It has been six games since FC Dallas midfielder Richard Mulrooney made his return as a second-half substitute against the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 13 at Pizza Hut Park. The veteran midfielder has started every game since and shown no signs of rust from the serious knee injury that caused him to miss nearly a full year, and one of the main beneficiaries of his return has been fellow midfielder and captain Simo Valakari.
Valakari, in his third year with the Hoops and second as captain, got an assist on May 20 in their 4-0 win over New England, helping on Carlos Ruiz's second goal of the evening.
With that assist, Valakari matched his total for all of last season less than two months into this season. An MLS All-Star for the first time last year, Simo is looking like a good bet to make a return to the midseason classic with his strong play, which has gotten even better since Mulrooney's return to the Hoops starting 11 five games ago. With Mulrooney alongside in the middle, it has allowed Valakari to become more active in the Hoops attack.
"It (Mulrooney's return) has helped him (Valakari) and everybody else as well," said FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke. "It has taken some of that defensive weight off Simo's shoulders."
Clarke says Mulrooney's impact since returning epitomizes what kind of player he is.
"In Richard, we knew we were bringing in someone who was good on both sides of the ball," he said. "Richard is a class player. He's been around this league and won it on enough occasions. He knows what it takes to win it and is a good influence on the young kids."
Valakari loves having Mulrooney back in the central midfield and admits it has helped increase his comfort level there.
"We already saw it (how good he is)," Valakari said. "Before he got injured last year, we knew Richard was a big player who brought some spark to our team. He had a rough year (not playing), but now he's back and performing well."
The Hoops captain knows that having Mulrooney back in the fold can only help a good team become even better.
"It (his return) is a good thing for this team," he said. "We have a good team with a lot of depth. But when you miss a good player, it leaves a hole. I think our team is more complete now with him back.
"I think my comfort level is higher with him back. The game is much easier when you play with players who know and understand the game very well and are good players. It has been a pleasure to play with him again."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
