FRISCO, Texas — For much of the 2010 season, Jair Benitez has delivered quality service from the left flank, but only recently has the FCD defender been rewarded.
On the stat sheet, at least. Benítez has two assists in the last three games, his most recent being on Brek Shea’s game-winning goal in the 71st minute against Chivas USA on Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park.
Benítez was initially fed by close friend and fellow Colombian David Ferreira on the left side. The FCD left back then launched a perfect cross into the heart of the Chivas USA area. As Atiba Harris made a run through the box that drew several opposing players away, Shea was left unmarked for a free header. He converted for his fifth goal of the year.
WATCH: Benítez helps out Shea
Shea credited Benítez for his quality cross.
“I realize when he overlaps me and has the ball not to try to help him,” Shea said. “He’s going to get the cross off and I need to try to get into the box. I think people have realized that now too. He puts in such good balls that if he’s isolated one-on-one, he’s going to get the cross off.”
When Schellas Hyndman was hired to coach FCD in June 2008, he stated one of his goals was to have athletic fullbacks who could make it up and down the flanks and become actively involved in the attack.
The FCD gaffer has that combination in Benítez and right back Heath Pearce, who has assisted on five goals in 2010.
“We really seem to attack well with the way our structure is designed with our fullbacks," Hyndman said. "With our fullbacks, we need services. [Benítez] has the ability to get good services. He reads the game very well, so he’s able to get behind people to get the ball and then serve.”
Benítez’s head coach admits some sage advice he gave to his young defender might have helped his crosses be a bit more on point.
“During the game [on Saturday], I said he needed to start hitting those services over them," Hyndman said. "If we don’t get to the end of a service, there’s always a defender in front of us. Usually those balls are being knocked away knee high or on the ground.
"Sometimes, it’s a good ball that will catch them by surprise. [Zach] Thornton is very strong in the air and he got beat [on Shea’s goal]. I think the services have been there. I think it’s the execution that hasn’t been consistent.”
In 2009, Benítez had one assist in 13 games as he was clearly still getting acclimated to playing in MLS after coming over from Colombia in late July.
But this year is a completely different story. He now feels completely integrated into the team and especially feels he’s clicking offensively and defensively. And he admits it was pretty cool to see his name alongside Ferreira’s on the stat sheet.
“My teammates expect me to send in good crosses and know I have the ability to do that,” Benítez said. “I know they’re always going to be there and have the ability to score.”
