It's no great surprise around MLS that FC Dallas has greatly improved defensively. In their first six games, the Western Conference co-leaders have allowed just five goals, the third-least on the circuit. But while the Hoops have been solid in the back, in their last two games, their attack has sputtered as they have failed to find the back of the net.
But head coach Steve Morrow isn't worried as his side heads to the Wasatch Front to face Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night.
"It's no real concern," Morrow said. "I think all teams will go through that at some point during the season. We scored quite a few goals at the beginning of the season, so we've got enough of an offensive core in the team to start scoring again. We have worked a lot on that in practice this week -- our play in the final third of the field, getting more shots on goal and crosses into the box."
If the Hoops are ripe for an offensive explosion, it could very well come at the expense of RSL, who has allowed 11 goals so far, the third-highest total in MLS.
"I think going in there, we have to be ready to attack them, test their back four and test them defensively as a team," Morrow said. "We certainly want to get at them and get on the scoring sheet again."
Last week, FCD traveled to San Jose and left the Bay Area with one point thanks to a scoreless draw with the Earthquakes. But forward Kenny Cooper, who leads the Hoops with four goals, knows he and his teammates must be more dangerous in the final third.
"We know that you have to score goals to win games," he said. "Defensively, we've been excellent and have only given up one goal in the last four games. Dario (Sala) has been incredible and the entire backline has been great. Hopefully we can continue with that and score some goals this weekend."
With regular starting defender Adrian Serioux unable to go last week because of a dead leg, Morrow inserted 19-year-old Anthony Wallace in his place on the left of the back three and the Generation adidas player performed well. But Serioux was able to make it through training on Thursday and Friday and should be able to return to the starting 11 this weekend.
History also dictates that the Hoops should do well this weekend. All-time, FCD is 8-2-1 against RSL. Their only two losses in the series came in Salt Lake with the most recent one coming on Sept. 16, 2006, when they fell 3-2.
Saturday's match could be FCD's last on the artificial surface at Rice-Eccles as RSL's new stadium in neighboring Sandy should be open by the time the Hoops return on Oct. 18.
"We're really disappointed that we won't be able to play there again," Morrow joked. "Hopefully, their stadium opens up later in the year and is ready for when we go back there."
Defender Drew Moor agreed.
"I like going to Salt Lake City because it's a great city but I hate playing on that turf," he said. "I don't like that stuff because it's not good for bodies and stuff. But it's the same for both teams. You've just got to stay focused for 90 minutes and not worry about the turf too much. We've gone there and had success in the past. We're going to go in, look to get three points and then come home for a few weeks."
RSL also comes off a disappointing result a week ago. Goals by Fabian Espindola and Kenny Deuchar in the opening 18 minutes gave them a 2-0 lead against the LA Galaxy before David Beckham drew the match level on his own with goals in the 36th and 40th minute as the sides finished in a 2-2 deadlock.
Despite that result, Morrow knows that RSL has plenty of options going forward.
"(Kyle) Beckerman playing on the left and cutting inside has been quite dangerous," he said. "That's something that we've got to be aware of. (Kenny) Deuchar is a threat up top who is decent in the air and (Fabian) Espindola has scored some goals as well. They certainly have a few players that we need to keep an eye on but I think it's more important for us to focus on what we need to do."
Moor is also well aware of what Beckerman, Deuchar and Espindola have meant to RSL so far this season. This trio has accounted for six of their eight goals this year.
"They have plenty of players who can create chances and put the ball in the back of the net," Moor said. "Beckerman is picking out passes and when he has time and space, Espindola is scoring goals. They're definitely a dangerous team and there is some physicality up front with Deuchar, who is a big kid. We've just got to keep an eye on them and lock it down."
While Cooper has four goals for the Hoops and strike partner Arturo Alvarez has a pair of tallies and one assist, the production of 2007 all-star midfielder Juan Toja (one goal, one assist) has been somewhat disappointing and a bit perplexing.
The Colombian international had a goal in FCD's season-opening tie with Chivas USA on March 30 and an assist the following week in another draw at Houston but hasn't been heard from since.
"I don't think he's played his best so far and I think he'll be the first one to tell you that," Morrow said. "I think that he's not quite reached 100 percent fitness. We're trying to get him 90 minutes but have no concerns with him. I know he'll come back to his best soon, start to produce again and show the good form that he had last season."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
