On Friday, FC Dallas head to Brazil, where they will train with South American partner Clube Atletico Paranaense for two weeks before returning in mid-March. But before the Hoops head to South America, they will face Southern Methodist University in a preseason match on Tuesday night at Pizza Hut Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
FCD comes off a 4-0 win against West Texas A&M University on Saturday, a game where all of their scoring came from their starting front line of Roberto Mina, Dominic Oduro and Abe Thompson. Mina and Oduro netted one goal apiece while Thompson scored twice.
A number of Hoops didn't play in that game, a group including Arturo Alvarez and Kenny Cooper. Head coach Steve Morrow will start them Tuesday night against the Mustangs.
"We did that deliberately so that we could get guys the bulk of the game against SMU," Morrow said. "Most of the guys that didn't play on Saturday will start against SMU. We're hoping to push those guys a little bit more now."
One player who likely will not play is rookie midfielder Brek Shea, the second overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. During a cooldown session after Saturday's match, Shea suffered an Achilles tendon injury and was scheduled for an MRI on Monday.
"He's getting an MRI," Morrow said Monday. "He feels a little bit better than he did on Saturday when it happened. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it won't be anything too serious but we're also concerned about him right now. He is out for now until we get the MRI back to see the full extent of the injury."
And 2007 all-star midfielder Juan Toja also might not see action as he recuperates from injury, albeit a much smaller one than what Shea suffered. "Thankfully, it's just a contusion, a bad bruise in and around his knee," Morrow said. "That will probably take a couple of days to settle down."
Tuesday's match will be the Hoops' last match before they leave for Brazil. They are currently 2-1-0 in preseason, having first defeated the University of Memphis 2-0 on Feb. 16. Their lone loss was a 2-1 loss to Mexican partner Tigres UANL last Wednesday in Monterrey.
For second-year FCD midfielder Chase Wileman who this time a year ago, was playing for SMU, this match will be an interesting one.
"I was just talking with some of the guys and it's definitely going to be a little weird (playing against my former team)," Wileman said. "At this point as a professional, you have to play every game when it comes. It definitely will be interesting since I know everyone and am good friends with everyone there. I think it will be a good experience."
The game will also have special meaning for Cooper, who before signing with Manchester United a few years back, was very close to attending SMU. Cooper actually began taking classes there in 2007.
"I'm looking forward to the game," he said. "It's a great school with a great soccer reputation. I have a ton of respect for (head coach) Schellas (Hyndman) and the coaches there. I'm looking forward to a good game."
With a two-week excursion to Brazil looming, FCD defender Alex Yi knows how vital playing well against the Mustangs will be for his side to head out of town on a high note.
"It's another important game for us," Yi said. "We're about a month into preseason, we want to see some of the things that Steve (Morrow) has been working with us on come together in a game. SMU has always been really competitive for us. We will take it seriously and see how it comes."
Following training on Monday, Morrow confirmed that FCD continues to speak with representatives for 29-year-old Chilean forward Reinaldo Navia, who is currently under contract with Argentina's Racing Club.
"The negotiations are still ongoing," Morrow said. "We're talking with his representatives."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
