now is his time to finally put it all together.
Carlos Ruiz: Even despite an injured hamstring that caused him to miss part of the middle of 2006, "Fish" still managed to lead FCD with 13 goals, a figure that ranked him among the best scorers in the league. The good news for 2007 is that the Guatemalan international came into the preseason completely healthy and with a newfound focus in his first full preseason with the Hoops. Ruiz will again bear the load of the FCD offense in 2007 and should again be up to the task. He also could do so wearing the captain's armband.
OUTLOOK
FCD could struggle a bit in the early part of the year as they continue to adjust to Morrow's new system. Other questions center around just how much improved the back line and central midfield are compared to last year? Also with Sala suspended for the first six games of the year, goalkeeping could be a concern in his absence. Even with all of those issues, the Hoops are not short on talent and should do well enough to make the MLS Cup Playoffs. Once they get there, anything is possible.
GRADING THE SEASON
FCD won't be content just to make the playoffs in a much-improved Western Conference -- they want to win their first playoff series since 2002. Anything short of that will be considered a failure.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT:
Pick one. Once he gets signed, Richetti, along with the already-signed Toja, will bring a new feel to the central midfield and make the Hoops a much better team with the ball than they were in 2006. Rookie and top draft pick Anthony Wallace has impressed in preseason and could also work his way into the FCD central midfield at some point this year. Once he returns from knee surgery, Serioux will bring a toughness and hard-nosed reputation to the FCD back line that was missing a year ago. That was the main reason why Morrow brought in the former Dynamo star during the offseason.
