FRISCO, Texas — In their first two games since the international break, the FC Dallas offense has shown encouraging signs of life. They’ve outshot both Houston and Chivas USA while registering 28 combined shots, the most in a two-game span this season. However, the ball has only hit the back of the net once and much of that is down to the absence of Panamanian forward Blas Pérez.
“I thought the Houston game, there were some opportunities that maybe Blas would’ve found a way,” head coach Schellas Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday. “Then the Chivas USA game, dominating 13-2 in shots, I think we would’ve found a way to find him as well.”
Pérez picked up an ankle injury on international duty with Panama and has missed the last two games. “Mighty Mouse” has been back to practice with FC Dallas this week and looks good for a return to action against Toronto FC on July 4. Despite his recent absence, Pérez is one of seven players in the league with at least five goals and three assists, leading FC Dallas in both categories.
“I think the more we see Blas, the more we’re so pleased that we have him,” Hyndman said of his star striker.
Hyndman plans on easing Ferreira back
It’s looking like 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira will indeed make his first MLS appearance in more than a year on July 4 against Toronto FC, but Hyndman was quick to dispel any thoughts that “El Torito” will step right into the starting lineup.
“We want David to be a part of our team moving forward maybe in a situation where he’s on the bench for a few games and a situation where he’s closing out games in the last 10 or 15 minutes building his way back,” Hyndman said about his talismanic midfielder. “I think if we put David out there as a starter and expect him to do what he did two or three years ago, I think it will be unrealistic and I think expectations will be disappointing, so let’s keep it safe and logical.”
U-18 Development Academy impressing
Playing on their home turf, the FC Dallas U-18 Academy is a perfect 2-0-0 in the USSF Development Academy playoffs being held at the FC Dallas Stadium Complex this week.
Homegrown signing Jonathan Top scored two goals in a 3-0 victory over McLean Youth on Monday while Jose de la Tejera scored a first-half winner in a 1-0 win over rivals Real Salt Lake on Tuesday evening.
FCD need just a draw in their final group-stage game against Chicago side Sockers FC on Thursday morning to clinch their second straight USSF Development Academy Finals Week appearance.
