February 13th, 2009 . 10:05 pm . By: Andrew Temple

Although FC Dallas is still looking for its first win of the preseason, Game 2 of the series against Houston showed marked improvement over Game 1 at Robertson. Only hungrier for a W on their preseason tally, the Red Stripes hope to make a grisly example of the Tigers of Memphis.

The return of Kenny Cooper to the pitch on Monday brought a more balanced offensive flow to the team’s game. Though a few passes were off-the-mark, as well as a few of the decisions made on the pitch, a more confident mindset was displayed by the club throughout, pestering the Dynamo in various ways. Only further training can dust the cobwebs away, yet that elusive first goal of the preseason will be further emphasized upon in this next match. As Schellas Hyndman prepares his strategy for Memphis, he’ll need to look at his possible striking options behind Cooper and Cunningham as his list of trialists are getting shorter and shorter. The absence of Peri Marosevic (U-20s) and possibly Sean Bucknor (back spasms) will make that a truly difficult task.

Cooper and Cunningham could start this one again, with Jamie Watson and even Bruno Guarda as potential backups (Bruno was seen in training at a striker position Wednesday.) This could be to try Dax McCarty in the attacking mid spot. Rocha finally returns, but most likely not in the starting XI for this one, presumably coming off the bench. Avila looks to get some serious playing time in the right wing, opposite Dave van den Bergh who has looked pretty good on the left thus far, yet seems to require work on his corners. Just needs to dust out those cobwebs.

Pablo Ricchetti, now the official captain of FCD, showed what kind of leader he was on Monday and is looking very fit for a man his age. Always a hindrance for opposing attackers in his 1/3, he should be trusted to do so again here. Defensively, the coach is looking to solidify what he wants for his backline this season. Rodrigues and Chevannes are gone and Serioux is still rehabbing, so defensive options are being narrowed down as each day brings the season closer. Look for Saragosa to get a shot at right back and a Steve Purdy/Drew Moor combination in the center. As for the left back position, Daniel Torres should get the start Saturday as Schellas has been experimenting with him there and says, “He’s naturally left-footed, so we’ll be looking to see how he does there.” Although SH claims he’s not quite ready for first XI, he has hope Danny can compete as a left back.

The University of Memphis comes into this match beginning their 2009 spring schedule. As they are in competition with an MLS side, they’ll most likely field their strongest XI. Having lost DF Michael Coburn and five other seniors in the off season, their heavy shoes-to-fill will have to be broken-in with the likes of senior forward Brian Farrell and lead-scoring sophomore Parker Duncan up front. Fellow sophomore Cody McCoy could look to help fuel the Memphis midfield as he played key roles in 2008 for the Tigers. Seniors Rick Alleman and Mark Weldon may join sophomore Thomas Shannon and junior Rory O’Connor in the backline for this game.

FCD and Memphis are both looking to win this match. One will try for glory against a pro team, the other will seek their first preseason victory. Who shall prevail?

If the Red Stripes want to start dusting out those cobwebs, they’d best start here.

Categories: Match Preview.

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