off their game: foul them and foul them frequently. And until the league decides to do something about such a brand of physical play, if they ever do, that’s exactly what Dallas can expect to face almost each and every time they hit the pitch this year.
Sure, some, including coach Schellas Hyndman, ex-captain Daniel Hernandez and current leading scorer Blas Perez have some merit behind them when they gripe about the current lack of calls going their way. But no matter the sport, it seems like teams who complain the most about officiating never seem to get any calls and that theory is definitely in play here.
However, some who have already analyzed exactly what went wrong against Philly have clearly missed the point. The game turned late in the first half when Hernan Pertuz had to leave the pitch on a stretcher with what Hyndman later termed a possible foot injury. We’ll know more on Pertuz’s status going forward on Monday but when he left the game, Hyndman had no choice but to put the versatile Carlos Rodriguez out there in Pertuz’s place.
Some wondered why Hyndman wouldn't go with homegrown talent Moises Hernandez instead of Rodriguez, well the answer to that is simple. Hernandez hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in reserve games and while some might want to see what he’s got, he’s still a long way from logging minutes with the first team, plain and simple. So, a less than 100 percent Rodriguez was still a much better option than a talented yet raw Hernandez.
And once Pertuz left the field, Philly centered much of their attack on the left flank. Once again, a tactical adjustment by Nowak that allowed his side to leave Frisco with just their fourth point all year on the road.
Hyndman addressed losing Pertuz and it being a key point in the game in his postgame remarks to the media. “I think one key point was when Pertuz got hurt. It changed our defense. We weren’t as strong in the air. We weren’t as strong marking wise,” Hyndman said.
“That changed the game to the point where if you look at the number of chances that Philadelphia had late, it was normally turnovers in the back third. I thought we were doing that quite well in the first half. The moment Pertuz got hurt, I think it changed,” he said.
While this team has been rocked by a litany of injuries, suspensions and textbook boneheaded plays, one of the biggest question marks heading into this season was this club’s lack of depth. And as the saying goes, our worst fears have been realized. As Hyndman put it, when Philly decided to get physical, Dallas simply didn’t have the personnel on the bench to handle it.
But if there is a bright spot to all this it is that at least on Wednesday night in Chicago, FCD figures to have right back Zach Loyd, who missed Saturday’s game on suspension, back in the fold. Fabian Castillo could also return after Hyndman called him 70 percent on Friday even with his ankle injury. The thought of having Castillo on one flank and fellow youngster Bryan Leyva on the other is a great idea indeed and who knows, maybe FCD can continue their unbeaten run at Toyota Park and finish May with at least one win?
Five quick hits on Philadelphia Union game
May, 19, 2012
May 19
7:47
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas will look for its first win since April 14 when the Philadelphia Union visit FC Dallas Stadium on Saturday night. Here are five things to consider heading into that match.
Shea starts his suspension -- Saturday’s match will mark the first of the three games Brek Shea will miss after deliberately kicking a ball at an official during a loss at Columbus last Saturday. It was a dumb play from an obviously frustrated player, which might be partly due to the turf toe that has been nagging. But then again, it could be because there is a growing frustration in the room over a three-game losing streak and not winning in over a month. No matter the reason, Shea now gets a three-game timeout to think about what he did at a time his club really needs him the most.
Who’s in for Loyd? -- However, Shea won’t be the only starter sitting this one out for FCD. Right back Zach Loyd, who is the only Dallas player to start every game and play every minute so far this season, a streak that will end on Saturday, was ejected in the second half of the loss to the Crew. Sure, the call was iffy at best, but it is what it is. Now Dallas gaffer Schellas Hyndman will have to figure out who spells Loyd there. If Carlos Rodriguez is healthy, it could very well be him. Were captain Ugo Ihemelu not out with concussion symptoms, he would be a possibility there, but he continues to have symptoms, so who knows when he returns? Rodriguez appears to be the logical choice but it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Hernan Pertuz in at right back, that is unless Hyndman puts him at center back alongside George John, a spot that could also go to rookie Matt Hedges, the club’s top pick in the 2012 MLS Super Draft.
What can go wrong next? -- Not to be Mr. Glass Half Empty, but considering how many injuries, suspensions and red cards this team has had already this year, one has to wonder what could unfold for FCD against the Union? It’s a viable question considering the absolute rollercoaster this team has been on for the first 12 games. However, on the flipside, the Union are a team that is also struggling, which could make this an ideal time not just for FCD to return to the win column, but also to right the ship or at least take a step in the right direction. But if somehow or someway Dallas falls to Philly, it’s not a great way to start a rough stretch, that will also see them play at Chicago and Real Salt Lake.
Who will step up? -- If there has been one truly disconcerting thing about this current bad run of form for FCD, it’s that even with so much upheaval in the first 11, there really hasn’t been anyone to step up and refuse to accept anything less than a win for their club. Backup goalkeeper Chris Seitz fared well in his three-game relief stint while starter Kevin Hartman was out with back spasms, but other than that, who has really stepped up for this team? Blas Perez has been great but that was expected. Great teams or good teams for that matter are clubs where even if the best players are out, there are others who step up and answer the bell. There has been little of that going on in the first 12 games, which could signal a greater problem for FCD going forward.
Start of another tough stretch -- At long last, there is finally some rest on the horizon for FCD. However, the problem is that rest won’t come until after Dallas finishes a three games in a week stretch to finish out its May schedule. That tough slate begins Saturday night against Philadelphia. Then, FCD will play yet another midweek game at Chicago on Wednesday and won’t return home until after the gauntlet ends next Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake. This stretch will mark the third time this season that FCD has played three games in a short period of time and will be the final three of their six matches in the month of May. But for a club that hasn’t won since April 14 and who will be without Shea for the next three games after he was suspended, this stretch definitely has the look of the Bataan Death March more than anything. However, if FCD could get through this with a win, even two or maybe even a draw or two, it would give them some much-needed momentum heading into June.
Shea starts his suspension -- Saturday’s match will mark the first of the three games Brek Shea will miss after deliberately kicking a ball at an official during a loss at Columbus last Saturday. It was a dumb play from an obviously frustrated player, which might be partly due to the turf toe that has been nagging. But then again, it could be because there is a growing frustration in the room over a three-game losing streak and not winning in over a month. No matter the reason, Shea now gets a three-game timeout to think about what he did at a time his club really needs him the most.
Who’s in for Loyd? -- However, Shea won’t be the only starter sitting this one out for FCD. Right back Zach Loyd, who is the only Dallas player to start every game and play every minute so far this season, a streak that will end on Saturday, was ejected in the second half of the loss to the Crew. Sure, the call was iffy at best, but it is what it is. Now Dallas gaffer Schellas Hyndman will have to figure out who spells Loyd there. If Carlos Rodriguez is healthy, it could very well be him. Were captain Ugo Ihemelu not out with concussion symptoms, he would be a possibility there, but he continues to have symptoms, so who knows when he returns? Rodriguez appears to be the logical choice but it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Hernan Pertuz in at right back, that is unless Hyndman puts him at center back alongside George John, a spot that could also go to rookie Matt Hedges, the club’s top pick in the 2012 MLS Super Draft.
What can go wrong next? -- Not to be Mr. Glass Half Empty, but considering how many injuries, suspensions and red cards this team has had already this year, one has to wonder what could unfold for FCD against the Union? It’s a viable question considering the absolute rollercoaster this team has been on for the first 12 games. However, on the flipside, the Union are a team that is also struggling, which could make this an ideal time not just for FCD to return to the win column, but also to right the ship or at least take a step in the right direction. But if somehow or someway Dallas falls to Philly, it’s not a great way to start a rough stretch, that will also see them play at Chicago and Real Salt Lake.
Who will step up? -- If there has been one truly disconcerting thing about this current bad run of form for FCD, it’s that even with so much upheaval in the first 11, there really hasn’t been anyone to step up and refuse to accept anything less than a win for their club. Backup goalkeeper Chris Seitz fared well in his three-game relief stint while starter Kevin Hartman was out with back spasms, but other than that, who has really stepped up for this team? Blas Perez has been great but that was expected. Great teams or good teams for that matter are clubs where even if the best players are out, there are others who step up and answer the bell. There has been little of that going on in the first 12 games, which could signal a greater problem for FCD going forward.
Start of another tough stretch -- At long last, there is finally some rest on the horizon for FCD. However, the problem is that rest won’t come until after Dallas finishes a three games in a week stretch to finish out its May schedule. That tough slate begins Saturday night against Philadelphia. Then, FCD will play yet another midweek game at Chicago on Wednesday and won’t return home until after the gauntlet ends next Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake. This stretch will mark the third time this season that FCD has played three games in a short period of time and will be the final three of their six matches in the month of May. But for a club that hasn’t won since April 14 and who will be without Shea for the next three games after he was suspended, this stretch definitely has the look of the Bataan Death March more than anything. However, if FCD could get through this with a win, even two or maybe even a draw or two, it would give them some much-needed momentum heading into June.
This weekend's matchup between FC Dallas and the visiting Philadelphia Union has lost plenty of luster with Brek Shea and Freddy Adu unavailable for their struggling teams.
Those key midfielders are suspended for Saturday night's game, with both clubs hoping to end three-game losing streaks.
A poor start to the season for Dallas (3-6-3) took a turn for the worse Thursday when MLS announced a three-game ban for Shea, who kicked the ball at an assistant referee in a 2-1 loss to Columbus last Saturday.
Shea, tied for the team lead with three goals while leading the club with 24 shots and 10 shots on goal, posted an apology on Twitter. Dallas is 0-4-2 since beating expansion Montreal 2-1 on April 14.
Adu was assessed two yellow cards in the first half of the Union's 3-2 home loss to New York on Sunday. The second one was called for simulating a foul in the penalty box.
"When I went down I wasn't complaining to the ref or complaining to anyone," Adu told the Union's official website. "I just wanted to get right back up and the next thing I know the red card comes out."
His absence comes after Philadelphia (2-6-1) scored two goals in a match for the first time. The Union's seven goals in nine games represents the league's third-worst ratio ahead of winless Toronto FC and Chivas USA.
That attack will face a makeshift defense, as Dallas is missing two defensive starters. Ugo Ihemelu will miss his third straight game in the aftermath of a concussion while Zach Loyd is suspended for receiving a red card last week in Columbus.
The club has conceded 18 goals in 12 games, tied with Los Angeles for the second-worst ratio in MLS ahead of Toronto. Dallas has also been issued a league-high four red cards.
"We've had some bad luck with some late goals and bad luck keeping the players on the field," coach Schellas Hyndman told Dallas' official website. "You can say that's bad luck, discipline or intelligence, but those are things that are in our control."
Philadelphia, which ranks right behind Dallas with three red cards, traded defender Danny Califf to Chivas for midfielder Michael Lahoud and allocation money Thursday. Califf started four games, but would have been the odd man out with Gabriel Farfan set to return Saturday after a three-game suspension.
"We have enough speed right now," coach Petr Nowak said. "The trade is going to give us another option as well."
Lionard Pajoy had both goals for the Union on Sunday after scoring once in a 2-1 exhibition victory over German club Schalke 04 on May 9. Those games featured the inclusion of fellow forward Danny Mwanga in the lineup to give Pajoy support.
Dallas is 2-0-2 in the all-time series with Philadelphia, taking both home matchups.
Those key midfielders are suspended for Saturday night's game, with both clubs hoping to end three-game losing streaks.
A poor start to the season for Dallas (3-6-3) took a turn for the worse Thursday when MLS announced a three-game ban for Shea, who kicked the ball at an assistant referee in a 2-1 loss to Columbus last Saturday.
Shea, tied for the team lead with three goals while leading the club with 24 shots and 10 shots on goal, posted an apology on Twitter. Dallas is 0-4-2 since beating expansion Montreal 2-1 on April 14.
Adu was assessed two yellow cards in the first half of the Union's 3-2 home loss to New York on Sunday. The second one was called for simulating a foul in the penalty box.
"When I went down I wasn't complaining to the ref or complaining to anyone," Adu told the Union's official website. "I just wanted to get right back up and the next thing I know the red card comes out."
His absence comes after Philadelphia (2-6-1) scored two goals in a match for the first time. The Union's seven goals in nine games represents the league's third-worst ratio ahead of winless Toronto FC and Chivas USA.
That attack will face a makeshift defense, as Dallas is missing two defensive starters. Ugo Ihemelu will miss his third straight game in the aftermath of a concussion while Zach Loyd is suspended for receiving a red card last week in Columbus.
The club has conceded 18 goals in 12 games, tied with Los Angeles for the second-worst ratio in MLS ahead of Toronto. Dallas has also been issued a league-high four red cards.
"We've had some bad luck with some late goals and bad luck keeping the players on the field," coach Schellas Hyndman told Dallas' official website. "You can say that's bad luck, discipline or intelligence, but those are things that are in our control."
Philadelphia, which ranks right behind Dallas with three red cards, traded defender Danny Califf to Chivas for midfielder Michael Lahoud and allocation money Thursday. Califf started four games, but would have been the odd man out with Gabriel Farfan set to return Saturday after a three-game suspension.
"We have enough speed right now," coach Petr Nowak said. "The trade is going to give us another option as well."
Lionard Pajoy had both goals for the Union on Sunday after scoring once in a 2-1 exhibition victory over German club Schalke 04 on May 9. Those games featured the inclusion of fellow forward Danny Mwanga in the lineup to give Pajoy support.
Dallas is 2-0-2 in the all-time series with Philadelphia, taking both home matchups.
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman:
On the match changing with Zach Loyd's second yellow card:
“I think it was a couple things. I thought it was a very aggressive game and there was a lot of physical play going on. I'm only speaking from my side. I didn't think the right calls were being made. What I said to the boys at halftime: 'This will be a difference maker in the second half.' They will find a way to give you a red card, so be smart. That didn't take very long at all. “
On whether Zach Loyd's second yellow was deserved:
“I thought the second yellow was probably deserved, but there was two or three hits that went on that could've stopped the whole play. Those are the things that don't occur. Those are the things that aren't called that eventually come into something else. The first yellow I really questioned. Looking at the replay, I think that was a questionable call. “
On the change in mentality being up 1-0 and having a man sent off:
“It changes on the other team more than yours. The other team is going to be throwing more people forward and will be more aggressive and try to get something on the break.
On your team, you're trying to figure out your shape and if you remember, I had just made a sub before they scored. I had put in another forward and all of a sudden we had too many attacking people and we just lost someone. We had to lose somebody in the midfield. We had to make some adjustments and I had to make another sub, take the guy off that I put on. “
FC Dallas defender Daniel Hernandez:
On the match changing with Zach Loyd's second yellow card:
“I just thought the second half, we dropped back a little too deep like we had done a lot in the past. We weren't really keeping the ball. We knew Columbus was going to come out in the second half and put pressure on us anyway. We lost the ball in the midfield and it went kind of on a counter attack and they shot. We already were kind of struggling a bit to get possession. Obviously that hurt us after the red card. Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with that for the last couple of weeks. I think after the red card, we were tied and trying to figure out a way to still pick up our game and get a goal, but at the very least, hold the 1-1 tie. I thought we did a decent job defending. It was just the same old story for us: one simple lazy mistake of not marking up at the top of the box. It was a great header, but the guy never should've been free. “
On Sebastian Miranda's game-winning goal:
“It was an unbelievable header for him, a great goal. But again, it's the little things that have been costing us games all season. Whether it's making a mistake and getting a red card, or ending the game slipping up and making a mistake and letting the opponent back in the game. This was a game I think we could've held on with a tie. It was just one simple assignment that somebody wasn't marking up at the top of the box where they should've been and it cost us the game.”
Crew head coach Robert Warzycha
General thoughts on the game
“We played against a very good team to be honest with you. They came out strong in the first half. I don’t think we had much rhythm in the beginning. They were connecting more passes and they came out stronger. In the second half it was a different story. We came out strong, creating chances and moving the ball well. The red card, obviously, changed the game. After they got the red card they bunkered in, we created more chances and scored two goals.”
On what led to Dallas’ goal
“You have to play until the whistle and that was a mistake by [Tony Tchani] that led to a goal. I think he [Tchani] played very well in the second half; he was winning 50/50 balls and running forward making crosses. It seemed like he wanted to be the best player on the field.”
On Justin Meram making the difference when subbed in
“I felt that Meram’s speed could hurt them [Dallas] on the left side. I think he did very well today, he was very quick, didn’t hold the ball too much and that’s how we wanted him to play. If he keeps playing that way he can be very effective.”
On Josh Williams play
“I think [Williams] was a beast today in the back. He was winning every header, his passing was good and he was vocal on the field. I think he was very good.”
Crew defender Sebastian Miranda
On his goal
“We practiced some plays and corners and the idea was maybe to find Milo [Mirosevic]. I was outside the box unmarked and I headed the ball and scored. It was my first time scoring with a header in my career. I headed it as hard as I could and it went in. The important for me was not the goal but that we won. This was good for our confidence.”
Crew midfielder/forward Justin Meram
On the goal
“I was trying to read the play and the ball went by me. I saw Eric [Gehrig] step up and win the ball back. I had a good position looked up and saw an opening. I took the shot and luckily it went in.”
On needing the spark
“We needed it. It has been over 200 minutes without a goal and we finally got the monkey off our shoulders and we were able to get the first goal. Once you get the first one the others will come”
On the match changing with Zach Loyd's second yellow card:
“I think it was a couple things. I thought it was a very aggressive game and there was a lot of physical play going on. I'm only speaking from my side. I didn't think the right calls were being made. What I said to the boys at halftime: 'This will be a difference maker in the second half.' They will find a way to give you a red card, so be smart. That didn't take very long at all. “
On whether Zach Loyd's second yellow was deserved:
“I thought the second yellow was probably deserved, but there was two or three hits that went on that could've stopped the whole play. Those are the things that don't occur. Those are the things that aren't called that eventually come into something else. The first yellow I really questioned. Looking at the replay, I think that was a questionable call. “
On the change in mentality being up 1-0 and having a man sent off:
“It changes on the other team more than yours. The other team is going to be throwing more people forward and will be more aggressive and try to get something on the break.
On your team, you're trying to figure out your shape and if you remember, I had just made a sub before they scored. I had put in another forward and all of a sudden we had too many attacking people and we just lost someone. We had to lose somebody in the midfield. We had to make some adjustments and I had to make another sub, take the guy off that I put on. “
FC Dallas defender Daniel Hernandez:
On the match changing with Zach Loyd's second yellow card:
“I just thought the second half, we dropped back a little too deep like we had done a lot in the past. We weren't really keeping the ball. We knew Columbus was going to come out in the second half and put pressure on us anyway. We lost the ball in the midfield and it went kind of on a counter attack and they shot. We already were kind of struggling a bit to get possession. Obviously that hurt us after the red card. Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with that for the last couple of weeks. I think after the red card, we were tied and trying to figure out a way to still pick up our game and get a goal, but at the very least, hold the 1-1 tie. I thought we did a decent job defending. It was just the same old story for us: one simple lazy mistake of not marking up at the top of the box. It was a great header, but the guy never should've been free. “
On Sebastian Miranda's game-winning goal:
“It was an unbelievable header for him, a great goal. But again, it's the little things that have been costing us games all season. Whether it's making a mistake and getting a red card, or ending the game slipping up and making a mistake and letting the opponent back in the game. This was a game I think we could've held on with a tie. It was just one simple assignment that somebody wasn't marking up at the top of the box where they should've been and it cost us the game.”
Crew head coach Robert Warzycha
General thoughts on the game
“We played against a very good team to be honest with you. They came out strong in the first half. I don’t think we had much rhythm in the beginning. They were connecting more passes and they came out stronger. In the second half it was a different story. We came out strong, creating chances and moving the ball well. The red card, obviously, changed the game. After they got the red card they bunkered in, we created more chances and scored two goals.”
On what led to Dallas’ goal
“You have to play until the whistle and that was a mistake by [Tony Tchani] that led to a goal. I think he [Tchani] played very well in the second half; he was winning 50/50 balls and running forward making crosses. It seemed like he wanted to be the best player on the field.”
On Justin Meram making the difference when subbed in
“I felt that Meram’s speed could hurt them [Dallas] on the left side. I think he did very well today, he was very quick, didn’t hold the ball too much and that’s how we wanted him to play. If he keeps playing that way he can be very effective.”
On Josh Williams play
“I think [Williams] was a beast today in the back. He was winning every header, his passing was good and he was vocal on the field. I think he was very good.”
Crew defender Sebastian Miranda
On his goal
“We practiced some plays and corners and the idea was maybe to find Milo [Mirosevic]. I was outside the box unmarked and I headed the ball and scored. It was my first time scoring with a header in my career. I headed it as hard as I could and it went in. The important for me was not the goal but that we won. This was good for our confidence.”
Crew midfielder/forward Justin Meram
On the goal
“I was trying to read the play and the ball went by me. I saw Eric [Gehrig] step up and win the ball back. I had a good position looked up and saw an opening. I took the shot and luckily it went in.”
On needing the spark
“We needed it. It has been over 200 minutes without a goal and we finally got the monkey off our shoulders and we were able to get the first goal. Once you get the first one the others will come”
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman
It was a disappointing result. We were unable to score. I think that led into the pressure late in the game. Montero comes on the field. We know what he’s all about. He’s a very good player. He’s a difference maker and obviously tonight he scored two goals. For us, I thought we had probably 70 minutes of our best soccer of the year, getting the ball, moving the ball and I don’t want to emphasize the players we were missing. I thought the players we had on the field today were very good. They played hard, determined and, as you know, they had a very difficult game on Sunday that took a lot of energy out of them. I thought the first half Seattle was responding to us. I think we took the game to them. Rosales did have a great chance that (he) was unlucky not to finish, but if you look at the number of opportunities we had, the number of times we got behind the defense, we should have done better with it.
On the two Seattle goals…
The first goal I thought we were a little bit out of shape and then when (Fredy) Montero got the ball we had two guys who were right on him trying to make a tackle and somehow he got free. I think the players were almost in each other’s way at a point. He got free maybe 10 yards away from the goal and hit it to the near post. He hit it with so much power that Kevin (Hartman) couldn’t get a hand on it.
The second goal was really goofy. This is just us being a little bit naďve. We doubled up on the player with the ball and we left an open space in the zone. When we didn’t win the ball, we were out of shape. The ball went into the left side of the field. The guy came in and I think Montero probably beat George to the ball and that’s what Montero does. He’s a shark. He’s a finisher. He made a difference in the game. I thought we did a very good job with (Mauro) Rosales, who is probably their best player, and in comes Montero.
On the team’s overall performance during the game…
I’m disappointed, obviously, with the result, especially being at home. I thought the team played well, but we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities. With the few chances they did get, they capitalized on us. At the end of the day, we got beat 2-0.
On how to rebound after losing two disappointing games in a row…
Our backs are against the wall right now and we haven’t won a game in several weeks. I think the biggest thing we can do is to come together as a team and continue to believe in one another. For the next game, we’ll have Daniel [Hernandez] back, we’ll have Blas [Perez] back, and we will have Brek [Shea] back in the lineup, so I think we’re going to see a huge improvement with the team. Hopefully going forward we can see better results.
On how he can individually contribute to the success of the team…
I can continue to work hard in practice, I can continue to develop and I can get better individually. I think the most important thing is to come together as a group. I think the team needs to continue to grow and continue to progress. Our sights are the playoffs, and we still have our sights on that. This weekend would be a big swing for us if we can get three points.
FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges
On his first career start with the team…
It felt really good to get the start, but I wasn’t too pleased with the result. When I was out there, I didn’t feel like we really changed the whole way we played, and it felt good.
On how tonight’s performance can affect his future with the team…
Whenever the team needs me to get on the field for a start, I’ll be ready. I think I’ve defined my role with the team, and they know what I can do and that I can help the team, so I’m just trying to do whatever I can.
FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea
On his health… My body felt really good. It’s just that my toe was a little sore. It’s more annoying than anything. It feels like there is something in your shoe, just poking you all the time. It did feel a lot better than it had after resting it this week. I’m wearing an insert in my boot that helps take a lot of the pressure off of it.
General thoughts on the match…
We were unfortunate to lose. I don’t think it was a 2-0 game. In the first half the chances were going both ways, but in the beginning of the second half I thought we really dominated, but that’s soccer. They had two chances and they put them away.
Are the recent struggles just a matter of the ball not bouncing the right way?
It’s not going our way right now in anything. Soccer is like that. Once you get things going in the right direction… Once things start rolling… We had it rolling at the beginning of the season. It’s not rolling right now. We have a lot of guys out, but I do think a lot of guys stepped up and played well tonight. It’s unfortunate we lost 2-0.
On five straight victories…
It’s great. Today was tough for us because it’s our fourth game in 10 days, so we had a lot of tired bodies out there you know, but you try to get people through it. That’s why we tried to cut the minutes for Rosales. We tried to cut Montero’s minutes as well to keep us as fresh as possible because we have another game on the weekend. But I thought our team responded well. I thought we defended well, which we’ve done all season.
I thought Jeff Parke was superb. I thought Meredith came up with a big save at a big time for us and then obviously Montero finished two good goals. There was a lot of good work by Cordell Cato on the first goal. You know so I was pleased for him in his first game.
On three straight shutouts…
Well they work for each other you know. They get in the way. They block shots. They help each other. They cover for each other. You know they take a lot of pride in keeping things away from goal. I think our goalkeepers don’t have to make a lot of big saves because we’re doing a lot of saves in front of them and when they do they’re able to come up with it and do well with it. So it’s a mindset and the mindset is with our midfielders and forwards as well in terms of making plays predictable.
On second half play vs. the first…
I think the first half we were too stretched out. I thought Rose and Evans played too deep together and so there was a big hole there. Also Strata and Johnson are big forwards that like to stay high a little bit, so we had a big hole in the middle of midfield. So basically in the first half (James) Marcelin ran the whole show and he was able to put balls to the next guy. Who then play into (Fabian) Castillo and people like that. We talked about that at halftime, and the second half Evans pushed into that hole a little bit. Montero drops into that hole, so now all of the sudden we were able to play and connect some passes into that hole and hold the ball for longer sequences and that forced them back a little bit.
Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Bryan Meredith
As a team this is our fifth win in a row, which is a franchise record for us. It’s very exciting. It was a great game. Sometimes you have to grind it out defensively, but the defense again did a great job. You have to give most of the credit to the defense for playing from minute 1 to minute 90 at 100 percent.
On diving save to end the first half…
He hit it across the goal and I don’t even know who it was. The ball just got up and kind of floated to the upper 90 and I just did everything I could to get a little tip on it.
On stepping in to play…
It’s been fun. You’ve got to be ready to step in and done the job at any time, which sometimes makes a backup position tough. I was prepared correctly before every game and luckily I’ve been able to extend our win streak.
Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero
It’s a great feeling coming off the bench. I try to do my best and do what Sigi told me and it was a big surprise for me to score those two goals and get the three points. Obviously when you are winning games you want to keep working and doing the same stuff. We tried to jump into the field and just enjoy the game. Try to be honest with us and try to be honest with the team and work hard for each other. We had a great battle today. We scored two goals and we got three points, which was super important for us.
On the second goal…
It was a little touch by the defense and the ball came to me and I just jumped and guided the ball into the net.
On the first goal…
It was a really fast play. I was battling for the ball and when I got the ball I tried to fake one defender and when I looked up I was right in front of the keeper. Then I just tried to put the ball into the net. It was a goal and a big moment for me.
It was a disappointing result. We were unable to score. I think that led into the pressure late in the game. Montero comes on the field. We know what he’s all about. He’s a very good player. He’s a difference maker and obviously tonight he scored two goals. For us, I thought we had probably 70 minutes of our best soccer of the year, getting the ball, moving the ball and I don’t want to emphasize the players we were missing. I thought the players we had on the field today were very good. They played hard, determined and, as you know, they had a very difficult game on Sunday that took a lot of energy out of them. I thought the first half Seattle was responding to us. I think we took the game to them. Rosales did have a great chance that (he) was unlucky not to finish, but if you look at the number of opportunities we had, the number of times we got behind the defense, we should have done better with it.
On the two Seattle goals…
The first goal I thought we were a little bit out of shape and then when (Fredy) Montero got the ball we had two guys who were right on him trying to make a tackle and somehow he got free. I think the players were almost in each other’s way at a point. He got free maybe 10 yards away from the goal and hit it to the near post. He hit it with so much power that Kevin (Hartman) couldn’t get a hand on it.
The second goal was really goofy. This is just us being a little bit naďve. We doubled up on the player with the ball and we left an open space in the zone. When we didn’t win the ball, we were out of shape. The ball went into the left side of the field. The guy came in and I think Montero probably beat George to the ball and that’s what Montero does. He’s a shark. He’s a finisher. He made a difference in the game. I thought we did a very good job with (Mauro) Rosales, who is probably their best player, and in comes Montero.
FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd
On the team’s overall performance during the game…
I’m disappointed, obviously, with the result, especially being at home. I thought the team played well, but we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities. With the few chances they did get, they capitalized on us. At the end of the day, we got beat 2-0.
On how to rebound after losing two disappointing games in a row…
Our backs are against the wall right now and we haven’t won a game in several weeks. I think the biggest thing we can do is to come together as a team and continue to believe in one another. For the next game, we’ll have Daniel [Hernandez] back, we’ll have Blas [Perez] back, and we will have Brek [Shea] back in the lineup, so I think we’re going to see a huge improvement with the team. Hopefully going forward we can see better results.
On how he can individually contribute to the success of the team…
I can continue to work hard in practice, I can continue to develop and I can get better individually. I think the most important thing is to come together as a group. I think the team needs to continue to grow and continue to progress. Our sights are the playoffs, and we still have our sights on that. This weekend would be a big swing for us if we can get three points.
FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges
On his first career start with the team…
It felt really good to get the start, but I wasn’t too pleased with the result. When I was out there, I didn’t feel like we really changed the whole way we played, and it felt good.
On how tonight’s performance can affect his future with the team…
Whenever the team needs me to get on the field for a start, I’ll be ready. I think I’ve defined my role with the team, and they know what I can do and that I can help the team, so I’m just trying to do whatever I can.
FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea
On his health… My body felt really good. It’s just that my toe was a little sore. It’s more annoying than anything. It feels like there is something in your shoe, just poking you all the time. It did feel a lot better than it had after resting it this week. I’m wearing an insert in my boot that helps take a lot of the pressure off of it.
General thoughts on the match…
We were unfortunate to lose. I don’t think it was a 2-0 game. In the first half the chances were going both ways, but in the beginning of the second half I thought we really dominated, but that’s soccer. They had two chances and they put them away.
Are the recent struggles just a matter of the ball not bouncing the right way?
It’s not going our way right now in anything. Soccer is like that. Once you get things going in the right direction… Once things start rolling… We had it rolling at the beginning of the season. It’s not rolling right now. We have a lot of guys out, but I do think a lot of guys stepped up and played well tonight. It’s unfortunate we lost 2-0.
Seattle Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid
On five straight victories…
It’s great. Today was tough for us because it’s our fourth game in 10 days, so we had a lot of tired bodies out there you know, but you try to get people through it. That’s why we tried to cut the minutes for Rosales. We tried to cut Montero’s minutes as well to keep us as fresh as possible because we have another game on the weekend. But I thought our team responded well. I thought we defended well, which we’ve done all season.
I thought Jeff Parke was superb. I thought Meredith came up with a big save at a big time for us and then obviously Montero finished two good goals. There was a lot of good work by Cordell Cato on the first goal. You know so I was pleased for him in his first game.
On three straight shutouts…
Well they work for each other you know. They get in the way. They block shots. They help each other. They cover for each other. You know they take a lot of pride in keeping things away from goal. I think our goalkeepers don’t have to make a lot of big saves because we’re doing a lot of saves in front of them and when they do they’re able to come up with it and do well with it. So it’s a mindset and the mindset is with our midfielders and forwards as well in terms of making plays predictable.
On second half play vs. the first…
I think the first half we were too stretched out. I thought Rose and Evans played too deep together and so there was a big hole there. Also Strata and Johnson are big forwards that like to stay high a little bit, so we had a big hole in the middle of midfield. So basically in the first half (James) Marcelin ran the whole show and he was able to put balls to the next guy. Who then play into (Fabian) Castillo and people like that. We talked about that at halftime, and the second half Evans pushed into that hole a little bit. Montero drops into that hole, so now all of the sudden we were able to play and connect some passes into that hole and hold the ball for longer sequences and that forced them back a little bit.
Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Bryan Meredith
As a team this is our fifth win in a row, which is a franchise record for us. It’s very exciting. It was a great game. Sometimes you have to grind it out defensively, but the defense again did a great job. You have to give most of the credit to the defense for playing from minute 1 to minute 90 at 100 percent.
On diving save to end the first half…
He hit it across the goal and I don’t even know who it was. The ball just got up and kind of floated to the upper 90 and I just did everything I could to get a little tip on it.
On stepping in to play…
It’s been fun. You’ve got to be ready to step in and done the job at any time, which sometimes makes a backup position tough. I was prepared correctly before every game and luckily I’ve been able to extend our win streak.
Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero
It’s a great feeling coming off the bench. I try to do my best and do what Sigi told me and it was a big surprise for me to score those two goals and get the three points. Obviously when you are winning games you want to keep working and doing the same stuff. We tried to jump into the field and just enjoy the game. Try to be honest with us and try to be honest with the team and work hard for each other. We had a great battle today. We scored two goals and we got three points, which was super important for us.
On the second goal…
It was a little touch by the defense and the ball came to me and I just jumped and guided the ball into the net.
On the first goal…
It was a really fast play. I was battling for the ball and when I got the ball I tried to fake one defender and when I looked up I was right in front of the keeper. Then I just tried to put the ball into the net. It was a goal and a big moment for me.
Head Coach Schellas Hyndman
On the five cards issued in the first half…
It is real easy for me to sit here and bicker and complain about the obvious, but I would ask you to take a look at the videos. The first play of the game when Jackson gets taken down by [Tyrone] Marshall on the breakaway, that really sets the tone and the tempo. I challenge you to look at the video, and you come up with your own conclusion.
On the red card to Blas Perez…
I did see it as a 50/50 play, and I don’t think there was anything intentional. It was simply two players going for the ball and it is what it is.
On James Marcelin’s debut in the second half…
He did fine. It was just a difficult game. We needed someone in there for Daniel [Hernandez]. We had choices and we could have gone with a striker, or two strikers. You can appreciate that in the back of my mind, I was wondering if we were going to lose another man. At what point of time do you try and make it a battle?
On some of the positives the team can take away from this game:
I don’t think you ever want to underestimate that there are positive things to come out of games, win or lose. It was just a disappointing event. The players, I was really proud of them for how much they gave. It says a lot about the character of this team. They don’t give up. If we would have played another 45 minutes, they would have given the same effort. The game really gave us an opportunity to work on being a man down.
FC Dallas midfielder James Marcelin
General thoughts on the match… For me personally, I feel good. I feel good that I got in the match, but not too good because of the loss. It was a tough loss for the team, but we really couldn’t do anything about it.
On playing two men down…
It’s so hard to play against a team up two men. The defense is constantly under pressure, trying not to give up any goals. We would have loved to have not given up any goals, but we did well only allowing two.
On the short week, playing Seattle on Wednesday…
We’ve got to move forward and keep positive. If we work hard in practice, we should be able to get a good result against Seattle.
Have you ever played in a match where you were down two men?
No. That was my first time. Coach told us to take the ball to the outsides to attack. [Colorado] already had more players in the middle before the red cards, so we tried to attack on the outsides.
FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd
What was the team’s mentality, playing down two men?
As a team, the biggest thing is to come together. Despite the loss, we showed a lot of character, a lot of our guys who played the full 90 worked exceptionally hard. It’s obviously hard going down two guys. I thought we were resilient. We kept them from scoring a goal for a while but they just managed to break us down eventually. But overall, the team did a good job and showed a lot of fight today.
What did Schellas say at halftime?
He just told us it’s about character. When you go down two guys, the biggest thing is to not give up. You’re in a fight. You’re still trying to get a point. We did well as a team. I think the fans appreciate the hard work we put into the game when the odds were against us. Overall, it’s not the performance we would have liked to put on here at home but given the situation, I thought we fought hard.
What can you take out of today’s game?
The biggest thing we can take from today’s game is character. A lot of guys showed character today and that they’re willing to put in the hard work for this team going into a tough stretch of games.
Colorado head coach Oscar Pareja
General thoughts on the match…
The second half, FC Dallas gave us a lot of difficulties. We couldn’t put in more goals. Now it is a different game when you’re playing a team with two men down, but I have to give all the credit to our players that came up with intelligence and patience and we put the things together. Scoring a goal is not easy when you put in a 4-3-1, which they did. The win was well deserved. Even when we were playing against their 11, we were a much better team than them.
Talk about facing FC Dallas for the first time as an opposing coach…
It’s awkward you know. I spent 14 years here. But that’s the profession. You just have to come in here and do the job. It happened to me as a player. Sometimes you have to go and play against the players you love, the team you love and the city you love. As I said it’s a little awkward, but we came in and did our job.
On the offensive sub at halftime…
This is the challenge that we have. When you have to play as one, it’s normal. We were expecting to play a team that put two forward waiting for a mistake to come at a run at us.
On playing against a team two players down…
When a team is down two you want to score goals because you have two more players. That desperation can become a challenge, but we did a good job. We wanted to put in Conor [Casey] to put in two forwards to have more offensive moments. We did a good job even though they had nine guys. You know you still have to create options.
Colorado defender Drew Moor
On the red card…
His cleat was extended into me. I don’t think he meant any malice in it whatsoever, but it is a scary situation. I hit my head pretty hard and I wanted to be sure that was ok. It was a physical game. It always is when the two of us line up against each other and that’s the way it went tonight.
On playing in Dallas…
You know it’s always tough to come back and play here. Oscar might not tell you he was nervous, but I’ll tell you he was nervous as well. You know this club meant a lot to both of us. And to be able to come in and win three points like this at this point in the season where we had had a dip in form at the end of a three-game week, it’s big. It’s always special. I had a lot of friends and family in the crowd. A lot of friends who supported me when I played for Dallas and continue to support me even when I play with the Rapids, so it’s a special place. I played in over a hundred games here for FC Dallas and it will always be a special place for me. A big part of my heart stays here. It makes it that much sweeter to finally get three points here.
On being captain…
It has been great. You know Pablo [Mastroeni] is still our captain. We see him plenty and we hope nothing but the best for him because he’s going through some scary stuff right now. You don’t want to mess with concussions. I’ve had a few myself and they can be very scary. But I’m always proud to wear the armband. I wore it several times when Pablo Recendez was injured or missing games and it’s always special and it never gets old.
Colorado forward Conor Casey
On getting three points in Dallas…
It felt great. It was a great game to come into being up a couple men. It was good to get a good run in myself and then obviously great for the squad to pick up three points. This was huge for us. With such a long amount of time off, it’s important to go in there feeling good and obviously we are happy with the win and it’s going to make this week more enjoyable for sure.
How did you feel?
I felt great. I felt great. Obviously being up two men makes it a little bit easier. You don’t have to run as much. It was a great game for me to come into with the first chance to get some real good minutes. I feel good about it and I just want to build on it.
On the five cards issued in the first half…
It is real easy for me to sit here and bicker and complain about the obvious, but I would ask you to take a look at the videos. The first play of the game when Jackson gets taken down by [Tyrone] Marshall on the breakaway, that really sets the tone and the tempo. I challenge you to look at the video, and you come up with your own conclusion.
On the red card to Blas Perez…
I did see it as a 50/50 play, and I don’t think there was anything intentional. It was simply two players going for the ball and it is what it is.
On James Marcelin’s debut in the second half…
He did fine. It was just a difficult game. We needed someone in there for Daniel [Hernandez]. We had choices and we could have gone with a striker, or two strikers. You can appreciate that in the back of my mind, I was wondering if we were going to lose another man. At what point of time do you try and make it a battle?
On some of the positives the team can take away from this game:
I don’t think you ever want to underestimate that there are positive things to come out of games, win or lose. It was just a disappointing event. The players, I was really proud of them for how much they gave. It says a lot about the character of this team. They don’t give up. If we would have played another 45 minutes, they would have given the same effort. The game really gave us an opportunity to work on being a man down.
FC Dallas midfielder James Marcelin
General thoughts on the match… For me personally, I feel good. I feel good that I got in the match, but not too good because of the loss. It was a tough loss for the team, but we really couldn’t do anything about it.
On playing two men down…
It’s so hard to play against a team up two men. The defense is constantly under pressure, trying not to give up any goals. We would have loved to have not given up any goals, but we did well only allowing two.
On the short week, playing Seattle on Wednesday…
We’ve got to move forward and keep positive. If we work hard in practice, we should be able to get a good result against Seattle.
Have you ever played in a match where you were down two men?
No. That was my first time. Coach told us to take the ball to the outsides to attack. [Colorado] already had more players in the middle before the red cards, so we tried to attack on the outsides.
FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd
What was the team’s mentality, playing down two men?
As a team, the biggest thing is to come together. Despite the loss, we showed a lot of character, a lot of our guys who played the full 90 worked exceptionally hard. It’s obviously hard going down two guys. I thought we were resilient. We kept them from scoring a goal for a while but they just managed to break us down eventually. But overall, the team did a good job and showed a lot of fight today.
What did Schellas say at halftime?
He just told us it’s about character. When you go down two guys, the biggest thing is to not give up. You’re in a fight. You’re still trying to get a point. We did well as a team. I think the fans appreciate the hard work we put into the game when the odds were against us. Overall, it’s not the performance we would have liked to put on here at home but given the situation, I thought we fought hard.
What can you take out of today’s game?
The biggest thing we can take from today’s game is character. A lot of guys showed character today and that they’re willing to put in the hard work for this team going into a tough stretch of games.
Colorado head coach Oscar Pareja
General thoughts on the match…
The second half, FC Dallas gave us a lot of difficulties. We couldn’t put in more goals. Now it is a different game when you’re playing a team with two men down, but I have to give all the credit to our players that came up with intelligence and patience and we put the things together. Scoring a goal is not easy when you put in a 4-3-1, which they did. The win was well deserved. Even when we were playing against their 11, we were a much better team than them.
Talk about facing FC Dallas for the first time as an opposing coach…
It’s awkward you know. I spent 14 years here. But that’s the profession. You just have to come in here and do the job. It happened to me as a player. Sometimes you have to go and play against the players you love, the team you love and the city you love. As I said it’s a little awkward, but we came in and did our job.
On the offensive sub at halftime…
This is the challenge that we have. When you have to play as one, it’s normal. We were expecting to play a team that put two forward waiting for a mistake to come at a run at us.
On playing against a team two players down…
When a team is down two you want to score goals because you have two more players. That desperation can become a challenge, but we did a good job. We wanted to put in Conor [Casey] to put in two forwards to have more offensive moments. We did a good job even though they had nine guys. You know you still have to create options.
Colorado defender Drew Moor
On the red card…
His cleat was extended into me. I don’t think he meant any malice in it whatsoever, but it is a scary situation. I hit my head pretty hard and I wanted to be sure that was ok. It was a physical game. It always is when the two of us line up against each other and that’s the way it went tonight.
On playing in Dallas…
You know it’s always tough to come back and play here. Oscar might not tell you he was nervous, but I’ll tell you he was nervous as well. You know this club meant a lot to both of us. And to be able to come in and win three points like this at this point in the season where we had had a dip in form at the end of a three-game week, it’s big. It’s always special. I had a lot of friends and family in the crowd. A lot of friends who supported me when I played for Dallas and continue to support me even when I play with the Rapids, so it’s a special place. I played in over a hundred games here for FC Dallas and it will always be a special place for me. A big part of my heart stays here. It makes it that much sweeter to finally get three points here.
On being captain…
It has been great. You know Pablo [Mastroeni] is still our captain. We see him plenty and we hope nothing but the best for him because he’s going through some scary stuff right now. You don’t want to mess with concussions. I’ve had a few myself and they can be very scary. But I’m always proud to wear the armband. I wore it several times when Pablo Recendez was injured or missing games and it’s always special and it never gets old.
Colorado forward Conor Casey
On getting three points in Dallas…
It felt great. It was a great game to come into being up a couple men. It was good to get a good run in myself and then obviously great for the squad to pick up three points. This was huge for us. With such a long amount of time off, it’s important to go in there feeling good and obviously we are happy with the win and it’s going to make this week more enjoyable for sure.
How did you feel?
I felt great. I felt great. Obviously being up two men makes it a little bit easier. You don’t have to run as much. It was a great game for me to come into with the first chance to get some real good minutes. I feel good about it and I just want to build on it.
Zach Loyd continues to deliver solid results
May, 3, 2012
May 3
11:00
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
Zach Loyd is a player that honestly hasn’t been talked about much so far in 2012, but that’s never a bad thing for a defensive guy. The third-year Oklahoma native is one of only two FC Dallas players who has logged every minute so far this year, captain Ugo Ihemelu is the other.
Loyd has one goal and one assist through nine games, solid numbers for a player who Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman had said at the start of the season needed to get forward more. Now the FCD gaffer says the biggest thing for the UNC product is finding that happy medium between when to get forward and when to stay back.
“Absolutely, I think the word you use is balance. It’s one thing to tell a player to get forward and when they’re getting forward and there’s no space, now they’re just occupying space and now they’re not defending,” Hyndman said. “You have to understand a fullback’s No. 1 priority is defending. That’s why they’re fullbacks. I think for us, Zach is figuring out the balance and I think he’s doing a really good job with that.”
The third-year defender has lined up and both right back and left back so far this season and even as the cast surrounding him has been a largely rotating one, things he’s gotten off to a solid start.
“Personally, I think things have gone well. I’ve been able to stay healthy the first nine games. This year was my first year to begin the season with a starting spot and I’ve been able to maintain it,” Loyd said.
However, being the consummate team player, he never wants to delve into much detail about his own play. Instead, he sees thing as he should, how the team as a whole has been faring on the field.
“I think the team has done well considering the injuries we’ve had. We’ve had a different lineup every game,” he said. “We just continue to work here at training and continue to get more familiar with each other and hopefully start picking up some more points here pretty soon and start making a run at things.”
Loyd made news earlier this season when Hyndman announced that the third-year defender had registered the highest score on the club on the beep test, something which led the FCD gaffer to say that the Tulsa native might be the fittest player he’s ever coached.
“Yeah, I think he probably would be. I think he would be one of the more fit players I ever coached,” Hyndman admitted. “I think players like Mark Francis, who played for old SMU teams and was extremely fit. He could do a 10:15 two-mile run. I don’t know if Zach can do a 10:15 two-mile run, but I think Zach can do that beep test maybe a little bit better with the interval, the speed going back and forth. But he definitely is one of the most fit players playing soccer, not just in the league but playing soccer.”
However, it’s not like it’s a big deal for the young defender as he views being in tip top shape as part of the job description that comes with being a professional soccer player.
“Yeah, it’s been part of my game since I was young. I’ve always been taught to work hard and play hard. I think that shows our training staff is doing a great job of working with us, not only on the field but I think part of that is taking care of yourself off the field by recovering right and eating right,” Loyd said. “So I think the most important thing is we have a great training staff here and a great coaching staff. They’ve really been able to work with me and help me out.”
He admits that with the rash of injuries that have beset the FCD roster already in 2012 have definitely affected the back line. But now that the starting back four of Jair Benitez on the left, Ihemelu and George John in the middle along with him on the right, he likes that sense of continuity and comfort that having that unit intact can bring.
“It’s great. We’re real familiar with each other,” Loyd said. “We’re really comfortable with each other. I think the biggest thing is we’re really confident in each other. We rely on each other that if one guy makes a mistake, the other guy’s there to clean it up. Being confident and having that familiarity with each other in a back line is huge, especially communication wise, we can read each other. I think as the season goes on, you’re going to see a stronger and stronger back line.”
And like the rest of his teammates, he’s looking forward to Sunday, when FCD will return to the field to face Colorado for the first time since ex-Dallas player and assistant coach Oscar Pareja became their head coach.
“I think it will be great. It will be good to see him again. Everybody’s excited that he got the head coaching job at Colorado,” Loyd said. “I know he will be pumped up and excited to play us. There won’t be any bad feelings or anything. It’s going to be good to see each other and look forward to playing our first game against him."
Loyd has one goal and one assist through nine games, solid numbers for a player who Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman had said at the start of the season needed to get forward more. Now the FCD gaffer says the biggest thing for the UNC product is finding that happy medium between when to get forward and when to stay back.
“Absolutely, I think the word you use is balance. It’s one thing to tell a player to get forward and when they’re getting forward and there’s no space, now they’re just occupying space and now they’re not defending,” Hyndman said. “You have to understand a fullback’s No. 1 priority is defending. That’s why they’re fullbacks. I think for us, Zach is figuring out the balance and I think he’s doing a really good job with that.”
The third-year defender has lined up and both right back and left back so far this season and even as the cast surrounding him has been a largely rotating one, things he’s gotten off to a solid start.
“Personally, I think things have gone well. I’ve been able to stay healthy the first nine games. This year was my first year to begin the season with a starting spot and I’ve been able to maintain it,” Loyd said.
However, being the consummate team player, he never wants to delve into much detail about his own play. Instead, he sees thing as he should, how the team as a whole has been faring on the field.
“I think the team has done well considering the injuries we’ve had. We’ve had a different lineup every game,” he said. “We just continue to work here at training and continue to get more familiar with each other and hopefully start picking up some more points here pretty soon and start making a run at things.”
Loyd made news earlier this season when Hyndman announced that the third-year defender had registered the highest score on the club on the beep test, something which led the FCD gaffer to say that the Tulsa native might be the fittest player he’s ever coached.
“Yeah, I think he probably would be. I think he would be one of the more fit players I ever coached,” Hyndman admitted. “I think players like Mark Francis, who played for old SMU teams and was extremely fit. He could do a 10:15 two-mile run. I don’t know if Zach can do a 10:15 two-mile run, but I think Zach can do that beep test maybe a little bit better with the interval, the speed going back and forth. But he definitely is one of the most fit players playing soccer, not just in the league but playing soccer.”
However, it’s not like it’s a big deal for the young defender as he views being in tip top shape as part of the job description that comes with being a professional soccer player.
“Yeah, it’s been part of my game since I was young. I’ve always been taught to work hard and play hard. I think that shows our training staff is doing a great job of working with us, not only on the field but I think part of that is taking care of yourself off the field by recovering right and eating right,” Loyd said. “So I think the most important thing is we have a great training staff here and a great coaching staff. They’ve really been able to work with me and help me out.”
He admits that with the rash of injuries that have beset the FCD roster already in 2012 have definitely affected the back line. But now that the starting back four of Jair Benitez on the left, Ihemelu and George John in the middle along with him on the right, he likes that sense of continuity and comfort that having that unit intact can bring.
“It’s great. We’re real familiar with each other,” Loyd said. “We’re really comfortable with each other. I think the biggest thing is we’re really confident in each other. We rely on each other that if one guy makes a mistake, the other guy’s there to clean it up. Being confident and having that familiarity with each other in a back line is huge, especially communication wise, we can read each other. I think as the season goes on, you’re going to see a stronger and stronger back line.”
And like the rest of his teammates, he’s looking forward to Sunday, when FCD will return to the field to face Colorado for the first time since ex-Dallas player and assistant coach Oscar Pareja became their head coach.
“I think it will be great. It will be good to see him again. Everybody’s excited that he got the head coaching job at Colorado,” Loyd said. “I know he will be pumped up and excited to play us. There won’t be any bad feelings or anything. It’s going to be good to see each other and look forward to playing our first game against him."
Schellas Hyndman gets desired back line reaction
May, 1, 2012
May 1
11:14
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
One thing about FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman is that he’s never afraid to challenge his players. He did exactly that, asking his back line to play with a bit more bite in Saturday’s match with defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles at the Home Depot Center.
FCD responded, being whistled for 14 fouls, which is short of their season-high of 17 against Montreal on April 14. The Impact are one of the most whistled clubs in MLS, so that’s understandable. But seeing his guys respond in similar fashion against the star-studded Galaxy definitely brought a smile to the gaffer’s face.
“One of the things that we were talking about before the game was guys, our defenders are good but sometimes they’re a little bit too nice," Hyndman said. "Defenders on opposition really kick the living daylights out of our forwards, so I told them not to be so nice. Get a little bit more physical, be courageous and have an agenda. Your agenda’s to not get turned and not to let your man get a shot off. I think the guys took it serious, so it was good.”
FCD responded, being whistled for 14 fouls, which is short of their season-high of 17 against Montreal on April 14. The Impact are one of the most whistled clubs in MLS, so that’s understandable. But seeing his guys respond in similar fashion against the star-studded Galaxy definitely brought a smile to the gaffer’s face.
“One of the things that we were talking about before the game was guys, our defenders are good but sometimes they’re a little bit too nice," Hyndman said. "Defenders on opposition really kick the living daylights out of our forwards, so I told them not to be so nice. Get a little bit more physical, be courageous and have an agenda. Your agenda’s to not get turned and not to let your man get a shot off. I think the guys took it serious, so it was good.”
Match photos: Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
9:39
AM CT
By Matthew Visinsky | ESPNDallas.com
Photos from the game between Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas.
Here's a direct link to the photos is you'er having trouble seeing them here.
Schellas Hyndman talks Vancouver Whitecaps
April, 18, 2012
Apr 18
1:05
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
Now that FC Dallas completed their two-game homestand with the full six points, Schellas Hyndman’s club will hit the road for a third time this season later this week, leaving on Thursday for Vancouver in advance of Saturday’s meeting with the Whitecaps at BC Place. Here’s the gaffer addressing several Vancouver-related subjects after Monday’s practice.
General thoughts on the Whitecaps
Hyndman: I saw Vancouver at Disney and I was really impressed with them. I was wow, what a good team, a good team. You talk about player-to-player, positions, roster, substitution, bench, you look everywhere on the field, they’re a good, good team. They’re playing a home Wednesday night and then they’re playing us at home. The Kansas City game’s going to be a tough game for them but Kansas City’s 6-0 and I think they very well could be the team to beat them. They’re a solid team. For us going in with us being banged up, I’m glad we don’t have a weekday game. We’ll have those games coming up later but I’m really impressed with what they’ve done with their team.
On what makes Sebastien Le Toux such a tough player to account for on the field
Hyndman: Le Toux historically started off as a defender. So he’s got that defensive mentality of courageousness, first to the ball, strong in the air, physical. You add those qualities as a striker-first to the ball, strong in the air, physical and then you add on the fact that he’s probably one of the most fit players in the league. He just runs up and down. We did the yo-yo 2 test the other day and Zach Loyd finished incredibly high, 31. I think the league is like 22 on average and I think the Premier League’s like 23. So 31, unbelievable. I bring that up because I think if Le Toux is running with Zach, I think they’d be very similar. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. We’re shocked that Philadelphia moved him.
On what he sees different in Eric Hassli this year compared to last, his first in MLS
Hyndman: Yeah, one of the best strikers in the league, not only in holding the ball, distributing the ball but just a pure finisher and he’s got the size to go with it. Very, very dangerous player and now you put him and Le Toux together and then you’ve got Camilo [Sanvezzo] and the other boy. They’ve got a very good strike force, I think one of the best in the league. Of course, we were the team that beat them last year at home. It was also the [site of the] injury to David Ferreira [in 2011], so there’s a lot of sidebars going on here.
On former FCD midfielder/forward Atiba Harris
Hyndman: Great player, we loved Atiba. Hard worker, they’ve got him as a big, strong striker with Hassli. I don’t know what this brings. I’m sure in their coaching mentality and their management mentality, it’s you need more than two strikers of quality. I think with Atiba, he may be having some flare-ups with his knee every once in a while but we really like him. I think he’s a hard player, aggressive, strong and maturing into a good striker.
On Vancouver’s No.1 goalkeeper Joe Cannon
Hyndman: A difficult guy to play against, got great experience, a solid keeper. The thing with Joe Cannon is if you’re going to score on him, you’re going to have to beat him. He’s not a keeper that’s going to beat himself. With Vancouver having so much of a strike force, all teams have something to give up and I think what Joe Cannon has been able to do is organize their defense and make them a very difficult team to score against.
General thoughts on the Whitecaps
Hyndman: I saw Vancouver at Disney and I was really impressed with them. I was wow, what a good team, a good team. You talk about player-to-player, positions, roster, substitution, bench, you look everywhere on the field, they’re a good, good team. They’re playing a home Wednesday night and then they’re playing us at home. The Kansas City game’s going to be a tough game for them but Kansas City’s 6-0 and I think they very well could be the team to beat them. They’re a solid team. For us going in with us being banged up, I’m glad we don’t have a weekday game. We’ll have those games coming up later but I’m really impressed with what they’ve done with their team.
On what makes Sebastien Le Toux such a tough player to account for on the field
Hyndman: Le Toux historically started off as a defender. So he’s got that defensive mentality of courageousness, first to the ball, strong in the air, physical. You add those qualities as a striker-first to the ball, strong in the air, physical and then you add on the fact that he’s probably one of the most fit players in the league. He just runs up and down. We did the yo-yo 2 test the other day and Zach Loyd finished incredibly high, 31. I think the league is like 22 on average and I think the Premier League’s like 23. So 31, unbelievable. I bring that up because I think if Le Toux is running with Zach, I think they’d be very similar. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. We’re shocked that Philadelphia moved him.
On what he sees different in Eric Hassli this year compared to last, his first in MLS
Hyndman: Yeah, one of the best strikers in the league, not only in holding the ball, distributing the ball but just a pure finisher and he’s got the size to go with it. Very, very dangerous player and now you put him and Le Toux together and then you’ve got Camilo [Sanvezzo] and the other boy. They’ve got a very good strike force, I think one of the best in the league. Of course, we were the team that beat them last year at home. It was also the [site of the] injury to David Ferreira [in 2011], so there’s a lot of sidebars going on here.
On former FCD midfielder/forward Atiba Harris
Hyndman: Great player, we loved Atiba. Hard worker, they’ve got him as a big, strong striker with Hassli. I don’t know what this brings. I’m sure in their coaching mentality and their management mentality, it’s you need more than two strikers of quality. I think with Atiba, he may be having some flare-ups with his knee every once in a while but we really like him. I think he’s a hard player, aggressive, strong and maturing into a good striker.
On Vancouver’s No.1 goalkeeper Joe Cannon
Hyndman: A difficult guy to play against, got great experience, a solid keeper. The thing with Joe Cannon is if you’re going to score on him, you’re going to have to beat him. He’s not a keeper that’s going to beat himself. With Vancouver having so much of a strike force, all teams have something to give up and I think what Joe Cannon has been able to do is organize their defense and make them a very difficult team to score against.
Schellas Hyndman loves for FCD players to embrace opportunity
April, 11, 2012
Apr 11
10:46
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
By his nature, Schellas Hyndman is a glass half-full kind of guy. So even as his FC Dallas team is currently rocked by injuries to guys like 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira and Ricardo Villar, who has been filling in for Ferreira at the No. 10 spot, as well as several other, instead of lamenting his team’s current lack of depth, Hyndman looks at it a bit differently.
For example, were it not for Villar’s injury in Thursday’s 1-0 win over New England, then right back Zach Loyd likely wouldn’t have been able to step up in the 95th minute to take the free kick that captain Ugo Ihemelu got on the end of for the game-winner. But Loyd isn’t the only FCD player to embrace such an unexpected opportunity. In fact, a majority of Dallas players have done so thus far in the season and that’s music to the ears of their head coach.
“I think what ends up happening is it’s not just [Loyd on free kicks] but having Villar out, you’ve got Fabian [Castillo] now taking corner kicks. There’s a lot of good things,” Hyndman said. “The nice thing with this team is when the opportunity comes for players to step up, majority of the time they do. That’s what’s going to make us a successful team."
For example, were it not for Villar’s injury in Thursday’s 1-0 win over New England, then right back Zach Loyd likely wouldn’t have been able to step up in the 95th minute to take the free kick that captain Ugo Ihemelu got on the end of for the game-winner. But Loyd isn’t the only FCD player to embrace such an unexpected opportunity. In fact, a majority of Dallas players have done so thus far in the season and that’s music to the ears of their head coach.
“I think what ends up happening is it’s not just [Loyd on free kicks] but having Villar out, you’ve got Fabian [Castillo] now taking corner kicks. There’s a lot of good things,” Hyndman said. “The nice thing with this team is when the opportunity comes for players to step up, majority of the time they do. That’s what’s going to make us a successful team."
Scoring Summary:
DAL – Ugo Ihemelu (Zach Loyd) 95+
FC Dallas – Kevin Hartman, Zach Loyd, Ugo Ihemelu, George John (Matt Hedges 71), Hernan Pertuz, Brek Shea, Ricardo Villar (Bobby Warshaw 66), Andrew Jacobson, Carlos Rodriguez, Fabian Castillo, Blas Perez.
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Seitz, Bruno Guarda, Bryan Leyva, Andrew Wiedeman, Ruben Luna.
TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (Brek Shea 4);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 4 (Brek Shea 2);
FOULS: 12 (Blas Perez 3);
OFFSIDES: 0;
CORNER KICKS: 5 (Fabian Castillo 3);
SAVES: 5 (Kevin Hartman 5).
New England Revolution – Matt Reis, Florian Lechner, A.J. Soares, Stephen McCarthy, Chris Tierney, Kelyn Rowe, Clyde Simms (Pepe Moreno 79), Shalrie Joseph, Lee Nguyen, Saer Sene (Fernando Cardenas 65), Ryan Guy (Jeremiah White 88).
Substitutes Not Used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Darrius Barnes, Diego Fagundez, Jose Moreno, Alec Purdie.
TOTAL SHOTS: 7 (Kelyn Rowe, Lee Nguyen 3);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (Kelyn Rowe 3);
FOULS: 4 (four players with one);
OFFSIDES: 2 (Ryan Guy, Saer Sene 1);
CORNER KICKS: 2 (Kelyn Rowe 2);
SAVES: 3 (Matt Reis 3)
Misconduct Summary:
NE – Shalrie Joseph (caution; reckless foul) 62
NE – Chris Tierney (caution; reckless foul) 80
Referee: Juan Guzman
Referee’s Assistants: Ian Anderson, Adam Garner
4th Official: Bladomero Toledo
Time of Game: 2:01
Weather: Clear, 72 degrees
DAL – Ugo Ihemelu (Zach Loyd) 95+
FC Dallas – Kevin Hartman, Zach Loyd, Ugo Ihemelu, George John (Matt Hedges 71), Hernan Pertuz, Brek Shea, Ricardo Villar (Bobby Warshaw 66), Andrew Jacobson, Carlos Rodriguez, Fabian Castillo, Blas Perez.
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Seitz, Bruno Guarda, Bryan Leyva, Andrew Wiedeman, Ruben Luna.
TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (Brek Shea 4);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 4 (Brek Shea 2);
FOULS: 12 (Blas Perez 3);
OFFSIDES: 0;
CORNER KICKS: 5 (Fabian Castillo 3);
SAVES: 5 (Kevin Hartman 5).
New England Revolution – Matt Reis, Florian Lechner, A.J. Soares, Stephen McCarthy, Chris Tierney, Kelyn Rowe, Clyde Simms (Pepe Moreno 79), Shalrie Joseph, Lee Nguyen, Saer Sene (Fernando Cardenas 65), Ryan Guy (Jeremiah White 88).
Substitutes Not Used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Darrius Barnes, Diego Fagundez, Jose Moreno, Alec Purdie.
TOTAL SHOTS: 7 (Kelyn Rowe, Lee Nguyen 3);
SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (Kelyn Rowe 3);
FOULS: 4 (four players with one);
OFFSIDES: 2 (Ryan Guy, Saer Sene 1);
CORNER KICKS: 2 (Kelyn Rowe 2);
SAVES: 3 (Matt Reis 3)
Misconduct Summary:
NE – Shalrie Joseph (caution; reckless foul) 62
NE – Chris Tierney (caution; reckless foul) 80
Referee: Juan Guzman
Referee’s Assistants: Ian Anderson, Adam Garner
4th Official: Bladomero Toledo
Time of Game: 2:01
Weather: Clear, 72 degrees
A theory why FCD closed practice on Wednesday
April, 5, 2012
Apr 5
11:34
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas closed their Wednesday training session on the stadium field to the media, which has many speculating on what sort of lineup Schellas Hyndman will run out on Thursday night against the New England Revolution.
Here’s one such theory and an idea that seems to have some legs to it.
FCD Rolls Out in a 4-4-2
Analysis:
This 4-4-2 would feature Blas Perez and the now healthy Fabian Castillo up top. Shea would play to the right flank with basically left side only Carlos Rodriguez where he could better handle things. Jacobson would slide from linking to holding mid with ex-captain Daniel Hernandez serving a suspension for getting a pair of yellows in last Friday’s 4-1 loss at D.C. United. Ricardo Villar would of course occupy the No. 10 spot.
In the back, Hernan Pertuz would slide over from center back to fill in for Jair Benitez, who is also suspended, at left back while George John returns to a starting role alongside current captain Ugo Ihemelu with Zach Loyd in his normal spot on the right side. Of course, Hartman would return to his usual place between the posts for FCD.
Pros
Pairing Perez and Castillo together up top could wreak considerable havoc on the Revs back line, especially with Castillo’s pace and Perez’s precision in and around the net. Shea can handle the right, and actually really likes it there cause he can cut inside easier, while putting Rodriguez on the left will make him the most comfortable.
As for the defense, Pertuz wasn’t a bad fill in at left back at Kansas City when Benitez moved to left mid and is a serviceable solution there at least for now. However, it’s most likely he only starts there for one game because that job looks to be Benitez’s to lose and recent lack of emotional intelligence aside, he still sits in good stead with Hyndman.
Getting the John and Ihemelu tandem back together in the middle can never be a bad thing, especially considering the strong chemistry they have displayed during their time playing together with FCD over the last few years. Maybe having that dependable duo in the middle could also help Loyd out a bit, who comes into Thursday’s game after one of the tougher performances of his short MLS career.
Cons
The biggest con with this potential formation switch could center around Jacobson. It’s no big secret that he’s been an absolute turnover machine in the middle of the park for FCD early in the season and that he hasn’t been anywhere near the player he was for much of last year, even while he was battling his way through a knee issue.
But if that good Jacobson can return to the pitch for Dallas, then this 4-4-2 has a legitimate chance of working. If the evil goateed A.J. that has been the norm so far this year is again in the building, this switch may just be doomed from the start. Jacobson can handle the responsibilities associated with being the defensive mid, but his distribution obviously has to be much better in the 4-4-2 because there will be no safety valve in Hernandez behind him should he make a bad pass in the middle third of the pitch.
Maybe one theory in play with Jacobson this year, and it might not be one Hyndman or FCD fans want to hear, is maybe A.J. is a one year player. Look at his career to date. He spent one season in D.C. and another in Philadelphia before they decided to let him go. United left him exposed in the 2009 Expansion Draft and the Union didn’t seem all to broken up to ship him off to FCD last preseason. Maybe these are both cases of mere coincidence, but then again it happening two times makes it anything but a fluke. I'm just speculating but perhaps it’s something to consider.
While one hates to put so much pressure on one player, there’s no doubt that tomorrow night’s game should FCD roll out in the 4-4-2 could very well hinge on the central midfield and how well Jacobson plays. If he and Villar can work well together, then it could be a great night for Dallas supporters. But if not, it will be another result to file in the ever-growing file of games to forget about in very short order.
Here’s one such theory and an idea that seems to have some legs to it.
FCD Rolls Out in a 4-4-2
|
Blas Perez |
Fabian Castillo | ||
| Carlos Rodriguez | Andrew Jacobson | Ricardo Villar | Brek Shea |
| Hernan Pertuz | Ugo Ihemelu | George John | Zach Loyd |
|
Kevin Hartman |
|||
This 4-4-2 would feature Blas Perez and the now healthy Fabian Castillo up top. Shea would play to the right flank with basically left side only Carlos Rodriguez where he could better handle things. Jacobson would slide from linking to holding mid with ex-captain Daniel Hernandez serving a suspension for getting a pair of yellows in last Friday’s 4-1 loss at D.C. United. Ricardo Villar would of course occupy the No. 10 spot.
In the back, Hernan Pertuz would slide over from center back to fill in for Jair Benitez, who is also suspended, at left back while George John returns to a starting role alongside current captain Ugo Ihemelu with Zach Loyd in his normal spot on the right side. Of course, Hartman would return to his usual place between the posts for FCD.
Pros
Pairing Perez and Castillo together up top could wreak considerable havoc on the Revs back line, especially with Castillo’s pace and Perez’s precision in and around the net. Shea can handle the right, and actually really likes it there cause he can cut inside easier, while putting Rodriguez on the left will make him the most comfortable.
As for the defense, Pertuz wasn’t a bad fill in at left back at Kansas City when Benitez moved to left mid and is a serviceable solution there at least for now. However, it’s most likely he only starts there for one game because that job looks to be Benitez’s to lose and recent lack of emotional intelligence aside, he still sits in good stead with Hyndman.
Getting the John and Ihemelu tandem back together in the middle can never be a bad thing, especially considering the strong chemistry they have displayed during their time playing together with FCD over the last few years. Maybe having that dependable duo in the middle could also help Loyd out a bit, who comes into Thursday’s game after one of the tougher performances of his short MLS career.
Cons
The biggest con with this potential formation switch could center around Jacobson. It’s no big secret that he’s been an absolute turnover machine in the middle of the park for FCD early in the season and that he hasn’t been anywhere near the player he was for much of last year, even while he was battling his way through a knee issue.
But if that good Jacobson can return to the pitch for Dallas, then this 4-4-2 has a legitimate chance of working. If the evil goateed A.J. that has been the norm so far this year is again in the building, this switch may just be doomed from the start. Jacobson can handle the responsibilities associated with being the defensive mid, but his distribution obviously has to be much better in the 4-4-2 because there will be no safety valve in Hernandez behind him should he make a bad pass in the middle third of the pitch.
Maybe one theory in play with Jacobson this year, and it might not be one Hyndman or FCD fans want to hear, is maybe A.J. is a one year player. Look at his career to date. He spent one season in D.C. and another in Philadelphia before they decided to let him go. United left him exposed in the 2009 Expansion Draft and the Union didn’t seem all to broken up to ship him off to FCD last preseason. Maybe these are both cases of mere coincidence, but then again it happening two times makes it anything but a fluke. I'm just speculating but perhaps it’s something to consider.
While one hates to put so much pressure on one player, there’s no doubt that tomorrow night’s game should FCD roll out in the 4-4-2 could very well hinge on the central midfield and how well Jacobson plays. If he and Villar can work well together, then it could be a great night for Dallas supporters. But if not, it will be another result to file in the ever-growing file of games to forget about in very short order.
Monday Morning Gaffer: Portland Timbers at FC Dallas
March, 18, 2012
Mar 18
4:19
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas went into this game missing a bunch of pieces, David Ferreira still hurt, Break Shea out with the U23s, and Fabian Castillo banged up. George John still hasn’t regained his starting spot but that may be close to happening now.
I don’t think you can under sell what a big addition Blas Perez has been. He’s exactly the kind of high striker FCD has needed. Ability to hold the ball, positioning in the box, laying the ball off to attacking midfielders, defense form the front… everything FCD needed.
Zach Loyd has been terrific this year and continues his great form in this game. He’s amazingly fit and is getting down the field even late in games.
I like what I’m seeing from Ricardo Villar in the David Ferreira spot. Villar is linking play well, getting into good spots in the final third, holding for transition, and earning fouls in dangerous spots. I’m beginning to think he might make a good linking mid when Ferreira comes back, giving Jacobson a challenge.
Fantastic for Leyva to get his first start, I thought he was solid, even getting in on the goal. Leyva’s sub was about the dangerous crosses and getting a defender into the game, you can see Hyndman say that to him and gesture to the defensive end. Still, that has to be a gutting blow to the kid, I was afraid for a second he might tear up.
Andrew Jacobson for me was a bit hit or miss in this one. He had some solid play defensively, helping clog the midfield, but didn’t add a lot going forward. I’d like to see more box penetration and long range shooting from him.
2 games, 2 starts for Daniel Hernandez... I know the season is young but if he starts all 34 games FCD is going to have a big problem.
No Tan Bueno (not so good)
I’ve long admitted to not being a fan of Jair Benitez’s game, he takes to many risks for me and relays on his pace to recover. As he ages, and he’s not young at 33, that strategy won’t work as his pace diminishes. His form this year isn’t great and I hope this isn’t the beginning of the end. He’s been outplayed in back to back games by both Carlos Rodriguez and Hernan Pertuz was subbed in the first game and shifted to midfield in this one. It won’t shock me to see George John back in the starting lineup with Pertuz wid lefte in the next game.
The fact FCD played the 2nd half with two outside backs at wide midfield (Jair Benitez and Carlos Rodriguez) clearly demonstrates a roster problem. There simply isn’t enough wide mids on the roster. Shea is missing, Castillo hurt, Scott Sealy, who can play there, is banged up… SH clearly has no faith in Andrew Wiedeman. That’s how you end up with Bryan Leyva, who is traditionally more a central player, out wide in the first half and two defenders in the 2nd. FCD needs to find at least one more wide mid Hyndman can actually feel good about putting in a game. Someone like Eric Alexander maybe… oops.
It was a good result for us considering we were without three of our most important attacking phase players: Fabian Castillo, Brek Shea and David Ferreira. I was really pleased with the effort the boys put in. I was very happy we fought all the way to the last second. – FCD Head Coach Schellas HyndmanEl Bueno (The Good)
I don’t think you can under sell what a big addition Blas Perez has been. He’s exactly the kind of high striker FCD has needed. Ability to hold the ball, positioning in the box, laying the ball off to attacking midfielders, defense form the front… everything FCD needed.
Zach Loyd has been terrific this year and continues his great form in this game. He’s amazingly fit and is getting down the field even late in games.
I like what I’m seeing from Ricardo Villar in the David Ferreira spot. Villar is linking play well, getting into good spots in the final third, holding for transition, and earning fouls in dangerous spots. I’m beginning to think he might make a good linking mid when Ferreira comes back, giving Jacobson a challenge.
I felt we started off well, thought the first 20-25 minutes we did a lot of things right. Ricardo was getting a lot of touches on the ball. - HyndmanEl Camino Central (Middle of the Road)
Fantastic for Leyva to get his first start, I thought he was solid, even getting in on the goal. Leyva’s sub was about the dangerous crosses and getting a defender into the game, you can see Hyndman say that to him and gesture to the defensive end. Still, that has to be a gutting blow to the kid, I was afraid for a second he might tear up.
He’s a Homegrown player. He has been with us three years and this is the first time he played any minutes. We all felt like he did a very good job, but we may not be able to dodge that bullet if we did not get George John on the field. - Hyndman
Andrew Jacobson for me was a bit hit or miss in this one. He had some solid play defensively, helping clog the midfield, but didn’t add a lot going forward. I’d like to see more box penetration and long range shooting from him.
2 games, 2 starts for Daniel Hernandez... I know the season is young but if he starts all 34 games FCD is going to have a big problem.
No Tan Bueno (not so good)
I’ve long admitted to not being a fan of Jair Benitez’s game, he takes to many risks for me and relays on his pace to recover. As he ages, and he’s not young at 33, that strategy won’t work as his pace diminishes. His form this year isn’t great and I hope this isn’t the beginning of the end. He’s been outplayed in back to back games by both Carlos Rodriguez and Hernan Pertuz was subbed in the first game and shifted to midfield in this one. It won’t shock me to see George John back in the starting lineup with Pertuz wid lefte in the next game.
The fact FCD played the 2nd half with two outside backs at wide midfield (Jair Benitez and Carlos Rodriguez) clearly demonstrates a roster problem. There simply isn’t enough wide mids on the roster. Shea is missing, Castillo hurt, Scott Sealy, who can play there, is banged up… SH clearly has no faith in Andrew Wiedeman. That’s how you end up with Bryan Leyva, who is traditionally more a central player, out wide in the first half and two defenders in the 2nd. FCD needs to find at least one more wide mid Hyndman can actually feel good about putting in a game. Someone like Eric Alexander maybe… oops.
I just think we are very thin right now. I didn’t want to put a player late in the game and have him try and get into the rhythm of the game. That is why we only used one substitution. - Hyndman
FC Dallas hosts Portland on Saturday night
March, 16, 2012
Mar 16
5:54
PM CT
By ESPN.com wire services
The Portland Timbers getting 2012 off to a strong start at home didn't come as a surprise.
Finding success on the road would be a welcome change.
Portland opens its road schedule Saturday night when it visits FC Dallas for the first time since being handed its heaviest defeat in MLS.
The Timbers (1-0-0) scored three unanswered goals to rally for a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia on Monday, opening the year with a strong effort at a sold-out JELD-WEN Field, where they went 9-5-3 last year as an expansion club.
Success away from their raucous home was fleeting in 2011, as they posted a 2-9-6 record that was a major reason they finished four points out of a playoff spot.
That discrepancy was clear in Portland's two meetings with Dallas (1-0-0), a 3-2 home win April 17 and a 4-0 road loss June 25 that was its most lopsided defeat of the season.
"We've got to play well on the road," coach John Spencer told the team's official website. "I think we're a little bit more mature this year, hopefully, and I'd like to see us go down to Dallas and put on a similar type of performance."
After a stop in Dallas, the Timbers visit New England next Saturday.
Continued production from Kris Boyd may be just what Portland needs to find that road success. The star forward scored the winner against the Union, heading in a cross from Kalif Alhassan in his Timbers debut.
He's expected to be a force up top, having finished his career in his native Scotland as the Premier League's all-time leading scorer with 164 goals with Kilmarnock and Glasgow Rangers.
A newcomer also has Dallas looking to build on an impressive start, as Blas Perez assisted on goals by Zach Loyd and Ricardo Villar in a 2-1 victory over New York on Sunday.
The Costa Rican forward will be relied upon again since Dallas is dealing with the extended absence of star midfielder Brek Shea, who is with the United States Under-23 team as it prepares for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament later this month.
Shea had a goal in each of the two meetings with Portland last season.
Fabian Castillo's status is also unclear after the forward exited in the first half Sunday with a knee injury.
"He got a pretty good hit on the inside of his knee. My first thoughts are a knee contusion or maybe a strained ligament," Hyndman told the team's official website. "He's a very good young player. As he continues to mature, he'll make better decisions."
Dallas made three signings this week, inking forwards Luis Perea and Scott Sealy and defender Alex Lee, a supplemental draft pick out of Maryland.
Perea is expected to have a more prominent role than Sealy -- a journeyman -- and Lee.
The son of former Colombian national team defender Luis Carlos Perea, Perea was most recently with Peru's Universidad San Martin de Porres before the club folded earlier this month.
His most successful spell came in 2010, when he had 22 goals in 36 games for Leon de Huanuco in the Peruvian Primera Division.
Finding success on the road would be a welcome change.
Portland opens its road schedule Saturday night when it visits FC Dallas for the first time since being handed its heaviest defeat in MLS.
The Timbers (1-0-0) scored three unanswered goals to rally for a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia on Monday, opening the year with a strong effort at a sold-out JELD-WEN Field, where they went 9-5-3 last year as an expansion club.
Success away from their raucous home was fleeting in 2011, as they posted a 2-9-6 record that was a major reason they finished four points out of a playoff spot.
That discrepancy was clear in Portland's two meetings with Dallas (1-0-0), a 3-2 home win April 17 and a 4-0 road loss June 25 that was its most lopsided defeat of the season.
"We've got to play well on the road," coach John Spencer told the team's official website. "I think we're a little bit more mature this year, hopefully, and I'd like to see us go down to Dallas and put on a similar type of performance."
After a stop in Dallas, the Timbers visit New England next Saturday.
Continued production from Kris Boyd may be just what Portland needs to find that road success. The star forward scored the winner against the Union, heading in a cross from Kalif Alhassan in his Timbers debut.
He's expected to be a force up top, having finished his career in his native Scotland as the Premier League's all-time leading scorer with 164 goals with Kilmarnock and Glasgow Rangers.
A newcomer also has Dallas looking to build on an impressive start, as Blas Perez assisted on goals by Zach Loyd and Ricardo Villar in a 2-1 victory over New York on Sunday.
The Costa Rican forward will be relied upon again since Dallas is dealing with the extended absence of star midfielder Brek Shea, who is with the United States Under-23 team as it prepares for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament later this month.
Shea had a goal in each of the two meetings with Portland last season.
Fabian Castillo's status is also unclear after the forward exited in the first half Sunday with a knee injury.
"He got a pretty good hit on the inside of his knee. My first thoughts are a knee contusion or maybe a strained ligament," Hyndman told the team's official website. "He's a very good young player. As he continues to mature, he'll make better decisions."
Dallas made three signings this week, inking forwards Luis Perea and Scott Sealy and defender Alex Lee, a supplemental draft pick out of Maryland.
Perea is expected to have a more prominent role than Sealy -- a journeyman -- and Lee.
The son of former Colombian national team defender Luis Carlos Perea, Perea was most recently with Peru's Universidad San Martin de Porres before the club folded earlier this month.
His most successful spell came in 2010, when he had 22 goals in 36 games for Leon de Huanuco in the Peruvian Primera Division.
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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