November 7th, 2007 . 9:37 am . By: Viking

FC Dallas dropped the second game and series to their in-state rival from Houston, in overtime.  This is a common theme for the Dallas franchise of MLS.  So much so that the team and franchise could be called out for making it a habit.

Playing tough for a good chunk of the game, FC Dallas scored first, and looked as though they might be able to pull off the sought after upset.  But late in the game the orange pressed up, made the passes, and imposed the game they know how to play, and with the added bonus of a man advantage, eventually pulled ahead.  FC Dallas was further put to the screws by a late scratch to starter Clarence Goodson, and an injury to Dario Sala during the game.  These things happen, and there are no excuses.  Morrow offered no post game comments, which is probably a credit to his honesty.  There is nothing to say other than the tired clichés that everyone already knows.

When I reflect on the position of the franchise, it is easy to compare FC Dallas to Houston, and the impact of the Jeffries era.  FC Dallas has gone through two coaches completely, and are now on number three since the one, the original, Dave Dir.  If you start from the days of Jeffries, not much has happened that can be called successful.  No US Open Cup, no MLS Cup appearances, no Supporters’ Shield, and heart-crushing losses to lesser teams. 

Houston (since their SJ days) is now on their second head coach in the same time period, who has done little else but continue to find players to fit the plan from the first coach.  When I watch them play, I understand what they are trying to accomplish.  You can see their objective and they execute to achieve it.  They changed cities, team names, and more personnel than you’d think, but still they play with a sameness that is as obvious as the nose on Kinnear’s face.

Is there a way out of this quagmire for Dallas?  Can Dallas ever again compose a team capable of winning a championship of any kind?  Can you and I ever tolerate a coach long enough to escape the endless treadmill of coaching changes, player busts, and disappointing seasons?

The answer to that is that I can tolerate a coach who puts a team on the field that shows itself capable of imposing their game, often.  No team can do it every time, no team can win all the time.  But no team wins championships without having a game to impose, and the ability to impose that game on the opposition. 

As Morrow tinkers with the lineup, we will see if FC Dallas cuts the right players and finds new ones that can create the right game to impose.  I see the major change as up top.   The team can make some other changes that can help, but failing to replace the lead striker will make any other changes something between a nice try and futile.    

Categories: Fan the Passion.

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