make life tough on opposing attackers. A member of Houston's 2006 MLS Cup-winning team, the Canadian international returned last fall and performed better in a defensive midfield role than he did at center back. But no matter where he plays, Serioux is a hard-nosed player who brings much-needed toughness to FCD.
MIDFIELDERS
Dax McCarty: Last year, McCarty led FCD in assists despite playing in only 25 games. A member of the U.S. under-23 national team who played in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, McCarty could miss time later in the year for the Summer Olympics in Beijing. But when McCarty is available for the Hoops, he provides excellent service, which the FCD front line should benefit greatly from. McCarty's recent experience with the U-23s and last summer at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup can only help make him an even tougher and more battle-tested competitor.
Andre Rocha: Along with Davino, Rocha is one of two newcomers to FCD this year. He joins the Hoops from their South American partner Clube Atletico Paranaense of Brazil. The 6-foot-1 Brazilian looked impressive in preseason and brings a great presence to the central midfield. His transition to MLS looks to be a smooth one and he could be a key contributor. Rocha can play out wide on the right and might just be a great find for Morrow.
Pablo Ricchetti: Last year, FCD was 10-7-2 with Ricchetti in the starting 11 and just 3-5-3 without him. The Argentinean veteran is solid defensively and can also contribute to the attack as evidenced by his three assists. Ricchetti didn't play much in the first month of preseason but hopes to be match-fit in time for the season opener with Chivas USA on March 30. His talent lies in winning balls and also in distributing them.
Juan Toja: With his long, flowing locks and love of classic rock and roll, Toja took MLS by storm last year and the Colombian was FCD's only MLS all-star. He netted six goals but all came before the all-star break. An ankle injury in the second half of the season limited his effectiveness but Toja looks ready to roll again. He should thrive in Morrow's new formation, a setup that could see him play more as a withdrawn forward than a midfielder; when he played a more central role in 2007, he scored goals but seemed to disappear when moved to a wider role. A knee contusion has slowed Toja during the preseason.
David Wagenfuhr: Before the start of preseason, many thought that the wide left spot would be held by 20-year-old Blake Wagner. But Wagenfuhr delivered the same tireless work ethic and smart play in a new formation during preseason and earned the nod at left wingback. "Wags" might not provide a ton of offense but what he does provide is consistent play, musts for every team hoping to be successful.
FORWARDS
Kenny Cooper: Cooper's second MLS season was cut short by a broken leg but he did play in 14 matches and had four goals with two assists. With Carlos Ruiz gone, there is no question now that Cooper is the Hoops' top offensive threat. He had 11 goals and four assists during his debut campaign in 2006. If he can get good service this year, there isn't any reason why the Dallas native can't net 15 or possibly even 20 goals. His fitness isn't an issue and the hard-working Cooper, who is always one of the last to leave the training field, looks to be at the same level he was at during his first season in MLS in 2006.
Arturo Alvarez: Last year, Alvarez netted eight goals in all competitions and even after a costly red card in the second leg of the Western Conference, earned a new contract in the offseason. Being left off the U.S. under-23 team for Olympic qualifying could be a great motivator for him to deliver his most productive season in MLS. Alvarez and Cooper didn't play together much in preseason but the talented duo could pay big dividends for the Hoops in 2008. Like Moor, he will miss the season opener.
OUTLOOK
The Hoops are a tough team to read. Last year, with a four-man back line, they had their share of struggles and let in goals. Half of that starting back four is gone and Morrow will now go with a three-man rearguard. His players look to have adjusted to that new setup well in preseason, offering considerable hope. If Kenny Cooper and Arturo Alvarez can become the scoring tandem they have the potential to be, this could be a great year. FCD could struggle out of the gate but likely will right the ship by the midway point. The question is can they avoid that annual Dallas swoon that has doomed so many teams before them? If the answer is yes, great things are forthcoming but if not, the Hoops could be looking at another one-and-done in the playoffs which could signal another busy offseason in Frisco.
GRADING THE SEASON
Quite simply, the Hoops need to win a playoff series for the first time since 1999 in order to silence critics. Last year's first leg win against Houston in the West semis was nice, but once again, FCD's undoing was its lack of composure in the second and deciding leg. Another November meltdown could signal big offseason changes.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT:
Davino will be expected to revitalize the back line, a task he looks more than up to. Fellow newcomer Rocha has come into the FCD midfield from Brazil and immediately had an impact. It will be interesting to see how quickly he can adjust to playing in MLS. But the big story could be 18-year-old Brek Shea. The native of College Station, Texas was the second overall pick in the 2008 Super Draft and if early returns are any indication, the 6-foot-3 Texan could crack the starting 11 sometime this year, either in defense or midfield. He's one of six Generation adidas players that FCD currently has on its roster.
-- Steve Hunt
