FRISCO, Texas -- FC Dallas comes off a third straight win thanks to a 1-0 defeat of Kansas City on Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park. In that victory, FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman employed the same first 11 that beat Chivas USA 2-1 the week before.
WATCH:MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: DAL 1, KC 0
That lineup includes speedy Marvin Chavez at right midfield. While the Honduran displayed the speed and offensive creativity that made Hyndman want to sign him in the first place, he remains a bit short of full match fitness, which is why he came out around the 75th minute for Jeff Cunningham.
“[Chávez] started last week for us and I wanted something up top that we’ve been missing,” Hyndman said after the game. “I think the best player out right now [on the right flank] is Chávez. He’s maybe about 85 percent fit and he needs more and more game time.”
Finishing Still Needs Work
Even though FCD have won three in a row, for the second straight game they won courtesy of a David Ferreira penalty kick. Hyndman’s club hasn’t scored a goal from the run of play in two games since a 2-0 win over San Jose on June 5.
Against Kansas City, FCD had more than a few chances in the first half but misfired on all of them and found themselves in a scoreless deadlock with the Wizards at the break.
“We are creating tremendous opportunities. Our image right now is that we do a lot of things well, but we don’t finish,” Hyndman said. “We’ve earned that. Is it finishing or composure or is it a combination? I think for us, if we can get that right, then we’ll be a pretty good team. Right now, we’re finding ways to win games, and last year we found ways to lose games. We’re a team that can do better if we can just finish our chances.”
Ihemelu Remains Solid
Over the course of the last few matches, FCD center back Ugo Ihemelu has had several moments where he seemed to lose focus. This hasn’t escaped the ever-watchful eye of his coach.
“I think he had two of those moments in this game, one when [Josh] Wolff played the one-two and got behind him, and one when … [Graham] Zusi went in and almost scored,” Hyndman said. “Is that him not being on his man enough or is that George [John] being stuck out too far, leaving too much of a gap? Or is it the midfielders not following back like they should be? There are a lot of things involved.”
However, those momentary gaffes haven’t changed how highly the FCD coach and rest of his staff think of the veteran center back.
“We rated Ugo really high in this game because you’ve got [Kei] Kamara. You’ve got a handful there, and you’ve got Wolff and [Ryan] Smith who came on. Their strike force is really quite good. I’ve been very pleased with Ugo. He’s been one of our best defenders.”
A Familiar Face Returns
Third-year goalkeeper Josh Lambo, the first-round pick in the 2008 MLS Super Draft who is currently on loan to NASL side Tampa Bay, is back in town for a few days. Lambo went on loan to the Rowdies earlier this year, playing in two league contests and in a pair of U.S. Open Cup matches. He is in town until Thursday to work out with the team, as Tampa Bay currently have a lull between matches.
More Team Bonding
Not long after he joined FC Dallas last fall, Daniel Hernandez hosted a team barbecue at his home. All but two players attended what was deemed a great bonding experience. On Sunday, Hernandez hosted another barbecue to celebrate the Fourth of July.
“It’s great,” FCD midfielder Dax McCarty said. “It’s a really important day for our country and to spend it with the guys…it’s a special thing. The first barbecue that he had [last year] really helped with team bonding. Interacting off the field is great for team chemistry.”
