Game Grades FC Dallas v RSL
May 22nd, 2007 . 9:15 am . By: Peter WelptonThe following admittedly contains criticism. Let it not go unnoticed that FC Dallas just pulled nine points from three matches in a week’s time, with two of those on the road. Someone with more time on their hands might research and find out if a Dallas side has ever done something that impressive. Now, I’m about to fall into the tornado of debate over Carlos, but here I go. FC Dallas needs to get what they can for Mr. Ruiz while he still has some value, if in fact he still does. Carlos’ performance was epically sad in Sunday’s win over RSL. It really does not matter if Carlos just does not have the game anymore, if his attitude isn’t right, suffering from injury or if the rest of the league has figured him out. What matters is that he is not, and has not for a long time, been productive. While watching the game several friends all commented on their frustrations with Ruiz. Having been resistant to these arguments – feeling that Ruiz would eventually find his form and be everything that is expected from him – the time has come to admit that he just is killing space and not making much of his salary and particularly with the burden his personality puts on the squad. I’m calling the shot now, but maybe time is on Hitch’s side. We are about to get a lot more data about this team without Carlos. He is suspended from the next match and then is expected to report to his national team for the Gold Cup. Morrow is about to get a solid measurement of Ruiz’s importance, and, his trade value. While Ruiz is away Morrow can address the other issue that is Kenny Cooper, Jr. KCjr is one stubborn young man. He is convinced that he is a finesse ball handler. This, along with the formation, seems to always put KCjr in his worst place on the field – outside the box by the corner flag. For a 200+ lb, 6′3″ kid he needs to be in the box, using his strength and scoring sense. Outside the box he is forced to use his secondary talents and those are not resulting in regular scoring opportunities. You can see Morrow’s bald head turn red every time Kenny dribbles himself into the corner. One can hope in Ruiz’s absence Cooper is put in the target player position where all of his primary abilities and size can be best used. Again, one can only hope. What else was learned from the 2-1 win on Sunday against Real Salt Lake is the team appears to be more dangerous and mixes up their attack when they have someone up top with some speed. Oduro’s swift game was the most dangerous tool for FCD and when he was subbed out for Cooper in the 2nd half, the attack all but came to a crashing halt. Dom was unlucky to not score and he just tortured Forko all night long. The midfield continues to gel and find themselves, but not enough praise can be heaped at the feet of Toja. This kid is the best two-way midfielder in MLS. His all around skill of passing, defending and tackling is beyond comparison. If every FCD player put out the effort this guy does, well, the resulting sweetness would just plain hurt. Toja’s greatness can be summed up by recalling the play where he made a pass towards the touch line in hopes that Gbandi would find it. There was a miscommunication and rather than let it roll out (as Chris did) he sprinted, slid, saved the ball and then magically beat two defenders as he went into the box and made a solid pass across the face of goal that sadly found no one. Don’t get me started on his attack stopping slide tackle, 360 spin to regain possession on the edge of his penalty area. All praise Toja and his Led Zeppelin wig. Sala had another solid match and, yes, his kicking has been much better the last two games. Make no mistake, anyone that is a fan of FCD must also be a fan of Dario. The only other player who has worn his love for Dallas on his sleeve was Pareja. The backline continues perform more solidly than their collective youth would suggest, but there are the odd fumbles and mental lapses result in things like Yi’s shirt tug/penalty kick. Solid props and credit to Arturo and Chris for both of their stellar goals. While Chris’ was self-admittedly a “shot in the dark” that hit the most perfect spot on the frame, Alvarez’s goal was made of the stuff that Dallas fans have been wanting from him for some time. Yeah, he was mostly absent from the match, but the move to make the space to shoot the ball was wonderful. Overall, it needs to be pointed out that FCD needed a wonder-goal from their left back to pull out the three points against a struggling RSL squad. That is a pretty telling indicator of the Dallas attack; now that Ruiz is out let’s see what happens. Grades: Sala: 7 Subs: 14 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
Good win and great goals by the lefties. As for grades, I think Drew deserves a little higher evaluation. He is playing out of position because we don’t have a true right back. I thought his first half was outstanding offensively – several good balls down the line and over the top – and the defense was solid all game. However, what really matters is this team is finding ways to win which should make all of us happy.
To me it is sad to see a professional soccer player and captain of our team run out of gas in the 70th minute. You can tell he was tired because he quit trying to turn and take on the defenders but would rather rely on his post up offense move which every CB in the league has figured out. I said we should’ve traded him after he went missing from practice.
lets not forget that Morrow put Oduro into a proper position to succeed against RSL. their back line struggles with speed, which is ironic because they must practice against it all the time with Cunnigham. but Oduro isnt playing against the likes of KC, RBNY, or Cbus where speed is not a problem. and credit Dom for taking his chances.
I didn’t see what Sala did to get a 7. He really was the Maytag repairman without much to do.
Before we put Toja into the Hall of Fame let’s remember for every 10 balls he wins he gives back 8. He is exciting and there is lots of activities but let’s not confuse it with effectiveness. His effort is the most consistent part of his game…not saying I don’t love the guy but the halo effect is becoming a bit much.
Well, Sala didn’t rip Yi’s head off when he made that stupid foul that gave RSL a penalty kick.
He also had a real nice save off of Cunningham in the first half and kept the defense organized well. I agree Toja’s not perfect, but if the rest of the team played with as much heart or hustle, we’d be on top of the MLS table. I also think Goodson’s having an outstanding year. Buzz, I’d love to hear your thoughts on his turn around.
I also think Moor deserves credit for being a team player and playing a foreign position. Consider me another fan of 14.
Not sure I’m ready to trade Ruiz, Peter, but you give me a lot to think about here. Is there a decent right back we could trade him for?
Just wanted to throw in my two cents or ten dollars or whatever the ante is here.
I know I ranted a little about Ruiz earlier, but I am not sure I would be willing to trade him yet. I think part of his issue is a lingering injured hamstring. The other thing is a touch of hubris. Ruiz’ pride is pushing him to start and play while his body is not capable of playing at the level he needs to. Ruiz may need to see a shrink first or maybe eat some humble pie. He also needs to let the hammy heal and that may mean missing 4 weeks. Ruiz is too much of a talent to trade away because of two things that can be corrected. It just takes the right type of coaching to get Ruiz to understand.
It is also hard for me to blame Yi for the PK that was given. The ref had no business calling that. It was ticky-tacky. I have seen players get mauled in the penalty area and not given PKs. The shirt tug is part of the game and Harris didn’t even go down. The ref had his own issues. There should never be 8 yellow cards given in one game. I think half of those were for dissent. That is ridiculous. The ref should just “shoo” the players away and get the game rolling. Anyway, Yi was playing his position and playing it well. Bad ref-ing is bad ref-ing and no one can account for it.
Jason, don’t forget that Serioux will be playing for us after the All-Star game, so we will have a genuine RB.
Thanks for letting me spew my thoughts out.
GO HOOPS!
I think stan is right on the money about right back. I expect Seriox to play at right back and not replace Dax at the Right Midfield position as some are suggesting. Having said that, I thought Drew was really good Sunday and did a great job of getting into the attack.
I think Sala is the heart and soul of this team, and Pablo is the Brain. What a great field general he is. Next time your at the game spend about 10 minutes and just focus on Pablo, I think you’ll be impressed.
Pretty sure Morrow sees Serioux as a central defender. That still leaves an openinf for right back. Someone suggested saragosa but I have no idea if he could play there. Maybe we should have kept Mulrooney as Houston is playing him there. ROB for right back? Oh yeah he’s gone too. Actually I would like to see more of Wagner to see if he’s ready. He’s a lefty but has pretty good skill so may be ready or at least for the left side and Gbandi could play on the right.
I agree with Skeeter. Pablo is pure silk. You could film him for a game and sell it as a ‘how to’ training session for midfield play. I can’t wait till this guy is in shape. He may be the best ever in this league for central mid play. So clever, so precise, so smooth…It’s no coincidence we’ve won 3 games in a row with him in the lineup. As SM said down in Brazil, he makes everyone around him better…except Carlos…
“His effort is the most consistent part of his game…not saying I don’t love the guy but the halo effect is becoming a bit much.”
Total effort gets a halo in my universe.
Peter,
Did you skip the Chicago game grades?
Regarding Seriuox’s return no one really knows what level he will return to, that was a very uncertain surgery procedure he had done. I would assume SM would shore up the weakest spot in the starting 11 with him. Right now that’s Dax’s position. Adrian was brought into to play defense but they seem pretty good at the moment and Moor will only continue to improve with PT. We waited 2-3 years for Rhine to become competent at the RB. I see a mf that looks like this:
Nunez
Toja Richetti
Serioux
Yes, I skipped them because I only saw the final 20 minutes of the match…
I must disagree with the weakest position of the team. its not Dax, its Alex Yi. this is also a spot where Seriousx can play and that central defender spot will put less pressure on his knee as well without having to do so much running. Plus, nobody around here thinks that Serioux can displace Richetti from that holding mid spot. his distribution is too good and he cleans everything up. we havent seen him against Derosario or Gomez yet, but he’s been awesome.
Cooper plays where they tell him to play. He is out wide a lot because Ruiz never is. Play Cooper up top (SM won’t) while Ruiz is away and he and the team will be fine.