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I need perfection, Some twisted selection, That tangles me, To keep me alive. Mystify. Mystify me. - Michael Hutchence
I have to say I am a bit mystified by some of what is happening with the team now that Schellas is in charge. Specifically these last two games left me asking a great many questions. So because of that I am going to do away with the usual good/middle/bad thing and just do some free form thoughts and the questions that arise from them.
Plus I now have a theory as to what’s going on.
Miami FC 1, FC Dallas 2
Kansas City Wizards 1, FC Dallas 1
Question One
- Abe Thompson, despite not being amazingly effective for most the US Open Cup game, still managed to score twice and win the game for FC Dallas. Abe is now the all-time leading FC Dallas goal scorer in the US Open Cup. He’s also up for Player of the Round.
- Eric Avila was a revelation against Miami, solid on the defensive end and dynamic and dangerous going forward. I had mentioned how well he was playing in training and was really pleased to see it carry over into games. One key element is eric’s ability to get forward and free Juan Toja to go walk about and be more dangerous as well. Here’s what Schellas said about Avila a day or so later…
[Avila]’s helping other players. When he came on the field he helped Juan, he made Juan better. [Avila] attacked, he got to the base line twice in the second half, something I haven’t seen this team do, get to the base line. The only people who get to the base line are strikers trying to sneak a ball before it goes out of bounds when we knock those long balls all the time. Also in rewarding him, what a great opportunity to show the whole team ‘if you do what I ask you to do I’m going to play you. ‘I don’t care if you’re making $14,000 or $100,000.’ - Schellas Hyndman
- And then of course neither of those two players started the next game against KC. Hyndman has been essentially using the same lineup of veteran players that got Morrow fired. Given the lack of production it should have been a no-brainer for Abe to start. After the talk of how Avila making the team better and how he would be rewarded, he should have started.
- Of course Thompson proceeded to come in and score to steal the points, and Avila’s introduction immediately improved the team and made it far better.
I made early substitutions and wasn’t really sure if they were the best substitutions because we took out some very good players. But what I’m looking for is a little bit more energy, a little bit more work ethic. Eric gets the assist, one of the substitutions and Abe gets the goal, another one of the substitutions. So it came out right in the end. - Schellas Hyndman
I’ve scored three goals in two games now in stoppage time. It’s a matter of being patient. - Abe Thompson
I wanted to get in there and start attacking by sending balls through. My assist came from the right side going through towards the left. I opened up wide and knew everyone was in the box, so as soon as I got it, I took a touch and saw Abe (Thompson) made that run and put it in the mixer. Luckily he put it in. - Eric Avila
Question One:
So what exactly will it take to get Hyndman to go ahead and change form the veteran, higher paid lineup and do what he says he will and drop players? How many times has he said he won’t stick with players who won’t do what he asked. He said it, again, after the KC game, and he sounded even more serious. So will Schellas really pull the trigger this time?
I need to continue to respect the quality of the players, but here’s where things start to change. I ask you to do something and you choose not to do what I ask you to do, now it’s no longer an age issue or veteran or young player, it’s cooperation. - Schellas Hyndman
Question Two
- Blake Wagner was very good in the USOC at left center back. He played solid, but not spectacular, defense, and got forward a bunch. It’s a remarkable improvement the last few games has has played in that spot while Serioux has been with Canada. That’s the kind of two way player Schellas has been talking about, he even mentioned Wagner by name…
There are some truth’s to soccer, and one of the truths is you gotta play two ways as a soccer player. You gotta play offensively and you gotta play defensively. At lot of skillful player they lack that defensive playing, cause they think their value offensively is so much greater. I thought our game against Chivas we were doing that. Blake in the back, Andre I was really impressed with how me he was doing that. - Schellas Hyndman
- But in the KC game, Wagner is back at wing back and he is again not very good. Wagner gets constantly exploited down the FCD left by players getting behind him. Most of the danger, and the KC goal, came out there on the FCD left.
- Serioux looked annoyed and apathetic to be back defending again, a spot he hates by the way, and he kept having to cover up for Wagner. Which in turn pulled Davino out of position, which pulled Drew Moor out of position.
Question Two:
So why then was Wagner back at left wingback? I know Alvarez was hurt and missing, but Wagner again? The kid is a mess out there. Why was he not in the back where he had played well and Schellas had pointed him out by name as doing what was asked? Why not Avila out left, or perhaps someone like Serioux who has more energy and ability to get forward and defend? Particularly when Hyndman suggested to me last week that he thought Serioux was more of a midfielder than a defender.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
- With four game in eight days, FCD was completely gassed. Some of the more veteran players were rested for the Open Cup game, but the people that weren’t were clearly effected. Notably André Rocha was completely gassed in the KC game and in that light maybe shouldn’t have started.
I saw it today in a few of the players,” he said. “I can see the players being tired because I’m tired. Whether you’re tired or not tired, it’s really a character check for your heart. We’ve all been in situations where we didn’t want to do something because we were tired but made ourselves do it. - Schellas Hyndman
- The USOC game was one of Cooper’s best performances, no goals aside, he’s had all year. I was discussing with a media buddy of mine during that game how much improved Cooper was in finding his way to better and more dangerous positions. Cooper always works hard and tries to improve his game, he’s timing his runs better and becoming more efficient in his work. Unfortunately I think Cooper over reached a bit against KC, one can’t help but wonder if the watching Rosenborg people effected him. I give him the benefit of the doubt because he is usually totally oblivious to off field stuff. If this one game he flinched I can live with that.
- Shouldn’t a $400k player be a dominate game changing player? Just asking.
- It was so clear to me the minute Dax McCarty took the field how much FCD has missed his possession, awareness, and passing. Not to mention free kicks and corner. Just to keep up with the stat, before Dax got hurt FCD had a record of 2 wins, three ties, and one loss in league play; that’s 9 points in 6 games. Between the 0-0 against San Jose he last played before being injured and the KC game where he came off the bench, FCD had two wins, two ties, and five losses; that’s 8 points in 9 games. It’s not only Dax, but he’s a big part of it.
- I think I’ve just about seen enough of Oduro as a starter. Yes he can do some things with his speed, but it’s much more effective late than for 90 minutes. Of course going with Abe makes the team a bit to one dimensional with Thompson, although Thompson did score all three goals in these two games. Again this underlines the need for a pacey striker with some finishing skills to pair with Cooper. Maybe it’s to give Ricardinho a try against Charleston.
- Not that anyone asked me, but I loved the combined supporters group on the East side during the USOC game. They were much more in touch with the game from that location IMO. Keep that place guys, not that anyone has asked me.
My Theory
So give all the above, why does Schellas continue to run out the same old tired lineup that cot Morrow canned? It took my a while to figure it out but I think I know. I’m gonna ask Schellas first chance I get. But here it is…
Hyndman took over FCD officially on June 17th. Between June 17 and the opening of the next transfer window on July 15th FCD had three league games and a cup game, maybe 2. That’s not a whole lot of time really to evaluate players in games.
My Theory:
Schellas decided to play the experienced, veteran, highest paid players for “respect” in those 5 games come hell of high water. He would go ahead and try and implement stylistic and tactical changes with this set of player. The idea being that come transfer window he will have given the experienced, veteran, highest paid players every change to keep their job and stay with the team. Once the window open, i.e. this week, Schellas would have the ammo he needs to cut/trade/drop whoever he pleases.
This way Schellas can go to a player and say, “I gave you five games and you didn’t do what I ask. I’m trading you to Team X,” “cutting you,” “benching you,” or whatever.
Don’t think you are untouchable. Because as you saw the result today, two of our players that came in at halftime gave us the point. - Schellas Hyndman
So one more game (or maybe even less?) in which we may see the same veteran, tired lineup I think, although perhaps even Schellas can’t ignore Avila again. It sure sounds like we may finally be the point changes are gonna happen.
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I hope you are right. If so that means some significant, and very much needed, changes are on the way. Its also means that Schellas will earn the respect, and fear, of his players….something Morrow didnt’ have.
i already respect schellas from what i’ve seen and heard from him. i see better play from the team, although it may be only a small difference.
lets just hope for the best…even if we have to rebuild. at least we’ll know what sort of direction we’ll be headed.
Excellent stuff Buzz. Agree w/ your theory. And completely agreed about Avila…get him out there already!
But I hope no one around here is holding their collective breaths waiting for HSG to spend any decent money at the transfer window. History shows that is highly unlikely.
Barring a big trade within MLS, we got what we got. Peter Welpton put it perfectly in his article yesterday on this site. Not to mention, who wants John Ellinger to start making trades / player selections for us!? Jason is still fixing his mess at RLS.
Mostly I agree with your assessments Buzz (which is rare). For one, Oduro is much more effective as a 75th minute sub..he has yet to convince me otherwise.I also think that the games that Wagner has player as an outside defender, that he has been both effective and exciting…probably the best I have seen in the 4-5 years I have watched FCD. I guess the one thing I don’t agree with is the game changing ability of Davino. Just curious, throw out our one blow-out against LA, and what is our GF/GA ratio this year as opposed to the past 3?
Admittedly, I’ve been out of touch with this team since about the 3rd game with Feruzzi in charge, but these theories certainly sound plausible. Clearing up our tangled (overstaffed) midfield by making some cuts/trades I feel would be a good thing in general and even better if you can send a message to those remaining…that your job is not guaranteed. I think that SH also wants to get rid of the “jack of all trades, master of none” players and start focusing those remaining on at most 2 positions each, not the 3 or more SM had planned. If I had stronger faith in Schellas, I’d even expect a surprise or two (yes, that’s an oxymoron) in who gets cut.
Now…what about your theories on the front office announcements of Ellinger taking a lead (?) role in the FCD Jr/Youth program (good…) and the return of Oscar to co-coach the U-16s (better…)? The only thing better than that would be a clear long term plan that goes something like:
- Schellas really was hired to be the technical director, but HSG/Hitch want him to fix the first team first and in the process, allow him to set the direction of what “FCD football” really is. By 2010, Schellas is kicked up to TD.
- Ellinger was hired to help SH transition to MLS, but also was hired with a larger purpose: to setup/manage/coach the three tiers of FC Dallas below the first team. By 2010, he maintains his asst coach spot with the first team, but the youth setup is his number 1 job.
- So…who does that leave to coach the FCD first team starting in 2010?
Why Oscar, of course. Not that he’d really want to be a first year MLS coach on a World Cup year…
I’m just saying…
Interesting. And Depressing.
So - when does Hitch get canned?
So Buzz are you interested in coaching any teams, idk…like…this one?
Hey, Sorin was released… Maybe Hitch could go after him for our Mid left problem…..
Not bad NewFoundMadness, it would be fabulous if HSG had that (or any) long term plan.
Buzz,
I totally agree with your thoughts on Avila and Wagner, but could not disagree more with your thoughts on Oduro. This poor guy has been more type-cast than Tex Cobb. Yes, last season Oduro needed to improve his first touch and finishing and was best used as a late sub, but he is much improved in those areas this season.
I fear the transfer window. I think we are going to see this team dump salary like Doolittle raiders dumping weight before take-off. At least there is no relegation in MLS.
NFM,
1. Ellinger was originally brought in at Schellas’ insistence to help him navigate MLS waters, which made me nervous. But I absolutely applaud the move to put him in charge of the youth set up. He excelled at that for the US helping to produce the best we have.
2. They didn’t give Schellas the TD title, but he has the money and the authority. He’s already making moves to take total control of the franchise.
3. Bringing Oscar back is a fantastic move, it may be as you say that he will someday coach the FCD first team. I hope so.
FOT,
October.
BJ,
I don’t have the credentials or coaching certification.
I like Dom over Abe in the starting 11 because Dom can create things and he can finish better than most of the team. Abe on the other hand is more of a target striker and doesn’t create much. All there of Abe’s goals were gifted to him and besides the goals (that most players would have put away) he was no where to be found in the 2 matches. Just my 2 cents.
Jsig,
08 GA 22 (16 games) = 44 on year
07… GA… 44
06… GA… 44
05… GA… 44
seriously. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of #s to prove the point.
04… 45
03… 64 (southlake, that team sucked)
Agreed about Davino, but less because of the goals against and more because I haven’t seen improvement over the season. Rocha struggled the first few games, but he has improved as he got on the same page with the rest of the team (especially Cooper). As Buzz has pointed out, many of the other internationals have gone through the same adjustment period. But after the preseason injury and a couple of games to get his feet wet, Davino has been just ordinary. Not terrible, but not worth $400K on the cap. And he hasn’t been a force on set pieces (I can only remember him getting one header off a corner) or at the gate. All that being said, I think he is the best we have on the roster for that position.
buzz, i mentioned the same thing about Kenny in a previous column and got the good ole Dikembe Mutombo finger-wag rejection from everyone. Did you notice the same thing as me from Kenny, ie. shooting w/extra power and no direction, shooting selfishly when passing might have been better, taking early shots from distance….?
it seemed like Hartman did a lot of scooping right in the middle of the goal from KC shots.
KC shooting is not new to the recent game, he’s leading the league in that stat
If you ask I think you will find both Shaka Hislop and Kenny Sr, who where GKs have told Kenny to hit long range shots whenever possible. These new balls they play with move so much in flight. Shaka feels anything hit from 35 yds may be mishandeled and rebounds given up. Case in point was the shot Hartman dropped and Coops was on it in a flash. Unfortunately just offside by inches, This I believe is an example Shaka was talking about.
Jsig,
08 GA 22 (16 games) = 44 on year
07… GA… 44
06… GA… 44
05… GA… 44
seriously. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of #s to prove the point.
04… 45
03… 64 (southlake, that team sucked
Except in 2007 we paid about 250K for the whole backline instead of 400K for Davino alone.
Thanks for skewing the requested information. I asked if anyone had the data for this point in the season as opposed to previous seasons. Personally,I think we are improving and I don’t think the projection to 44 GA at end of the season has much merit.
huh?
If you’ve given up 22 goals in half a season, most people would think it fair to guesstimate that after another equal number of games “44″, or there about it a good guess.
Maybe you missed the news. We made a coaching change a couple of weeks ago.
I hope you’re theory is right Buzz, because either that or Hyndman has no idea what he’s doing, because so far this is the least impressive start to a new career I could just about imagine.
I still say Abe gets more out of his minutes than anyone else on this team. He needs to play in every game!
In fairness to everyone discussing GA, isn’t the regular season 30 games long? If so, then 22 GA in 16 games does not project to 44 over the full season. Actually, it’s just over 41.
For what that’s worth.
I think the larger point is that until the new coach settles in on a consistent lineup - and we’re still waiting on that - then there’s no way to be sure of whether the defense (and that’s total team defense, not just whoever is in the back 3 or 4 or whatever) is improving or not. For example, it’s entirely possible that, if left in @ left back, Wagner will improve as the season goes along. But since he’s still a young player, there will likely be a few more games of 3 or 4 GA, regardless, which will blow any season-ending projection to hell anyway.
Abe can’t trap, dribble, or hold the ball. That he’s our best hope shows how lacking we are up front.
I’ve got an idea - how about we get people who give a $#!@ to play for the team?
There is no balance to this team. None. Too many (5)def/m/f players on the pitch at the same time two of them,( Moor and Serioux) playing out of position. There is no width, no attacking down the flanks from deep (a la Frankie Heydude) and Rocha being forced to play rt back most of the time (Moor too busy inside helping Davino) no scoring threat from the m/f at all (i goal in 18 competitive games says it all) Can’t blame SH, this sin’t his team, it was put together by Clarke/Morrow/Hitch. Two of them are gone and the other can’t be far behind.
A loss to a USL team is inexcusable. If SH thinks that blaming the players is the answer, he is going to have BIG problems in the locker room. It is really tough in the MLS to reshape or rebuild a team with the players you want. It is for that reason, I have heard, that a number of top coaches in this country have passed on MLS jobs: no control over the roster (that and salaries are low too). SH better learn quickly that his job is to get the most out of what he has, not complain about what he thinks he should have. Coaching at this level is telling players specific things: do x when y happens. Not talking in BS generalities that a 12-year old can figure our for himself, e.g., we need to get behind teams, we need to attack with width, etc.
I am worried for this franchise based on the SH comments I hear in the media. If I were a player, I woule be getting ticked off at his (not so) veiled threats of trades. I say a locker room melt down is coming.