With the close of the regular season looming most teams are fine-tuning for the MLS Cup Playoffs. But facing a number of absences through injury, suspension and national team responsibilities, FC Dallas coach Colin Clarke ran out a new goalkeeper, made key changes and still came away with a draw last weekend against the Colorado Rapids.
"The whole team defended, we attacked well, we kept possession well, but when we turned it over everybody contributed in the defense," said FCD defender and U.S. international Greg Vanney. "Everybody contributed in the defense. We kept our positions, we concentrated on what we were doing and we didn't give away many chances.
"That's how you win in the playoffs, you don't give away goals and you create chances on either side."
Newly signed Dario Sala donned the gloves to make his first start in the Red-and-White, which was coincidentally the first start by an international 'keeper in the club's history.
"My defenders were really good," said the 30-year-old Argentinean. "I think the team had really good possession of the ball and we had the better chances."
Rookie Abe Thompson has settled in well, getting a lot of minutes in recent weeks with the absences of Carlos Ruiz and Eddie Johnson, and was rewarded with his hard play by being placed up top as the lone target forward in Clarke's system.
"Absolutely it's tough (being the lone forward), but Carlos and Roberto [Mina] both do it -- when I get in there that is the job the coach wants me to do, I just have to make sure I do it well," said Thompson. "I am used to being in the role of the guy that everyone is counting on to score in college and now I am just learning things right now. Now, I am getting my chance and I will put it to good use."
FCD also shook up the defense somewhat against the Rapids by playing Vanney, Steve Jolley and Clarence Goodson all at the same time. Jolley has usually been the first option to replace either Vanney or Goodson if they are out, but on Saturday played as a right back, as he had done against the Galaxy the week before.
"I thought that defensively we were sound all night and never really gave them a sniff," Clarke said. "(We) created a couple of great chances going forward. Overall it was a good sound performance."
For Sala it was about making a statement to MLS and to the coaching staff that he was ready, willing and able to play in the league.
"He is very comfortable coming off his line for balls that are played behind us, he feels very comfortable coming off and handling balls with his feet or clearing them out -- he's pretty quick off his line," said Vanney. "He has his presence in front of the goal. Sometimes, it's a difficult situation stepping into a new league for the first time you're not really sure what to expect."
In Sala's first outing he preserved a shutout for the Hoops, something that hadn't been done in league play since June 4.
"I wished to win in my debut, but I didn't give up any goals -- I am happy," said the 'keeper. "This league is getting strong; they have really good players, and the potential. It is going to be one of the best leagues in the world."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
