FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas took a giant leap forward in 2010. Not only did Schellas Hyndman’s team make the postseason for the first time since 2007, FCD also played in the MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history.
Central attacking midfielder David Ferreira was the 2010 league MVP and also earned a rightful place on the league’s best XI. Dallas also reeled off a 19 straight unbeaten streak to tie a league record. The Texas side also went 12 straight away games without a loss, which set a new MLS record. In short, it was a great year.
Best moment of the year
FCD had some big wins in 2010, but none were bigger – or more authoritative – than their beatdown of MLS Cup favorites Los Angeles in the Western Conference Championship. Behind big goals from Ferreira, George John and a shocking exclamation point from Marvin Chavez, Dallas stunned the Galaxy 3-0 on their home turf to book an improbable ticket to Toronto.
Worst moment
Unfortunately, this came in FCD's subsequent game on the biggest stage MLS has to offer. Deep into extra time on Nov. 21 at BMO Field, Macoumba Kandji's glancing ball richocheted off the knee of defender John and into the back of the net for the deciding goal that gave Colorado the MLS Cup. It was a heartbreaking way for an otherwise magical season to end.
Best goal
Not only did Ferreira win MLS MVP honors, but he also had his club’s goal of the year. His 87th-minute strike that landed just inside the right post on July 11 at Seattle was hands down the best tally of 2010 for FCD. That goal left the Qwest Field faithful stunned, and allowed Dallas to leave town with a 1-1 draw.
WATCH: Ferreira's volley silences Seattle
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Best save
Not just one, but two big stops by Kevin Hartman in a victory over Chivas USA on Aug. 21 at Pizza Hut Park. With FCD clinging to a 1-0 lead, the veteran ‘keeper denied dangerous shots, first by Michael Umaña in the 77th, then Dario Delgado a minute later to preserve the clean sheet.
WATCH: Hartman parries Umaña's header
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WATCH: Another huge save by Hartman
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Team MVP: David Ferreira
This one is no contest. The Colombian dynamo was the engine that propelled the Dallas attack all year. Ferreira missed just one minute all season despite being the most fouled player in MLS.
Top newcomer
Call this one a tie between two rookies, midfielder Eric Alexander and defender Zach Loyd. Alexander played in 17 games and scored twice with three assists. His strong play was a big reason why FC Dallas mainstay Dax McCarty was left unprotected in the MLS Expansion Draft. Loyd appeared in 24 games at either right or center back, starting 19 and showed exactly why Hyndman took him with FCD’s top pick in the January draft.
Ready to Launch: MLS Matchday 2010, The official MLS iPhone app. It's FREE! Download it here!
