A big story out of the scoreless draw between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo on Saturday at Pizza Hut Park was the performance of the FCD back line. Featuring three new starters, the Hoops rearguard did a solid job of containing the Dynamo front line of Brian Ching and Joseph Ngwenya while also neutralizing set-up man Brad Davis.
One of those three new starters for FCD was Aaron Pitchkolan, who played center back. The third-year player had not played there since his senior season at West Virginia University but showed he was more than up to the task.
"I thought he had a good game. He did himself a lot of good. We have played him there before in practice games and tried him there during preseason because we had a couple of injuries and were thin at that position," said FCD head coach Steve Morrow. "I told him at the time that he was an option for us there and saw him contributing at that spot. Sooner or later, the opportunity comes along for players and it's up to them to make the most of it. I thought he did that and has a very strong case now for keeping his place in the lineup."
Central defense partner Clarence Goodson was also quick to commend Pitchkolan on his solid performance.
"I thought he did very well," Goodson said. "He came in and didn't miss a beat at all. He played well. He's a big, strong guy in the back and I liked playing next to him."
Pitchkolan had played in four games before Saturday, three of those starts at defensive midfielder before the club signed Pablo Ricchetti on May 12. Since the Argentinean international took over the central midfield role, Pitchkolan's playing time had dwindled.
"He gets impatient when he's not playing," Morrow said. "I try and talk to him a lot and keep his head up and keep him ready and available. It's the same thing for any guys who go through stretches where they don't get as many minutes as they would like but have to be ready to play."
In his nearly three seasons in MLS, the 6-foot-2 Pitchkolan has developed a reputation as a guy who plays somewhat sparingly, but once he gets a chance to play he makes the most of his opportunity.
Last year, Pitchkolan played in just 10 games but netted the game-winner in second-half stoppage time of a 2-1 win against Kansas City on April 23, 2006, a strike that was subsequently featured on NBC's Today show.
And with FCD needing a good result against Houston with their in-state rivals hot on their heels in the West race, Pitchkolan made the most of his first career start at center back and was a big factor in limiting Dynamo's offensive chances.
"He has made a big contribution on more than one occasion for us," Morrow said. "I think the next challenge for him is to get in the lineup and stay there. He needs to do it not just over one or two games, but for an extended period of time."
Goodson agreed. "He has played well wherever he has played," he said. "He has always produced and been a solid player. He proved that again this weekend."
"That's how it is in any professional sport," Pitchkolan said. "Once the opportunity comes, if you don't take advantage of it, you won't get a chance to play again. So, when it does come along, you have to take advantage of it."
Pitchkolan's emergence comes at a time when FCD has some options at center back. Alex Yi, who missed Saturday's game with a strained hamstring but has started 13 games there thus far this season. Yi returned to the training field on Monday and Morrow will evaluate his status further after training on Tuesday morning.
Also in the mix is Adrian Serioux, who is working his way back after having knee surgery in February. A member of Houston's 2006 MLS Cup championship team, Serioux was on the bench for Saturday's game but did not see time.
He has returned to the training field but Morrow admits that he will likely list the Canadian international as questionable for Wednesday's game with Chivas USA in Frisco. Serioux will likely get some action in a Saturday game against Mexican partner Tigres UANL in Monterrey, Mexico.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
