As FC Dallas can now focus on a charge into the MLS Cup Playoffs, once again Abe Thompson is rounding into top form to lead the Hoops' attack.
As FCD clinched their place in the postseason last Saturday with a 3-1 win against Columbus, Thompson contributed with the first two-goal game of his MLS career. In Thompson's last six games in all competitions, the third-year striker has scored five goals (two of those in U.S. Open Cup play).
Thompson also finished last season on a similar high note. He started six of FCD's last eight games a year ago and notched a goal with five assists. That run carried into the playoffs as Thompson netted the game-winner in a 2-1 win against Colorado in the opening leg of the 2006 Western Conference Semifinals.
"When the team needs me, that's the role that I have kind of settled into and I'm happy to have that role," Thompson said. "It's a matter of me making sure that when I get an opportunity, I make the most of it. I've done that and continue to do that and help the team any way that I can."
FCD head coach Steve Morrow was certainly impressed with Thompson's performance against the Crew.
"He always takes his chance well," Morrow said. "Like I've said before, with Abe, we always know what we're going to get. He's an honest, hard-working player and knows what little things in his game he has to keep working on. I see those things getting better all the time.
"He keeps the ball very well for us and has got a very good touch. He has to concentrate on doing that at a very high level throughout the entire game. He needs to look a little bit more dangerous around the goal and in the box. He certainly did that against Columbus. I thought it was a good all-around performance from him."
Thompson had a little extra incentive to perform well as several of his family members were in attendance at Crew Stadium.
"That was pretty important for me," he said. "My mom, dad and the older of my two sisters were here for the game against Houston and I didn't get to play much. They had made their flight plans before we knew about the Open Cup, so they didn't get to see that game.
"My mom, dad and the younger of my two sisters were there in Columbus. They got to see me play the whole game and score two goals. That was huge. I was pleased to be able to perform that way while they were there."
He realizes that for the second consecutive year, he is playing well heading into the postseason.
"We're coming up one of the most important times of the year here," Thompson said. "Everyone wants to be involved in the playoff team and I want to help the team advance far in the playoffs. The past two seasons have been disappointing for us. I want to be in the team and help us go as far as we can go."
Thompson's chance to start came about when captain Carlos "Fish" Ruiz received a two-game suspension after being sent off and also going over the yellow card limit in a 3-0 loss to Houston last Sunday. Once he found out that he would start in Ruiz's spot, Thompson knew he had to make the most of his opportunity.
"It was obviously a straight swap, myself in there for Fish," Thompson said. "I have to do what he does -- cause problems for the opposing team, be dangerous in front of the goal, anticipate loose balls and crosses that guys will send in. I was able to do that and was rewarded with two goals."
Morrow paired Thompson up top with speedy striker Dominic Oduro on Saturday and likes the different looks that combination poses to opposing teams.
"We look to use each other's assets to one another's advantage," Thompson said. "Dom (Oduro) makes good runs in behind and I just have to be buzzing around him, supporting him, posting him up and bringing him and other guys into play. It's just us causing defenders to look at two different styles of play."
Morrow agreed: "It's a good combination and I think they complement each other well," he said. "It's good to have someone up top who holds the ball and someone who can run off them and give you speed to get behind and a different option."
The FCD boss could employ it once more, against Chivas USA this Thursday which will be the Hoops' final game without Ruiz, although Morrow could have a tough decision once the Guatemalan international returns to the fold.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
