FC Dallas

In the words of Bon Jovi, "Oh, we're halfway there," and for many teams, the midpoint couldn't have come soon enough.

While some teams hit the halfway mark hotter than a burning pop tart, others have started to slowly fade from playoff contention. As the contenders and pretenders start to sort themselves out, I will analyze who deserves some significant recognition from the first half.


Rookie of the First Half: Joao Plata

The third-round pick has single-handedly raised 17 coaches’ eyebrows after a terrific first half of his rookie season. Plata worked his way into the TFC lineup in Week 3 and has never looked back. He is currently third on the roster in stats with two goals and two assists. Some may have an argument for Will Bruin, but the truth is that Plata has been more consistently surprising.


Newcomer of the First Half: Charlie Davies

After such a satisfying resurgence back to goal-scoring greatness, it’s hard not to feel happy about Davies’ debut MLS season. He currently finds himself tied for first in the Golden Boot race with eight goals, even if some of them were a little less then legitimate.

His impact on DC United can clearly be seen as attendance figures and win frequency are way up from last year. DC is just a win away from exceeding their point total from 2010 and a lot of that has to do with CD9 up top.


Goal of the First Half: Eric Hassli's Wonder-Goal

When you reach SportsCenter as a soccer player, you know you did something sweet. And Eric Hassli did something really, really sweet to his sour rival.


Team of the First Half: Columbus Crew

Think about it. Are the Crew even close to being the most talented team of the MLS? Do they even cross your mind as a premier club in a league dominated by big market teams?

Assuming you aren’t from Columbus, the answer to those questions above should be no, and for good reason. The Crew have one of the lowest payrolls in the league, one of the smallest markets and are, unfortunately, not blessed with the media spotlight like NY or LA.

Yet somehow Columbus finds itself third in the East and in a prime playoff spot halfway through the season. Will they do anything with that playoff spot in October? Nobody knows. But if one thing is for sure, it is that Columbus has made the most out of what has been given to them.


MVP of the First Half: Brek Shea

With the weight of FCD nation on his shoulders, Brek Shea has been nothing short of amazing the last couple of months. After an injury to David Ferreira that surely should have put Dallas on the brink of calamity, Shea has stepped up and proven why he is worth big money in Big D.

He has played multiple positions, scored multiple goals, and embraced the superstar role that was unfortunately vacant in the FCD roster. Shea was supposed to be the next big thing, and he may be the first American prodigy to live up to expectation.

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy hit the road on May 1 to take on Schellas Hyndman's FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

One player that the Galaxy will not have to worry about is 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira, who suffered a broken right ankle in the Hoops' 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“He’s a special player in this league,” Arena told LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan, “as evidenced by the MVP award last year and Dallas’ progression to the Cup final."

“He’s a terrific player and we want all good players on the field as much as possible.”

Of course, the G's will be without the services of Leonardo, who suffered torn knee ligaments and will be out for the remainder of the season.

“It just sucks for their team,” central defender Omar Gonzalez said. “He was the MVP last year and he carried them a long way. For them to lose a high-caliber player just sucks, like it did for us when we lost Leo. There have been a lot of injuries around the league, and it’s sad to see it happen."

“If he was on the field then we would have to keep an eye on him the whole game. But I’m sure they’ll put someone else in there who will have an effect like he did, or at least try to. Either way Bruce is going to show us film and we’re just going to focus on our game.”

“Last year, we might have put a little bit of emphasis on him alone,” said defender A.J. DeLaGarza. “We know he’s a different player. Now, we can just do what we have to do and not have to worry about him."

“Obviously, I’d much rather play against him than have him out. It’s just unfortunate. He was MVP for a reason.”

Eric Avila was instrumental in FC Dallas's victory over Vancouver. Avila currently has a goal and an assist to his credit but is expected to play a bigger role on Sunday.

Other capable scorers include Brek Shea, George John and Milton Rodriguez, all who have a goal each. Marvin Chavez is the team's best provider, with two assists to his credit.

Defensively, the combination of of Jair Benitez, Jackson, captain Daniel Hernandez, John, Zach Loyd and Ugo Ihemelu will need to replicate their Western Conference Final efforts against David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Chad Barrett and the Galaxy attack without Ferreira.

Currently, FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman has a 2-3-1 record and a 1.50 goals against average. His counterpart, Donovan Ricketts, owns a 3-0-2 record, a 0.40 GAA and a 87.5 percent save percentage.

David Beckham leads the Galaxy in assists with four and should get his share of free kicks to work with on Sunday. However, the Galaxy will win this game with solid ball distribution. Los Angeles defeated Portland with free-flowing sequences dictated by precision passing.

If the Hoops are unable to break up the possession game Los Angeles needs in order to win, Dallas will see payback coming their way.

Prediction:

This should be a Galaxy win. I like the Galaxy building on their win streak and creating chances based on sequences from short and intermediate passing. The absence of David Ferreira also plays into Los Angeles's hands.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, FC Dallas 1

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Sports West and Galavision. 


INS & OUTS

Dreadful start for reserves

The LA Galaxy reserves were unable to replicate the efforts of the first team, falling to the Portland Timbers 3-1.

They will look to rebound on May 3, when they take on the Chivas USA reserves. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET with the location to be determined.


Youth Academy Update

After taking the week off, the LA Galaxy Youth Academy will resume action on Saturday, April 30, when they take on Chivas USA. The Under-18s will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. ET while the Under-16s will clash at 3:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET.

THe Under-16s are 14-2-1 (43 points) and are 5-2-0 in the Southern California Division of the US Soccer Development Academy. As for the Under-16s, they are 10-5-2 (32 points) and are 3-2-2 in the SoCal Division.

Last year, FC Dallas scored the most goals in Major League Soccer (50), yet they also gave up the most goals in the league (47). All that offensive firepower couldn’t save them as they finished a point shy of the playoffs.

The team realized its awful weakness, and credit to them, they addressed the problem.

In 2010, Dallas gave up 28 goals, as only two teams conceded fewer in MLS. (Los Angeles and Real Salt Lake, fittingly the two teams that finished ahead of them in the Western Conference standings). What a difference having a defense has made, as Dallas shut out the offensively-potent Galaxy en route to reaching the MLS Cup.

The pieces to fixing the defense were put in place last season, as all four starters on the backline were all 2009 acquisitions. So what was different in 2010?

Well, for starters, they all were actually available for the full season.

Left-fullback Jair Benitez wasn’t signed until July 22 and made his debut July 24. He played and started in 13 games the rest of the season. Center-back Ugo Ihemelu was traded for on August 31 and made his debut September 5.

The biggest acquisition was U.S. international Heath Pearce, who the team brought in on September 11.  Pearce is known not only for his defensive abilities, but also because he does a very good job of pushing up in the attack and serving a good cross (he was second on the team in assists in 2010 with six).

Filling out the backline is center-back George John, a rookie in 2009. He stands tall at 6’3”, but missed a handful of games last season because of a hamstring injury.

With those players coming on at the end of the season, the team won five of its last seven games and only allowed nine goals, including two clean sheets.

This year, John was healthy and Benitez, Ihemelu, and Pearce were around for the entirety of the season. And while Pearce was disappointed at being passed over for the U.S. World Cup team, it meant he spent more time with Dallas.

Pearce and Benitez each played in 28 games, tied for third-most on the team, and John played in 25 games.

Contributions from rookie defender/midfielder Zach Loyd and defensive midfielder and captain Daniel Hernandez also bolstered the unit.

The final piece to the puzzle was bringing in Kevin Hartman, one of the best goalkeepers in the league’s history. MLS' record-holder for most career saves, most career victories, and most career shutouts was not brought back by the Kansas City Wizards for 2010, and Dallas salivated at the chance to bring him in.

All Hartman did was lead the league in goals against average (0.62) and save percentage (.0789 %). He also only lost one game the entire season while in net, finishing with a record of 10-1-8.

It all added up to FC Dallas going from the worst defensive unit and missing out on the playoffs to one of the best defensive teams and a league finalist for the MLS Cup.

There is a reason why the cliché is, “Defense wins championships.” Count FC Dallas as a believer of that reasoning.

FC Dallas has had incredible success thus far in the MLS Cup playoffs, knocking off the reigning MLS Cup champs, Real Salt Lake.  

The news broke all over Salt Lake's local media about their aggregate loss. The underdog had defeated RSL. Dallas dethroned a favorite to win MLS Cup 2010 and a team that has dominated league play and CONCACAF Champions League play. 

So, what media praise did Dallas receive regarding their achievement?

Well, none...but there was a nice, modest, Associated Press story copied and pasted on the Dallas Morning News website under the "More Sports" tab.

Instead, DMN keeps you updated about every single football game that occurred in the nation, NASCAR and literally every other piece of news in the sporting world outside of soccer.

Dallas going to the Western Conference Final didn't even crack the top of Dallas sporting news.

It's understandable that the Dallas Morning News keeps a firm grasp on American football, since they still believe it's the only sport that exists. But when will it occur to them that a story about their soccer team going to the MLS Western Conference Final might be more important than their dearly beloved Cowboys losing another game? 

Off the field, he looks like your average high school aged kid, hanging out with teammates, going shopping, and playing video games.

But on the field, he is unlike most high schoolers. In fact he is unlike most people on this planet.

Bryan Leyva, though only 18 years old, has the majestic touch and dribbling ability, and that if he continues to improve, could rival that of some of the top players in the world, including Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben, A.C. Milan midfielder Ronaldihno, and Barcelona midfielder Xabi Hernandez.

The Mexican starlet also made history last year, when he signed professional terms with F.C. Dallas, becoming their first ever academy signing.

On April 27, 2010, on the campus of Indiana University, Leyva and his Mexican U-20 team coached by former El Tri member Juan Carlos Chavez, took on the Indiana Hoosiers men's soccer team.

With a large crowd on hand, including at least half of them dressed in the iconic green Mexico jersey, Indiana and Mexico U-20 kicked off for just the fifth time in history. 

Leyva and teammate Gil Cordero played together as attacking midfielders, playing off each other, dribbling through two or more Hoosier defenders at a time, and helping provide a patient attack from Mexico.

However the aggressiveness and physicality of Indiana was too much for El Tri to handle, and Mexico U-20 lost 2-0.

After the game, in the team hotel, Jeff Gordon, Juan Gamarra, and Daniel Karell spoke with Leyva. Here is the full transcript:

On the team's ineffectiveness in front of the net:

"I think we didn't create enough [chances], because we had three clear chances, but I think that's not enough, and I think we should have created more, and kept a zero [clean sheet]."

On facing teams that play a physical style of soccer:

"For us, its harder to play a very physical team than a technical team, because that's our style", said Leyva. "But I think we played hard, and even though we didn't score, that's soccer sometimes."

On the large amount of Mexico fans that came to the game:

"We didn't really expect that many people to come see us, its always great to play in front of a big crowd. Its fantastic, all the guys loved it and we talked about it [after the game]."

On the growth of the squad through out the USA trip:

"I think the team got better as the games went on, some of the guys are new to the team, and they adjusted very well, but the important thing is that the team gave it's best, and that we are getting better."

On playing in friendly games in a foreign country:

"Its hard because of the traveling. [On this trip] We were stuck in the airport for 14 hours because we missed a flight, and then it was a six hour drive from Chicago to here [Bloomington]. Some of the guys also don't like the food so they wont eat much. Its different and I think we have to adjust to all these things, but its no excuse, we should have won [tonight]."

On the overall experience of this trip through the USA:

"We love to come here, everything is great, the shopping, going to the mall. A lot of the guys love the mall because its not as easy to buy clothes over there [in Mexico], but the guys love it here and its a great experience for us to play these teams."

On passing time during the day:

"We play alot of FIFA, its a great way to pass the time."

On the difference between Mexican players and American players:

"I think the biggest difference is that the Mexican players are all dying to play for the first team. Even when they play U-16, they are looking to the first team, and they are working every day in practice trying to make it, even at a young age. There are some players that are 16, 17 years old and on the first team. And I think putting younger players with the older ones is great."

On the significance of Javier Hernandez signing for Manchester United:

"Its great, I mean, here's a guy who played for the U-20 in Mexico, and we saw him every day in practice [when we were in the U-17], and for him to go to Manchester, its very motivational for all of us that he did it, and he was in our spot just two or three years ago."

On his decision to sign with MLS and FC Dallas:

"Basically, my family wanted to live here [in the USA], and I got offered a very good contract with the first team."

On MLS and the Mexican league being a stepping stone to playing in Europe:

"Yea of course, every player that plays in MLS and Mexico wants to do well, and they know if they play well, their next step is Europe."

On being accepted by his teammates at FC Dallas:

"They're very good with me, they help me out a lot. I'm very happy to be there, its a great atmosphere, everyones really nice and supportive, and that helps a young player [like myself]. They give me a lot of advice, and they joke around a lot with me, of course the Rookie stuff."

On "Rookie" initiation:

They made me do a lot of things, like picking up the balls after practice. They joke around with me, asking me if my mom is picking me up after practice, or taking me to practice. Its all good though [said with a chuckle]."

On when he wants to debut for the Mexican National Team:

"I want to play with them in two years, that's what I want."

On his dream club to play for:

"I think Real Madrid, even though they aren't doing so well [with a chuckle]. I was there [once], and I just love the fans and its just a big club."

On his Football Idol:

"Of all time, I would say Ronaldo (Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and A.C. Milan striker), I think he is just phenomenal. The best player of right now, Lionel Messi (Midfielder for Barcelona), without a doubt."

On playing for Mexico:

"Its always an honor you know, every kid who'se ever touched a soccer ball [in Mexico] whether its amateur or just in the street, their dream is to play for the National Team, and we do our best to stay here, because its not that easy, with a lot of people trying out, and everyone wanting to be here."

FC Dallas finished with the most goals scored in MLS in 2009 (50) but fell a point short of the playoffs, largely because of an inept defense that tied for the most goals against (47).

The team has taken steps to vastly improve that problem, starting at the end of last season.

They acquired central defender Ugo Ihemelu from the Colorado Rapids and then signed fullback and U.S. international Heath Pearce.

After Pearce was signed on Sept. 11, Dallas went 5-2-0, including wins against playoff-bound New England Revolution, MLS Cup runners-up Los Angeles Galaxy, and MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake. They also gave up only nine goals, an average of 1.29 a game, with two shutouts.

This offseason the team continued to add to its defense by signing goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

The Hartman signing is a little surprising. Dallas' goal has been manned by captain Dario Sala since 2006 (he did make one appearance in 2005). The team was looking to upgrade the position though, and they couldn’t have done much better than with Hartman.

The 13-year veteran holds MLS records for most career saves, most career victories, and most career shutouts. He was also named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1999. Even though he is 35, he still started and played every single minute of league action last season.

While head coach Schellas Hyndman has said Sala remains the starter for now, even having arguably the league's greatest goalie in its history pushing him and competing against him can only make the both of them better.

The team also drafted fullback Zach Loyd out of North Carolina with the fifth pick in the draft. Loyd has impressed so much in camp that Hyndman has hinted he may be able to push Pearce up into the midfield.

Pushing Pearce into the midfield would offset the loss of out of contract Dave van den Bergh. Van den Bergh was a threat on the left side of the midfield. The veteran serviced great crosses and could fire off a nice shot of his own.

Pearce has proved in his time with the national team, however, that pushing forward into the attack is definitely a strength of his.

He would join Dax McCarty and second-year mid Brek Shea, both talented midfielders but not as strong offensively as Pearce.

The biggest threat that Dallas owns is Jeff Cunningham.

Cunningham is one of the most prolific goal scorers in MLS history, currently second all-time with 121 goals.

After 32 games with Toronto where he only scored six league goals, Cunningham had a renaissance year in 2009, winning the league’s Golden Boot award with 17 goals. His return to prominence also earned him a few call-ups with the U.S. National Team.

Colombian David Ferreira scored eight goals in 30 starts last season and will be counted on in 2010 to complement Cunningham.

Behind those two there isn’t much depth at the forward position, so another signing should be imminent.

If Dallas can get its defense to tighten up, and Cunningham continues to be the goal scorer he’s been for the majority of his career, the team could return to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.