Zip It: FC Dallas at Chicago Fire
May 31st, 2009 . 4:51 pm . By: Jay BrownleeA win is always sweet, some more than others. Such was the case for FC Dallas as they crushed the Chicago Fire Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park outside of Chicago in the second leg of the Brimstone Cup. Goals from Jeff Cunningham (15’) and Kenny Cooper (80’) figured into the final tally along with a C.J. Brown own goal to complete the dismantling of the Fire 3-0. The first half saw Dallas outplay Chicago end-to-end. Perhaps the Fire were tired after a Thursday night win in Los Angeles against Chivas USA. Perhaps Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s absence helped destroy Chicago’s ability to string passes together or create a coordinated attack. Or perhaps Dallas really was that good. It was most likely a combination of all three, but my vote is for the Red Stripes. Dallas rarely looked like the team that has often been frantic in defense and always a soft goal away from their own undoing. In contrast, they were very good, indeed. Coach Schellas Hyndman haters and armchair managers might wish to stop reading here. Your protestations and aimless bellyaching are proving to be little more than background noise. Hyndman modified his formation again today to suit his players, moving to a 4-1-4-1 that seemed to be the right shape for these players, a tactic none of the haters/coaches ever imagined. Jeff Cunningham was moved to right wing, with Tom Sanchez and David Ferreira inside and Dave Van Den Berg on his usual left. Cooper was placed as lone striker and Dax McCarty was given holding-mid duties. This shape was a brilliant tactical move. Cunningham’s insertion on the right kept Chicago off balance as they were required to account for Cunningham’s willingness to get forward in the attack. This opened up room for the Dallas offense. McCarty, meanwhile, was not asked to cover the space he would have in a diamond 4-4-2. McCarty’s work-rate and linking benefitted the team moving forward, even though McCarty still gives up the ball too often. And Hyndman wasn’t through. Inserted at the 79’ mark into the lone striker role with Cooper retreating to right wing, Brek Shea immediately set upon the task of running at Chicago’s tiring center backs. Is Shea the late match energy insertion that this club needs? It appears the answer may be yes. Shea was headed for a 1v1 with Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch when Bukary Soumare was forced to knock Shea to the ground, earning Soumare an early trip to the showers with his second yellow card of the match and the automatic red that will see him miss Chicago’s next match. It was this play that directly led to Cooper’s lovely free-kick tally. Kenny Cooper’s play improved somewhat today, netting his first goal in nearly a month. Cooper was named Man of the Match by Brad Sham and Bobby Rhine after his deft chip over the Fire wall and off the underside of Busch’s goal sealed the match for Dallas. But for my money, Anthony Wallace was the best player on the pitch in this match. Chicago hungrily challenged the youngster time and time again, clearly marking him as the weak link in the back four. Long direct balls aimed at Wally to create 1v1’s failed Chicago as Wallace proved he was equal or better to every trial. FC Dallas has finally found their left back. This was the match Dallas fans have been hoping for. FC Dallas has played well enough of late to get a win, but one thing or another seemed to get in their way. This match was different. Hyndman and his players performed well for a great team effort. Dallas continued its positive play, looking cool and confident as the match went on. Pablo Ricchetti’s move to the center of defense is looking smarter with every match. The Red Stripes weathered the relentless barrage everyone knew was coming as the second half kicked off. Other than one ball that happily went off the woodwork, Ray Burse was able to keep a clean sheet, Dallas first of the year. The defense was so good, in fact, that Brian McBride was only seen jostling with Dallas players, but otherwise missing on a bright and beautiful Sunday afternoon. He might as well have been at the golf course with Marcelo Saragosa. This will be a sweet win for Dallas, as the dreadful season’s start is beginning to grow fainter in the rearview mirror of Hyndman’s bus. Saragosa’s return to the team after suspension should only change Hyndman’s mind about who leaves the bench on Marcelo’s return. Either way, Dallas is playing well now, so well, in fact, they should not sneak up on any other club. Dallas is becoming a team to be reckoned with. How sweet that is. 26 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
I agree that Wally for me was the MoTM. Very solid performance from the youngster.
Cooper’s goal was very nicely done, but I don’t know if he was MoTM.
Dax turned it over a little too often, but I’ll take his performance over Marcello Saragosa any day of the week.
Chicago were definitely not at full strength, but there were some real moments of greatness too.
Was really hoping that Brek would bury one and he really should have.. but nonetheless he was still a great injection of energy and exciting to watch.
Granted we played a tired depeleted team in the Fire but a win is great anytime and especially against Chicago.
Brek prove beyond any doubt he’s not a forward, as a matter of fact he proved it three time today.
Richetti will retire as the brains of the backline, his mf days are done.
Best effort of the season all the wat around…well done HOOPS!
It’s looked to me like Cooper has done a better job of holding the ball and staying on his feet the last two games. Is anyone else noticing this?
Wallace was fantastic again and I bet we’ve seen the last of Wagner, but while Dax may have given it away a few times, I thought his play was really excellent as well. He played box-to-box and I remember watching him run 60 yards back to tackle a guy in the last 5 minutes of each half. He did all the little things that a DM needs to do but his distribution is better than any other DM we have. And I think his ability to hold the ball makes Ferreira better as well, who was able to get in some dangerous spaces for Dax’s passes.
And while I thought that putting Cunningham on the right was a bad move, I think I was wrong, because he seemed to put the Fire on their heals.
As for Shea, he needs to work on his finishing (though all reports are that work ethic is not a problem with him), but he’s young and that will come. I think he’s got a nice future at forward because he’s strong, he’s fast, and he seems to have great intuitions as to where the space is. He has good technique, so the finishing will come. If he was 25 I’d be worried about him as a forward, but since he’s only 19, I’d like to keep him up there — he may not be finishing his chances, but he’s one of the few guys who is actually creating any.
I think the key to the thoroughly dominating play in the first half was the connection Puerco Sanchez made between the defense and the offense. He showed for the ball all over the field and effectively distrbuted. He was a key link between Dax and Coop, Ferreira, and the wingers. Less effective in the second half, but I bet (and hope) some of that is game fitness.
What a good feeling after a win!
I’ll say, moving Cunny to a winger position was straight out of FIFA 09. It makes sense, but it’s one of those move that you wonder if it’d ever make sense in real life.
It’s natural to root for Brek — he’s big, he’s blond, he’s got great hair. Let’s not label him Abe Thompson just yet. He’s only in his 4th or 5th match — when did KCJr score his first?
What happened?? Did Dallas and Chicago switch jerseys before the game?????????????????????????????????????????????????
first time watching a full match this season, mainly cuz FCD has been dreadful to watch, but thats besides the point. I’m proud of myself for not turing the channel to the Colonial, French Open, NASCAR, or even Indy Car.
Cunningham was good today for his time on the pitch. i like how he was always going forward, but lets remember that he was attacking Chicago’s 2nd team left side. Segares was out and Pappa carried an small injury from Thursday.
Wally was MoTM, consistently playing good positional defense and pushing forward when he could. great blocks in the 2nd half and he tore up Tim Ward. Did he replace Tim Ward int he U20 WC a couple of years ago?
KCJ still seems like he puts all his chances right at the keeper . for all the finishing practice he takes, why doesnt that translate into games?
Shea was brilliant in his minutes, really putting pressure on the back line. I think alot of that had to do with the scoreline and he excelled when we had the lead today. but something tells me he’s not nearly as effective we’re losing.
Jay, why no mention of SH getting sent off after KCJs goal? he’ll likely miss the next match and maybe that means no Saragoasa since SH cant write him down on the roster.
Regardless of whether SH can pick the starters or not, is there any chance that he changes the starting 11 from a team that won 3-0 on the road? What kind of message would that send?
I’m loving the armchair quarterback comments for the second week. Many of the players who helped in this win were the very ones we “AC’s” have been calling for. No Saragosa = win. I think the problem with your labeling is we are calling these shots in advance and SH is proving us correct. When he has to play the players we AC’s have been calling for and not his pets the team looks good. I will make a call for next week and if Saragosa and Rocha are playing the team won’t win. Let Morrow’s kids play.
Dax was nothing short of brilliant all game; I can count on one hand the giveaways (not sure what the negative remarks are for). His play was the diffference today for me
“Let Morrow’s kids play.” – pegasus
fcd beat a team that hasn’t lost. enjoy it.jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.
Twotone: Good catch! Seriously, I have no god excuse. So there!
Pegasus:
I gotta tell ya man, I appreciate the hell outta your comments every week. Of course, you know me well enough to know I might not necessarily agree with them.
I liked what I saw from FCD. But what I didn’t see was high pressure defense from our opponent, as has occurred in recent matches.
So, FCD can string passes and look impressive against a tired team.
The hope is the win & line-up changes give them confidence to perform under more durress than they encountered yesterday.
I’m not so sure about Saragosa, but it was nice to see real energy out of the right wing for a change.
Just because Schellas was forced into finally using players that everybody has been calling for doesn’t make us “armchair managers” wrong. Keep in mind, NONE of his Brazilian boys were available. Do you honestly believe that if the 3 in question were available that he would have chosen the same lineup? Please, don’t kid yourself and don’t insult our intelligence.
This being said, the boys played lights out. I think Wallace made a huge difference at LB. Did a cross even come in from that side? The results speak for themselves so hopefully a blind squirrel stumbled upon an acorn and we continue to see this lineup in the future.
lets not forger Richetti in the back. By moving him to center back we were able to use Moor at right back. Wally should always play left back. The line drive crosses allowed us to switch the point of attack much quicker. Him & DVB worked well together. The back 4 allowed us to build an attack. Key to possesion & control of the game
Dax was the difference, as he often is. Possession goes up. He does have some giveaways because he touches the ball much more than other players. That is a function of the role.
I saw Iniesta give up the ball a few times also last week.
Dax will have some games where he is not great. This happens with most players (see, e.g. Rocha, Cunningham, Ferreira, and dare I say Cooper). The problem with Schellas is that he always then benches Dax. For some reason, he thinks he needs to get into his head like a college coach to get more from him. Years of trying to break frat guys as SMU I guess.
Don’t understand your comments Roach. I did enjoy Morrow’s kids getting to play and helping the team to a win. Are you saying SH should take them out so we don’t win?
Jay, I love your writing, but have to agree with Travis. Those of us who have been calling for very specific lineup changes (no Saragosa, Guarda or Rocha) don’t really have to give Hyndman any credit for either Sunday’s lineup or the formation. Having said that, good article.
To answer stevetoros question: Cooper scored in his first ever game for FCD. The winning goal against….Chicago.
Hyndman did exactly the opposite of shutting up the “Armchair Managers.” In fact, he proved them/us right by playing the players/formation we have been calling for and getting the results, handing Chicago their first loss of the year. Possession was dominated by McCarty et al, he was all over the place, and contrary to the McCarty haters, he played big all game, constantly breaking up plays, winning balls and distributing. He has the best range of any of our defensive midfielders, and I think his play this weekend validates his rightful place in the lineup.
Cooper was still ineffective, but hit a great dead ball. I liked the defense; solid, less long balls (though still more than I’d like), I dont’ even remember many real chances for Chicago
On a related point, Hyndman was sent off for allegedly getting into some type of quarrel with a fan? This can’t be true…
I agree with John. Schellas proved the fans right and that he was wrong. I predict we win against San Jose and lose the next 5.
“I think Wallace made a huge difference at LB. Did a cross even come in from that side?”
You must have missed them, I saw a few excellent crosses.
Eric…i meant a cross from Chicago’s team…Wallace also put in a few good crosses.
I believe Dax lost the ball twice in the whole game. Not sure what ‘too often’ means.
I sure wish there were handy stats for this.
From the same position Dax played:
Saragosa is a turnover machine when he plays there. He isn’t given many touches, but when he does it seems to give it up about 30% of the time.
Guarda seems to have no trust from his teammates and thus NEVER gets touches when he plays there. With much fewer touches he seems to me to have the same # of turnovers. Way better than Saragosa, but still not his best role. When healthy, he runs great and can cross the ball…so perhaps in the end he would be best suited playing right back as a Hedjuk type with Drew pushing in next to Richetti.
Defensively all we have to show from Dax playing that holding position is a shutout with FCD. We also have the U-23 Olympic qualifying where they moved on and Dax was named best XI.
Last time I checked, we have lost a ton of games and given up a ton of goals when either the more defensive minded Saragosa and Guarda are playing in that position as a Defensive Mid instead of a holding Mid.
Seeing how Dax’s U-23 coach is now the Philly coach I sure hope we wake up and keep him him playing the position were he belongs.