| POS | TEAM | PLD | PTS |
| 1 | CLB | 30 | 49 |
| 2 | LA | 30 | 48 |
| 3 | HOU | 30 | 48 |
| 4 | CHI | 30 | 45 |
| 5 | SEA | 30 | 47 |
| 6 | CHV | 30 | 45 |
| 7 | NE | 30 | 42 |
| 8 | RSL | 30 | 40 |
| 9 | COL | 20 | 40 |
| 10 | DC | 30 | 40 |
| 11 | FCD | 30 | 39 |
| 12 | TFC | 30 | 39 |
| 13 | KC | 30 | 33 |
| 14 | SJ | 30 | 30 |
| 15 | NY | 30 | 21 |
| 16 | PHI | 0 | 0 |
FC Dallas’ draw with the Sounders last Saturday showed that the club wants to win, yet lack the correct direction to implement their goals. With Hyndman moving to a 3-5-2 for the second half, it seemed the Red Stripes could breathe more easily and had a better chance of imposing their will against what many consider one of the strongest teams in MLS.
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 Red Stripes’ 2-1 loss to DC United last week should be getting FCD manager Schellas Hyndman’s blood boiling by now. If it isn’t, then why is he still here, again? Well, if he wants to keep the (not so happy) supporters off of his back, he’ll need to start a positive streak (and fast) against Dallas’ orange-clad neighbors to the south in the Houston Dynamo.
Look for a lineup that is similar for FC Dallas as last week. That should mean Cooper and Ferreira up front, although newcomer Alvaro Sanchez might fit into Schellas Hyndman’s plans there, as well. Rocha and van den Bergh again on the right and left wings, respectively and McCarty as the attacking mid.
FC Dallas walked out of BMO Field last weekend and snatched their first point of the season against Toronto FC, thanks to Pablo Ricchetti’s stunning heel shot in the 87th minute of the match. Now the home-and-home series shifts to Frisco where both the Reds and the Red Stripes look to grab the three points each left behind in last Saturday’s fake turf war.
A better performance last week, yet still no points. Points are what matter in this league and Schellas Hyndman should know it. And if he doesn’t, he should have gotten the memo about three weeks ago. As FC Dallas continues its road trip into the Great White North, the club will run into the red brick wall known as Toronto FC, who is also desperate for points.
After a decent effort yet disastrous score line that FC Dallas experienced last week, Red Stripes’ manager Schellas Hyndman looks to right the ship this Sunday against CD Chivas USA. The return of captain Pablo Ricchetti to the starting XI might provide the kick start FCD is looking for, however with the loss of Dario Sala due to meniscus surgery, the already suffering backline could suffer some more.
Here it is, the start of the 2009 MLS regular season. For the FCD faithful, it means the first taste of Brimstone Cup action against a hungry and determined Chicago Fire club that some favor to win the East this year. Both teams have claimed they’re ready to go, although injury and suspension might say differently for each party involved.
As the Red Stripes’ preseason comes to an end, a few questions have arisen as First Kick 2009 approaches. One question is definitely the backline, yet it isn’t about who will play there. It’s about how the positions are played. Another question will be about Colombian newcomer David Ferreira, arriving in time for this game. Can he produce for the club? With CAP manager Geninho finally in a position to field his very best in Frisco, FC Dallas will have those questions (for the most part) answered against a powerful Atletico Paranaense side.
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.
Wallace, Nikolov and Tom Jones?
Undefeated so far…
FCD has their first scrimmage of 2010 this Saturday.
Surprise I didn’t talk about it exceeds surprise he signed a USL deal.
Dax, Heath, and Jeff get another chance to impress Bradley.
All sorts of stuff
Our version, which includes USOC, US Nats, and PHP conflicts, is here.
Ok, just three, but still fun.
The premiere level SuperGroup for the Dallas Cup has been finalized.
The rumor is now a done deal.
By passing on Osa Romero. (plus 2 linked striker names)
Day 1 of camp and the latest on the international attacking player *** Late morning update ***
Some DMN coverage, Politics, and Hyndman defends Cunningham
And why this helps FC Dallas.
The roster, the pre-season schedule and much much more.