On Friday morning, FC Dallas head for Denver, where they will face longtime playoff nemesis Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference Semifinal Series on Saturday night. But FCD head coach Colin Clarke had several tough decisions about personnel looming before the playoffs begin.
First and foremost on that list is selecting who his starting goalkeeper will be. Shaka Hislop has started the last four games in goal for the Hoops and has played fairly well, but his two bad performances -- a 3-1 loss at Columbus on Sept. 30 and a 5-2 setback to the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday -- both came against the two worst teams in MLS and both were on the road.P
The other factor is Dario Sala, who started 28 games between the posts for FCD before injuring his right calf in a 3-2 loss at Real Salt Lake on Sept. 16. That injury has sidelined the Argentinian 'keeper for the last four weeks, but he returned to training earlier this week and is ready to return to the field. In those contests, he had a goals against average of 1.24, a record of 14-10-4 and kept five clean sheets.
"I feel perfect and in great shape," Sala said after Friday's training session. "These four weeks for me were spent working hard, getting in shape and trying to be healthy. I took care of myself. With the help of (head trainer) Josh Watts and (assistant trainer) Robby (Cox), we did a pretty good job."
Hislop, who has no lack of experiences in big games, both in the World Cup and the English Premier League, is also ready to roll.
"I'm preparing as I prepare for every game," Hislop said. "I'm focused. You try to get last week's result (against L.A.) behind you for obvious reasons. I'm looking forward to what will be a big game for both clubs."
Clarke's decision will come after weighing a number of factors.
"We'll make those decisions today and go forward from there," Clarke said. "I think he (Sala) has done well (this week). There are a lot of things to factor into it. We've talked about it all week. Now that we have Friday over with, we will sit down and make a decision. I don't know (who I will go with). They'll both travel."
When asked about how tough it is to evaluate Sala's game fitness since he has been on the shelf for a month, Clarke offered a simple response.
"It's been a good time (since he last played) and that obviously plays into it," Clarke said. "If he was a field player, he wouldn't be able to do it because he wouldn't be able to run for 90 minutes. But he's a goalkeeper and it is easier to do. All that factors into it and he's had a good week of training. He was sharp again this morning. We'll make the decision."
Discussing Sala's progress with the FCD training staff will also be a big part of Clarke's decision. "The last thing we need to happen is for Dario to pull it (his calf) again," he said. "That won't do anybody any good. We'll talk with all the staff and make a final decision. He has stated his case. He said he is 100 percent fit and has been training with us for the last few days. Now, it's up to me to make that decision."
Earlier in the week, Clarke voiced his displeasure with the performance of his back four in last Saturday's 5-2 loss at the Galaxy and hinted that changes could be coming. Those don't look likely to happen and right back Bobby Rhine, who missed training earlier in the week because of back pain, has returned after what he called his first visit to the training room all season.
Joining him will be Chris Gbandi on the left and Drew Moor and Greg Vanney in the middle. Clarke also looks to be settled on a midfield of Ronnie O'Brien on the right, Kenny Cooper on the left and a central midfield of veterans Richard Mulrooney and Simo Valakari. Up top, it will be leading scorer Carlos Ruiz and Abe Thompson, who has played well the last six weeks of the season.
Clarke's other question is concerning striker Roberto Mina. The Ecuadorian international has been on the shelf since suffering a knee injury in a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on July 4. He has only recently returned to training, but the FCD boss has been impressed with his progress.
"We felt once he (Mina) got into training, he would have confidence and come along quickly and that's how it's worked out," Clarke said. "He's getting better every day and happier with his movements. You have to protect a bit against other small injuries since he's been out a while. He seems fit and lively. We want to get him time as soon as possible."
Mina had three goals and one assist in 16 games for the Hoops this season. Nine of those were starts up top for FCD. "I don't think it's early (to think about bringing him back)," Clarke said. "The sooner we get him time, the better."
If Clarke opts not to put Mina on his 18-man traveling roster, then that spot will likely go to speedy rookie Dominic Oduro, who has one goal in 16 games, three of them starts, this season.
"That is the decision," Clarke said. "Is Roberto (Mina) ready yet? Do you choose experience over someone who is in their first year as a rookie. We'll make our decision and keep our fingers crossed that it's the right one."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
