FRISCO, Texas — In our weekly series featuring Schellas Hyndman, the FC Dallas head coach addresses 11 topics in brief, including Saturday’s 1-0 win over the visiting New England Revolution, forward Marvin Chávez, the Texas heat and Kevin Hartman’s 100th career shutout.
I-II. FC Dallas extended their unbeaten streak to nine games Saturday evening, defeating the New England Revolution 1-0.
“I think it was really a good performance on FC Dallas’ part. We knew after watching New England play a few games that they would play direct.
“They would try to hold the ball, beat us on the flanks with early services, and try to control the midfield, and have players run off the ball. I thought we did a good job eliminating a lot of those concerns.”
III. The second place team in the Western Conference dominated possession in the game, holding the ball more than 60 percent of the time.
“It’s something that we have been working on. It’s nice to say we’ve been working on something and then not see any progression, but I thought [Saturday] it was better.”
IV. FC Dallas outshot the Revolution 16-3 but could not find the back of the net in the first 68 minutes.
“That always makes a team — and especially the coaches — very nervous, because when you don’t finish your opportunities you get frustrated and the opposition start to believe you can’t score.”
V. Honduran forward Chávez played the role of hero, delivering the game winning shot in the 69th minute, beating goalkeeper Matt Reis to the near post after sprinting by defender A.J. Soares.
“Watching Marvin many times in games, he has that speed to get around the corner and run at the goalkeeper, and he just gets in there and he hits the ball as hard as he can.”
VI. Hyndman admitted this would have been a tough game to accept if FC Dallas hadn’t gotten the three points.
“This is one of those games that if you don’t win, you make a mistake and they score. It’s one of those games that you just hate yourself and you just can’t sleep because you should have won, the way you played.”
VII. The game was the first in June and the summer heat is starting to become a topic of conversation.
“The weather conditions did not affect us as much. I think we are either used to it or have a little stronger mental strength.”
VIII. At game time, temperatures were in the high 90s. The heat and humidity is not easy on anyone in north Texas between June and September.
“It’s extremely hot — it’s like a sauna and if it’s hot for the coaches sitting there you can imagine for the players who were giving everything they have — how difficult it is.”
IX. Missing from FCD’s defense was right back Jackson Gonçalves, who was in Brazil to get married.
“I think he’ll be back in the middle of the week.”
X. While FC Dallas dominated possession and constantly besieged the Revolution defense, Hartman recorded his 100th career shutout, making two saves in the process.
“What a terrific accomplishment. I don’t know who the second person is [all-time in MLS] as far as shutouts, but I’ve got to believe it’s quite a ways from what Kevin has.”
(Editor’s note: Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando is second on the all-time list with 80 shutouts)
XI. Throughout the veteran’s 15-year MLS career, he has set numerous MLS goalkeeper records, including game started, victories and saves.
“I think it shows a great career, a person who has been very loyal to MLS and didn’t take opportunities to go internationally. I’m really very proud of him and pleased for him and his family.”
