FRISCO, Texas – George John, Andrew Jacobson and David Ferreira have all been cleared to play Saturday in FC Dallas’ match against the San Jose Earthquakes at FC Dallas Stadium (8:30 pm ET, watch on MLS Live).
“They’re all in practice and I think they’ll all be ready to participate this weekend,” head coach Schellas Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com.
John and Jacobson have each missed the last three games with knee injuries and Ferreira has been an unused substitute in the last two after he came off with a tweaked hamstring in the 53rd minute against Portland on May 8. The team has gone 1-1-1 during their absences and has given up six goals in those three games.
READ: FCD coach Hyndman questions Blas Perez's red card: "It's really a peculiar call"
Having John back leading the defense and Jacobson winning balls in the midfield could make a significant difference when it comes to keeping the ball out of their own net. If a hockey-style plus-minus rating were assigned to every player for goals for and against while they are on the field, John leads the team at plus-8 (tied with Kenny Cooper) and Jacobson is right behind at plus-7.
“He’s one of our best defenders and I also think he’s one of the better defenders in the league,” Hyndman said when asked what having John back means to the team. “He’s strong, experienced and he organizes the defense.”
If Ferreira is able to start and with Blas Pérez suspended for the red card he was shown last weekend against Seattle, it is possible the team will switch back to the 4-5-1 formation it used with such success earlier in the season.
