SB Nation Dallas: All Posts by Exoderphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2012-07-18T09:00:38-05:00https://dallas.sbnation.com/authors/alfredo-cuvi/rss2012-07-18T09:00:38-05:002012-07-18T09:00:38-05:00FC Dallas Squares Off Against San Jose in Late Night Match
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<img alt="Jul 7, 2012; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder David Ferreira (10) misses a header during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at FC Dallas Stadium. FC Dallas tie the Earthquakes 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sdrOzXHneeJnasGHqleO0vWmHCo=/0x16:1000x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7806297/20120707_lbm_sh2_365.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jul 7, 2012; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder David Ferreira (10) misses a header during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at FC Dallas Stadium. FC Dallas tie the Earthquakes 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>FC Dallas attempts to cobble together two wins against league's best team</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> finally broke out of their brutal twelve game winless streak against the Colorado rapids. The match produced plenty of good news besides the win, the most important pertaining to <span>David Ferreira</span>. His elegant through ball set up the second goal, and it's clear that his vision on the field remains much the same as it was before his injury.</p>
<p>The team's defense, while allowing a goal, has been significantly better over the past four games and is now resembling the FC Dallas defense of last year that set a new franchise shutout streak record. With Captain <span>Ugo Ihemelu</span> still out with concussion symptoms<br><br> With Castillo scoring, Ferreira getting healthy and the team's defense actually defending in the second half of games, Dallas will use their new found form to take on the leagues best in tonight's midnight matchup against the San Jose earthquakes. The Toros travel to California in the hopes that struggling Colorado and Portland continue to drop points so that Dallas can continue to hold onto their playoff dreams.<br><br> The Quakes are scoring with reckless abandon and while their defense isn't anything to write home about most days, San Jose just blanked one of the best teams in the league, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>, 5-0, for a serious thumping. Thrashing Real Salt Lake is a major achievement, and while the Quakes seem to always find success against RSL, that does not diminish the beating the just handed out in Utah. The Toros' focus needs to be sharp and their fitness high if they hope to walk out of California with three points.<br><br> FCD will have their work cut out for them. The Quakes boast <span>Chris Wondolowski</span>, Steven Lenhart and <span>Marvin Chavez</span>, all serious offensive threats both through the middle of the pitch and down the flanks. Fitness will be key to keep up with Chavez while size and positioning will limit the damage Wondo and Lenhart do.</p>
<p>The match will, for some insane reason, begin at 10pm CDT and will be broadcast on the NBC Sports Network.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/18/3166862/fc-dallas-squares-off-against-san-jose-in-late-night-matchExoderp2012-07-07T23:00:06-05:002012-07-07T23:00:06-05:00FC Dallas Doesn't Win But Records Shutout
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<p>Dallas has now gone 12 games without a win, but they played enough defense to ensure a clean sheet against an excellent San Jose team.</p> <p>Despite the season taking a nosedive (and fast), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> has shown signs of a defensive rebirth in recent weeks. This is all the more impressive when one considers that Saturday night in Frisco, the Toros shut out the most prolific goal scoring team in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>.</p>
<p>The game provided little action, unlike the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> game on Wednesday, but the lack of news and action in many ways is a positive sign for Dallas.</p>
<p>There were no suspensions (for Dallas, as San Jose's <span>Ramiro Corrales</span> was given a second yellow and sent off in the 80th minute), no injuries and no awful performances. While FC Dallas is desperately missing their target man, <span>Blas Perez</span>, the back four have gelled well enough to be the first team this year to shut out the prolific Quakes.</p>
<p>The game didn't lack for big moments. Ferreira again started, but since he is still rounding into form after more than a year's time off his effectiveness was debatable. <span>Hernan Pertuz</span> cleared a sure goal from <span>Chris Wondolowski</span> off the line to ensure the score remained tied, while <span>Kevin Hartman</span> made a few saves of his own.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">All in all it was as encouraging a draw as is possible, though at this point the team might well be playing for next season as much as this one. The crowd certainly did not lack energy, as twitter lit up post-match to shower words of praise upon the recently-renovated beer garden crowd who did their best to lift the teams' spirits.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">One thing's for certain. There is a reason MLS observers are shocked at FC Dallas' season: This team has talents in spades. Now, they are slowly getting healthy.</span></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/7/3144224/fc-dallas-still-winless-but-record-shutoutExoderp2012-07-07T10:00:18-05:002012-07-07T10:00:18-05:00FC Dallas Welcomes West's Best
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<img alt="SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Fabian Castillo #15 of the FC Dallas shoots the ball through two San Jose Earthquakes defenders during an MLS game at Buck Shaw Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Tony Medina/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tt8xA7w0wWSENpYQwQhblxh7X2M=/0x16:1000x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4513413/129995349.jpg" />
<figcaption>SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Fabian Castillo #15 of the FC Dallas shoots the ball through two San Jose Earthquakes defenders during an MLS game at Buck Shaw Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Tony Medina/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In the midst of a twelve-game winless streak, basement-dwelling Dallas hosts San Jose, the top team in the Western Conference.</p> <p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a>' playoff hopes currently clinging to life in the ICU, the villain that comes to disconnect the life-support equipment once and for all arrives in the form of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>.</p>
<p>The San Jose Earthquakes come not only as league-best in many categories, including goals scored, but arrive with trouble on the wings in the form of former FC Dallas midfielder <span>Marvin Chavez</span>, whose speed and work-rate excited FC Dallas fans for two seasons before being traded to the now first-place Quakes.</p>
<p>The San Jose Earthquakes have reinvented themselves drastically this season after a disappointing season last year in which they failed to make the playoffs. The Quakes addressed their midfield woes by adding Marvin Chavez and by focusing on a more two-pronged threat with <span>Chris Wondolowski</span> as a target man while Steven Lenhart bullies his way into the box with size and speed.</p>
<p>FC Dallas meanwhile is barely alive and have had a supremely disappointing season so far. While <span>David Ferreira</span> is again expected to make the bench, he is described by coach <span>Schellas Hyndman</span> as only at "65%" and so expectations for his contributions must be lowered. Simply having Ferreira back on the field is a massive boost to morale, but it will take a while for his body to perform what his brilliant soccer-mind tells him to do.</p>
<p>The match will start at 8 PM CT and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/7/3142991/fc-dallas-welcomes-wests-bestExoderp2012-07-05T12:25:32-05:002012-07-05T12:25:32-05:00FC Dallas And Toronto Draw 1-1 As Winless Streak Continues
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<img alt="FRISCO, TX - JULY 4: Reggie Lambe #19 of Toronto FC heads the ball away from Jackson #6 of FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium on July 4, 2012 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R0fnJt91hoe1OG54TF6BGcxraZk=/0x96:761x603/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7761530/147841942.jpg" />
<figcaption>FRISCO, TX - JULY 4: Reggie Lambe #19 of Toronto FC heads the ball away from Jackson #6 of FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium on July 4, 2012 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dallas looks to end skid by adding Ferreira, Villar to lineup.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/5/3139182/fc-dallas-winless-streakExoderp2012-07-04T23:00:17-05:002012-07-04T23:00:17-05:00FC Dallas And Toronto Play To 1-1 Draw
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<img alt="FRISCO TX - SEPTEMBER 04: FC Dallas takes on Toronto FC on September 4 2010 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco Texas. FC Dallas Beat Toronto FC 1-0. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/abho6E_JQPXRtbYQPIbQiqsJ2uw=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1134979/GYI0061494669.jpg" />
<figcaption>FRISCO TX - SEPTEMBER 04: FC Dallas takes on Toronto FC on September 4 2010 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco Texas. FC Dallas Beat Toronto FC 1-0. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dallas' playoff hopes take massive hit with another draw at home against Toronto.</p> <p>With yet another draw on the books for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a>, the team's hopes for the playoffs are effectively dashed. The team's standing is low enough that anything less than a win would make it</p>
<p>The night started very well, with <span>Zach Loyd</span> getting a goal not six minutes into the match as a by-product of a corner kick which Jackson maneuvered to get the ball to AJ who then played it to Loyd for a header into the net. The early goal was Loyd's second of the season.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the lead wouldn't last into the half as a misplayed ball in the box by James Marcelin lead to a wide open <span>Danny Koevermans</span> booming a shot past <span>Kevin Hartman</span>. The goal could not have come an a more inopportune time as up to that point Dallas had been controlling the run of play, but after the goal TFC found new life and proceeded to make the match difficult for the Toros. With the score 1-1, Toronto and Dallas went back and forth with no extra goals to show for an otherwise largely entertaining game.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">The biggest moment of the night certainly went to <span>David Ferreira</span> coming back onto the field in the 59th minute, seeing</span><span style="line-height: 9px;">his first competitive MLS minutes since April of 2011. The crowd got to their feet to deliver a loud standing ovation for the the 2010 MLS MVP.</span></p>
<p>Dallas now needs a miracle to make it into the playoffs, as they still sit dead last well outside of the 5th and final playoff spot in the West.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/4/3138103/fc-dallas-draw-toronto-1-1Exoderp2012-07-04T10:00:29-05:002012-07-04T10:00:29-05:00FC Dallas Gets Ferreira, Shea Back Against Toronto
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<p>Dallas looks to end skid by adding Ferreira, Villar to lineup.</p> <p>As cocky as it may seem, tonight's matchup against Toronto FC was seen by many Dallas fans as three points in the bag. A guaranteed win, a surefire stomping, maybe even a narrow victory, but any other prediction would have gotten you laughed at.</p>
<p>After all, Toronto started out the season 0-9 and held just about the worst record at that point in their history, and were dead last in MLS by a large margin. But since then? Head Coach Aron Winter has been fired, Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans are <i>finally </i>healthy, and Toronto has managed to pull off a few impressive results. They have scored goals in bunches, and while their defense isn't much to write home about, they can outscore you if they feel like it.</p>
<p>Dallas meanwhile has had a disastrous two month span that has seen them tumble all the way down to dead last in the Western Conference.</p>
<p>But this time the guns are coming back.</p>
<p>Dallas will have Ricardo Villar, David Ferreira, Brek Shea and possibly Blas Perez back from injury, and while some of them may only be on the bench, their presence makes a palpable difference on the field.</p>
<p>The Toros need to go on a wicked tear to have any chance of making the playoffs but nothing is out of the question if the core group of players can start cobbling together wins and health in equal measure.</p>
<p>The match will be broadcast tonight on FSSW+ at 8pm CT.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/7/4/3136797/ferreira-shea-back-for-dallas-tilt-against-torontoExoderp2012-06-23T09:00:29-05:002012-06-23T09:00:29-05:00FC Dallas Hosts Resurgent Chivas USA
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<img alt="FRISCO, TX - JULY 31: Brek Shea #20 of the FC Dallas dribbles the ball against Zarek Valentin #20 of the Chivas USA at Pizza Hut Park on July 31, 2011 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/510wZaNq6MofCkJF5ZUTIehcLoo=/13x0:987x649/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3539558/120186484.jpg" />
<figcaption>FRISCO, TX - JULY 31: Brek Shea #20 of the FC Dallas dribbles the ball against Zarek Valentin #20 of the Chivas USA at Pizza Hut Park on July 31, 2011 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>FCD Gaining Health, Host Chivas USA in Western Conference Clash.</p> <p>With things quickly heading down the toilet for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a>' season, a strong to perfect performance is needed over the course of the next two games. Thanks to the recent ineptitude of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a>, the Toros STILL have a slim chance of making the playoffs as they are only six points out of a playoff spot. With a win netting three points, only a few wins and some results going their way would be necessary for the Hoops to get back into the Hunt.</p>
<p>Unfortunately FC Dallas will be hosting a team that looks completely different in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a>. The Goats began the season as the weak link int he Western Conference, but thanks strong defense, incredible goalkeeping by MLS stud <span>Dan Kennedy</span>, and a few boffo trades the Goats are now in prime position to make a charge up the table. They have had a decent string of results, going 2-2-1 in their last five games while Dallas' struggles have been well documented.</p>
<p>FCD has hope though, as the team looked strong in their loss to Houston, and a there are few things more dangerous than a cornered Toro. Brek Shea looks likely to start (or at least make the bench) today while <span>David Ferreira</span> is looking at a July 4th return date. Jackson Gonçalves also got his first goal of the season, which is surely a good sign as the Brazilian can be a creative force when properly motivated. </p>
<p>Dirk Nowitzki will be on hand to do the honorary scarfing of the Lamar Hunt statue and will watch the game from a luxury suite. The game will be broadcast at 8:00 PM CDT on Fox Sports Southwest and Galavision.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/6/23/3112437/fc-dallas-hosts-resurgent-chivas-usaExoderp2012-06-16T23:00:04-05:002012-06-16T23:00:04-05:00FC Dallas Matches All Time Winless Streak, Loses in Houston
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<img alt="HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 16: Jackson #6 of the FC Dallas is taken down by Jermaine Taylor #4 of the Houston Dynamo in the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 16, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8L3fvWeEoTG9rAAjgE0nBZMFT90=/0x43:919x656/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7468477/146451055.jpg" />
<figcaption>HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 16: Jackson #6 of the FC Dallas is taken down by Jermaine Taylor #4 of the Houston Dynamo in the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 16, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>FC Dallas cannot shake red card issues, losing a man and dropping their game to the Dynamo.</p> <p>The match against FCD's Texan rivals, the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a>, had all the hallmarks of a great matchup.</p>
<p>The teams were coming off a long break, Dallas finally started regaining some health, Houston was coming off an ugly loss and statistically speaking, <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a> had every chance of breaking their winless slump.</p>
<p>Sadly the game seemed to follow the formula of the season so far, with a red card to left back <span>Jair Benitez</span> in the second half and a goal that came partly due to the numerical disadvantage. Dallas found itself in a 2-1 hole from which they could not recover. The first goal came not three minutes into the game, with <span>Will Bruin</span> slotting a shot past <span>Kevin Hartman</span>. With the score opened up so early, Dallas dug themselves a deep ditch that they would work to get out of for the rest of the match.</p>
<p>The effort from Toros players was not necessarily lacking, but again the mental focus the team was supposed to have been working on seemed lacking in the second half as usual. The red card to Benitez could perhaps be a bit harsh, but his reputation precedes him and fans can not expect Jair to get any slack from MLS referees when it comes to his on field antics.</p>
<p>The loss saddles FCD with the dubious honor of having matched the franchise's all time winless streak at 10 games.</p>
<p>The next team FC Dallas faces will be the newly reenergized <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>. Once Western Conference punchlines, the Goats have found new life of late via trades, including USA young stud Juan Agudelo, and solid results backed by a stingy defense. FCD fans meanwhile will be left wondering if the season is already over.</p>
<p>One more loss and it certainly will be.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/6/16/3092334/fc-dallas-matches-all-time-low-loses-in-houstonExoderp2012-06-11T09:00:08-05:002012-06-11T09:00:08-05:00FC Dallas Using Break To Rest, Refocus
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<img alt="May 19, 2012; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas poses for a team photo before their match against the Philadelphia Union at FC Dallas Stadium. FC Dallas and Philadelphia Union ended tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pDjQ8kRx5MGaBo0SYA2nKFwKoyI=/0x16:1000x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7074763/20120521_kkt_an4_434.jpg" />
<figcaption>May 19, 2012; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas poses for a team photo before their match against the Philadelphia Union at FC Dallas Stadium. FC Dallas and Philadelphia Union ended tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>In the midst of nine consecutive games without a win, Dallas will try to turn their season around during a long break in the MLS schedule due to international play.</p> <p>FC Dallas has endured the worst month-long stretch in its history with no wins since their match against the expansion Montreal Impact back on April 14.</p>
<p>Dallas' record since then? An abysmal 0-3-6. Three draws, six losses and no wins.</p>
<p>A long, two week break is now well underway, as Dallas does not have its next competitive match until June 18th against the Houston Dynamo. The break is an odd confluence of a pre-determined MLS bye-week and a FIFA international date scheduled for World Cup qualifying. With the United States participating in qualifying matches this week, most MLS matches are put on hold to give international players time to meet up with their national teams while other players get to have a break from their regular club duties.</p>
<p>A break could not have come at a more opportune time for Dallas, as their well-documented struggles have ruined a good portion of the season. With the extra time off from competition, head coach Schellas Hyndman is using the time to focus on extensive training and passing drills, while some others are being given plenty of time to rest up from injuries.</p>
<p>Andrew Wiedeman has returned to the practice field alongside Colombian speedster Fabian Castillo, while George John and Zach Loyd both participated in non contact drills. David Ferreira, the league MVP in 2010, has finally returned to the practice field, albeit simply on an exercise bike, but his presence on the pitch is something every player on FC Dallas feels, according to Hyndman who spoke to Daniel Robertson.</p>
<p>From Daniel Robertson at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigdsoccer.com">Big D Soccer:</a></p>
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<p>He's in the warm up with the guys and he's probably more inspirational and motivating by his presence then forme to try and keep motivating players. And it's not like "oh David's back he's going to take my place" that's not the mentality. The mentality is "Great we've got David back, we're going to be a better team."</p>
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<p>The silver lining in this injury-addled season has been the play of Matt Hedges (filling in for the injured Ihemelu), FC Dallas' first-round pick at the MLS SuperDraft in January, and Brian Leyva, an FCD Academy product and homegrown signing who is showing significant signs of progress. Leyva's free kicks have Toros fans excited for set pieces, something FCD fans are not accustomed to being excited about as the opportunities are usually wasted through poor delivery. Meanwhile Hedges has earned two FCD man of the match awards and has already scored two goals on the year. Playing as a center back, that is no small feat for the rookie out of North Carolina.</p>
<p>While the team has struggled mightily with Ferreira out of the lineup, it is important to note that the man brought in to be his replacement should things go wrong, Ricardo Villar, has also been injured fior an extended period of time. This has forced FCD to spend most of the season with a 3rd string CAM, hardly an ideal situation for a team that is built around midfield creativity and tactical discipline. With their season's hopes hanging by a thread, the Toros will face their Texan rivals, the Houston Dynamo, next.</p>
<p>Up for grabs is the cannon, El Capitan, which is awarded to the winner of the season's matchup between the two sides. The Dynamo have just opened their new stadium, the BBVA Compass Stadium, and will be looking to put a special shine on it by defeating Dallas. While Houston is not performing at its best so far this season, facing Dallas always brings out strong emotions and hard-nosed play.</p>
<p>There is still time left in the season, though not much. Where before FCD had the luxury of some cushion from an abysmal start to the season from both the Timbers and the Galaxy, they can no longer depend on others' failure to allow them breathing room. Chivas USA has been significantly strengthened via trades (acquiring Danny Califf and Juan Agudelo) while the Vancouver Whitecaps have started finding a rhythm in their play.</p>
<p>The Hoops sit with a measly 13 points out of fifteen games and even the LA Galaxy are performing better, with 11 points in 13 games. Dallas needs to start winning consistently and pulling out more draws than losses if they are to entertain any hope of emerging from the bottom of the western conference pack and contend for a playoff spot. They are currently seven points behind the fifth place Colorado Rapids, who hold the final playoff spot.</p>
<p>Nabbing El Capitan while away at Houston's new stadium would be a potent way to kick-start a hopefully healthy Dallas side. With Ferreira scheduled to rejoin the team sometime in July and health returning to important injured squad members, the extra training being used during this break will be critical in reestablish FCD's preferred style of play: Winning.</p>
<p>Fans just have to hope the substitute troops can hold the line while they wait for the Cavalry (Ugo Ihemelu, David Ferreira, Brek Shea, Zach Loyd, Ricardo Villar) to arrive.</p>
<p>For all the latest and greatest FC Dallas coverage, head on over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigdsoccer.com">Big D Soccer</a>!</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/6/11/3070851/fc-dallas-season-in-reviewExoderp2012-05-26T09:00:53-05:002012-05-26T09:00:53-05:00FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake Preview
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<p>Spiraling Dallas heads to Rio Tinto Stadium to take on Real Salt Lake.</p> <p>With their season slowly spiraling out of control, Dallas travels to Sandy, Utah to face Western Conference powerhouse <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a>. Salt Lake's home turf, Rio Tinto Stadium, is a fortress where Salt Lake manages to get results almost every single time they take the pitch.</p>
<p>Dallas sits as one of the worst teams in MLS in points-per-game and in order to keep their heads above water they must manage at least a draw, if not a win. With the rotating carousel of injuries, it will be difficult however to field a first-choice starting XI. Reinforcements are on the way in a month, with Villar nearing fitness and Shea serving the last game of his suspension, but until then FCD needs to avoid drowning.</p>
<p>Luckily for Dallas, Real Salt Lake will be without many key players as well, making this a matchup in which Dallas might be able to nail an otherwise difficult win. Due to callups by national teams for the upcoming FIFA dates, RSL will be lacking <span>Alvaro Saborio</span>, <span>Will Johnson</span>, <span>Nick Rimando</span> and <span>Kyle Beckerman</span>. Midfield playmaker <span>Javier Morales</span> will also be out due to injury.</p>
<p>Fatigue will be an important issue here for Dallas as they will be playing their third game in a week, and there will likely be some tired legs out there after the 60th minute.</p>
<p>With so many key absences for Real, Dallas players needs to be disciplined, avoid red cards, and preferably stay out of the hospital. If the Toros stick to their game plan and attack Real's currently squishy midfield, a win wouldn't be entirely out of the question, though a draw would be just as nice when playing at Rio Tinto.</p>
<p>The game will be broadcast at 8:00 pm CDT on Fox Sports Southwest.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/fc-dallas/2012/5/26/3044430/fc-dallas-vs-real-salt-lake-previewExoderp