Before the start of the 2008 season, one of the biggest questions surrounding FC Dallas was how they would fare with a three-man backline. After all, one of the Hoops' biggest weaknesses in 2007, when they played with four in the back, was an often-porous rearguard.
However, that trend seems to have reversed itself in 2008. In their first five games, FCD has allowed a total of five goals, which ties them for the second-least in MLS.
FCD head coach Steve Morrow has been pleased with his group of Adrian Serioux on the left, Duilio Davino in the middle and Drew Moor on the right.
"I think those three have developed a better understanding from game to game and have gotten better defensively," Morrow said. "We've tried to get the whole group to embrace that as well, being stronger defensively as a whole unit, not just the back three. We feel that those three have a good understanding."
Morrow added that he has seen great things from all three and those individual assets have come together nicely to form a solid defensive unit.
"Duilio [Davino] is organizing things well from the middle, which has been great," Morrow said. "He's communicating a lot more and is feeling more comfortable with his style of play and the league. I think that Drew [Moor] has stepped up his game in the last couple games as well. I want him to focus on what he's good at and I think he's done that. Adrian [Serioux] has been outstanding since the start of the season. We're still looking for those guys to be strong defensively and keep improving for us."
For Moor and Serioux, it was never a matter of if they would adjust to playing with three in the back, it was more a matter of when.
"I think we've just been given a little bit of time now (to play together)," Moor said. "We're five games into the season now and Duilio, Adrian and myself are comfortable with each other. Adrian and Duilio have a lot more experience than I do but I feel like I have very good MLS experience.
"It really doesn't matter what we bring to the table individually because we know how to work together as a unit. I've become extremely comfortable with both of them. It's been extremely good so far but we want to continue to have that kind of unity and tightness in the back and continue to grow."
For Moor and Serioux certainly, the change to three in the back required an adjustment from what they saw a year ago. Moor was primarily the right back in the back four, while Serioux spent some at center back, but also as a defensive midfielder.
"Playing that formation is something that most teams aren't capable of doing," Serioux said. "I know that was a question in our minds at the beginning of the season. But it was a matter of time before everyone got the hang of things and got used to playing with the people beside them. Drew, Davino and myself have formed this unity in our movement. We don't have to do too much talking because we know where we need to be and are going to be. That's helped us and limited other teams from scoring on us.
"Like anything else, it was a matter of time," Serioux continued. "If you continue doing something a number of times, it's bound to work for you. Fortunately for us, that's what has been happening and we'll keep on doing what we can do."
Moor also wanted to give credit to the pair of defensive midfielders playing in front of them, Pablo Ricchetti and Marcelo Saragosa, saying that their strong play has been another reason why the back line has performed so well.
"It [having them in front of us] helps a ton," Moor said. "Marcelo and Pablo are very good in there but we also have other players who can move into that spot. Having two guys that sit a little more helps us, especially with three in the back and it's easier to communicate with two instead of one."
However, Serioux missed training both Wednesday and Thursday with back stiffness. It means Morrow might have to go with Aaron Pitchkolan in his place when FCD plays at San Jose on Saturday.
"We've got a concern about Adrian right now as well," Morrow said. "He's had a lot of tightness around his lower back and it has caused a little tightness and tingling down his legs. He'll be a question mark [for Saturday]. He didn't train [Thursday] but I hope to see him back out here [Friday]."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
