FC Dallas Doesn't Win But Records Shutout

Despite the season taking a nosedive (and fast), FC Dallas 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 San Jose Earthquakes.

The game provided little action, unlike the Toronto FC game on Wednesday, but the lack of news and action in many ways is a positive sign for Dallas.

There were no suspensions (for Dallas, as San Jose's Ramiro Corrales 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, Blas Perez, the back four have gelled well enough to be the first team this year to shut out the prolific Quakes.

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. Hernan Pertuz cleared a sure goal from Chris Wondolowski off the line to ensure the score remained tied, while Kevin Hartman made a few saves of his own.

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.

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.