At least in the regular season, FC Dallas has dominated the series with the Colorado Rapids in recent history. The Hoops are currently riding a six-match winning streak and a 10-match unbeaten streak that goes all the way back to Sept. 4, 2004, when FCD last lost to the Rapids, a 2-1 defeat that came at Invesco Field at Mile High.
When the teams meet again Sunday afternoon at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, just one point will separate the two in the MLS Western Conference table. Both teams are coming off disappointing results. On Wednesday, FCD saw Houston steal a point with a 2-2 draw thanks to a stoppage time goal, while Colorado fell 2-1 last Saturday night to Chivas USA, a setback that dropped their record this year at Dick's Sporting Goods Park to 3-2-0.
Like every other foe the Rapids have faced this year, FCD interim head coach Marco Ferruzzi knows that the Colorado attack starts with a former MLS MVP.
"(Christian) Gomez, their attacking playmaker is somebody we have to keep an eye on," Ferruzzi said. "The five in the midfield suits us and they've come out in a 3-5-2 as well. We also have to pay attention to (Omar) Cummings as well because he's on a bit of a streak and has pace. Herculez (Gomez) has also got good speed, pace and experience in the league."
For FCD midfielder Bobby Rhine, the Rapids can be summed up by their strong work ethic every time they hit the field.
"They've got a very good work rate and guys that are always willing to put a foot in and a stamp on the game," he said. "They've also got the players to make special plays. Christian Gomez is the guy that pulls the strings for them. He's terrific, has got great vision and can find runners in behind the defense. I think he's a terrific addition for their team."
Starting FCD center back Duilio Davino left the Houston game with an ankle injury in the second half but according to Ferruzzi, the Mexican international should be ready.
"His status is good," Ferruzzi said. "He was checked out by the doctors last night and every indication says that he'll be ready for Sunday."
However, the Hoops will be without midfielder Andre Rocha, who was sent off in the second half of the Dynamo game. He leads FCD with five assists and should be replaced in the starting 11 by Bobby Rhine, who missed the Houston game after getting a red card in a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake last Saturday.
On May 18, center back Adrian Serioux was also expelled in a 5-1 loss to the L.A. Galaxy, giving FCD a red card in each of their last three matches. It's a situation Ferruzzi has already addressed.
"I've spoken to the boys that have been issued cards," he said. "All these players that have had this happen, they have to look at themselves and how they could manage this better in that situation. We've talked about it and will get it cleared up."
While Davino is likely to play, Serioux will be out, after playing with the Canadian national team in their 3-2 loss to Seattle on Saturday evening in Seattle. In his place will likely be Aaron Pitchkolan, a native of Aurora, Colo.
"For me, it's an exciting game going back home," Pitchkolan said. "I'm really looking forward to it. From a team aspect, it's a good opportunity to pick up three points. I know there's been a lot of change going on here and everyone has coped with it well. We're looking forward to the weekend."
One positive from the Houston game was that for the first time this season, FCD scored off a corner kick when Rocha found Drew Moor in the second half to give the Hoops a 2-1 lead. During training late in the week, the Hoops were doing extra work on set plays.
"It (scoring off set pieces) is a simple part that we need to become more effective at," Ferruzzi said. "We have the players with the technical ability to deliver good service into the box, so we have to make good use of it. We have guys who can finish in the area, so we have to make use of it. We're concentrating on it and are doing it more in training."
Sunday's match will be the first for FCD in June and both Pitchkolan and Rhine agree that the club is ready to turn the page following a tumultuous May where the team's struggles led to the firing of now-former head coach Steve Morrow nearly two weeks ago. In his two games in charge, Ferruzzi has seen his troops put together a win and a draw.
"It was definitely a rough spot for us," Pitchkolan said. "Hopefully, we can put it in the past and move forward."
Rhine agreed. "I don't know how happy we'll be because we've got so many games on the road (in June)," he said. "But, there were about 10 days there where it was just crazy. We've really rallied around one another and the coaching staff. It's continued to help the team chemistry that we have here that's so good. If that makes us stronger in the end, then so be it."
FCD will face a Rapids team with a new goalkeeper in league veteran Preston Burpo, acquired from San Jose earlier in the year. With Bouna Coundoul playing for Senegal as they attempt to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Burpo, who saw his last action in a July 7, 2007 1-1 draw at New England for Chivas USA, takes over between the posts.
The Hoops could also be with a change in goal, as goalkeeper Dario Sala has been suffering from a hamstring injury and there have been indications he will not be ready to go at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
