Match Preview: FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC
May 15th, 2009 . 3:20 pm . By: Andrew TempleSaturday, May 16, 2009 – 7:30pm CST FC Dallas Season Record: 1-6-1 INJURIES: – SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – OUT: FW Jarrod Smith (L hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Peter Vagenas (knee surgery); PROBABLE: FW Roger Levesque (L hamstring strain); MF Sanna Nyassi (L hip flexor strain); DF Tyrone Marshall (R calf strain); DF Nathan Sturgis (L hamstring strain) – FC DALLAS – OUT: GK Dario Sala (L knee); QUESTIONABLE: MF Pablo Ricchetti (R ankle) SUSPENSIONS: – SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – James Riley (through May 17) FC Dallas’ inability to maintain its composure in close games have attributed to many of their six losses so far this season. Their last match against the Dynamo was a good example of that, as they were able to hold Houston to only four shots, yet gave up the lone goal of the match fifteen minutes into the second half. Better effort than usual (for this season, anyway), yet against an up-and-coming club in Sounders FC, the Red Stripes will need a lot more than simple effort for the three points. Perhaps especially difficult, considering the return of FW Fredy Montero to the Sounders and FCD’s loss of GK Dario Sala for another four-to-six weeks. The starting XI for Dallas could remain as it was last week, with the notable exception of the return of captain Pablo Ricchetti to the lineup against the Sounders. Though Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman has been toying with the idea of a possible switch to a 3-5-2 during practice, it appears he’ll stick with the diamond 4-4-2 as he has thus far this season. Kenny Cooper and Jeff Cunningham remain at the striker positions with David Ferreira (whose criticism by one John Harkes of ESPN was premature, in the opinion of yours truly) behind them as the central attacker. Dave van den Bergh should remain on the left wing, with Andre Rocha sticking with the right side, and the returning Ricchetti setting up as the defensive mid to complete the diamond. FCD’s backline may have a change against Seattle with the possibility of young Anthony Wallace breaking into the starting XI at left back. Drew Moor and Washington native George John once again guard the central defensive 1/3 and Marcelo Saragosa again manning the right back spot. Ray Burse remains as the goalkeeper while Sala continues to struggle with his left knee problems. This could, however help Burse in the long run as the young keeper gains critical experience needed for play in this league. Many fans, however, are calling for the introduction of the even younger Josh Lambo to get his first-ever start at the professional level, though it seems that might not happen for a while. That is really a call left for Hyndman to decide, sooner or later. The Sounders, coming to Frisco after their second consecutive draw and also using a diamond-style 4-4-2 formation, look to bounce back to their winning ways from the season’s start as the recently suspended Montero returns to action up front. Joining him as the other striker should be Nate Jaqua, with former West Ham midfielder Freddie Ljungberg setting them up in the attack. Former FCD trialist and USL Sounder star Sebastien Le Toux mans the left wing spot with Brad Evans at his opposite and Cuban player Osvaldo Alonso at their rear in the middle. Seattle’s backline changes slightly due to the suspension of James Riley for this match, as Zach Scott and Nathan Sturgis man the outside with Colombiano Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Jamaican DF Tyrone Marshall between them. Former Fulham and USMNT keeper Kasey Keller, who recently allowed his first goal at Qwest Field as a Sounder in his last match, once again defends the nets for coach Sigi Schmid’s green-clad club. It is interesting to note (and I credit Buzz for this bit of information, who got it off MLS ExtraTime) that since Seattle’s 3-0 start to the 2009 MLS season, they have been 1-2-2 since. Against FC Dallas (which, sad to say, IS the floor mat of the league, no matter how anyone slices it) they’ll be out for blood in a big way. A big concern for me will be how the Red Stripes will handle Montero and Ljungberg defensively. Allowing only four shots to Houston was a better effort as far as FCD’s backline is concerned, yet the fact that at halftime, FCD is 3-1-4 (oh… bless the Practice Observations…) definitely shows a mental lapse for Dallas in the second half (which Hyndman admits he is trying to address…) Truly a hurdle the club must hop over and real soon. What do I mean by “soon”? Well, now would be nice… 11 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
Steve Zakuani is almost certain to start at LM. Nathan Sturgis didn’t travel as he is injured.
vdB is going to get a rookier RB to embarrass, but who that will be is up for much debate at this time. Anything from Le Toux to Evans, to Ianni to Wahl to Hurtado could happen.
Seattle has started well but they really are a bunch of rejects no one wanted. They are either too young or too old or just not very good but they are having a moment of good form. It’s a long season they will finish below the playoff line. Oh and they will still have ugly jersey’s win or lose.
Rich,
In terms of players, I’d take Montero and Keller in a heartbeat. I am not sure I’d take many of the rest over what we have, but I also don’t think we have a dominant talent advantage.
The person I’d really like to have here is Sigi. Seattle’s “poor” form over the last five games has netted them five points. FCD hasn’t been able to get that out of the entire season. It’s a pipe dream, but Sigi with our young players and two years would be nice to see.
Rich,
Are you suggesting that the 2009 version of FCD team would “reject” the addition of a Ljungberg, Montero, Evans, LeToux, or Marshall to their squad?? While we are at it, how about adding Sigi as coach? ; )
The perfect trade however, would be the following deal: FCD gets Paul Allen, Drew Carey, and Joe Roth.
In exchange, Seattle can have the Hunt Sports Group and all their employees. FCD will even toss in a couple 2010 draft picks. That might help the bitter pill to go down a bit easier.
Great. Moor gets to do his job while covering for the appallingly ineffective and defensively challenged Rocha/Saragosa combo. Ok, I’ll be an optimist. Maybe Schellas will sub Rocha at the 65 minute mark. Over/unders, anyone?
Well looks like we will be 1-7-1
my question is…. How does Hyndman still have this job? Are they scared of this guy??? Seriousl!!!
Dave, my information on Sturgis is based on info from the Sounders FC website (most likely copied from MLS’ Game Guide…)
If there are truly any discrepancies I have made in the preview, I apologize and thank you for the update.
Cool Andrew, I just got bit because Seattle’s DP didn’t fly. I was not trying to sharpshoot, but instead to share most current info.
I didn’t even think to check on him, so the 18 I had posted was out of date in just a few hours.
Seattle is out 3 starters and a back up keeper today, and there’s the drama concerning Montero v Le Toux. Not that I’m trying to lower expectations.
Can someone inform me why Rocha is still in the lineup?? Unreal
Totally understand where you are coming from, Dave. I appreciate the information you’ve provided. I didn’t realize there was any drama with Le Toux and Fredy. Good luck to you Sounder fans on that possible debacle.
In the meantime, I just hope FCD can get some points out of this at home. They sorely need them right now…
C’mon FCD!
Like the coach or his right side of the field (which leaves a lot to be desired) – no matter – I vote to cheer on the boys in red and white!