FRISCO, Texas -- Last year, David Ferreira was a true revelation for FC Dallas. The Colombian central attacking midfielder was a key part in the team’s offensive surge in the second half of the year that saw FCD lead the league in goals (44) and come within a point of making the playoffs.
It wasn’t a big surprise when Ferreira was nominated for league newcomer of the year last fall and, so far this year, he has picked up right where he left off.
“El Torito”—or Little Bull—has played in all 12 games this year and has two goals and four assists. His latest tally came in the 61st minute against Chivas USA on Saturday, when he buried a penalty kick that broke a 1-1 tie and allowed FCD to leave the Home Depot Center with their first win over the Red-and-White since 2008.
WATCH:Ferreira's buries the PK
“It was a very tense and hard game. Thank God that we were able to win it,” Ferreira said on Monday through a translator. “It was a very important game for us so that we can keep building momentum.”
When asked about his goal from the spot, he discussed his mental approach to such an opportunity.
“At that moment, you have to be really calm and take your time. I did that,” Ferreira said. “I wasn’t thinking about anything. I was just trying to stay calm. Thank God I was able to score that PK and come away with the winner.”
He also helped set up FCD’s first goal, which came about a minute before halftime. He delivered a great corner that glanced off Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic and into the back of the net, giving them a 1-0 lead.
WATCH: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Besides delivering the game-winner, Ferreira was also glad to see close friend and teammate Marvin Chavez get his first start of 2010 at right midfield.
“Myself and everybody on the team were happy to see Marvin back on the field,” said Ferreira. "His strength in the game was his speed. He went aggressively one-on-one against other players and also in defending.”
Not surprisingly, head coach Schellas Hyndman offered a glowing review of what Ferreira has meant to his club in his first year-and-a-half in MLS.
“If you don’t want to lose a player right now, you don’t want to lose David. That tells you the value of him,” the FCD coach said. “Last year, when Jeff (Cunningham) was scoring all those goals, it might have been Jeff. Right now, I think it’s David’s team and I think he’s really showing his value.”
Hyndman added that not only is Ferreira scoring goals and dishing assists, he’s also contributing in other areas.
“He’s always been a good player but I think he’s embraced that leadership role like the team is depending on him. I thought he had a very good game,” he said. “You don’t realize the amount of fouls he takes, the amount of runs he makes and how often he gets the ball that will create an opportunity. We’re really pleased with him.”
When asked how he feels about having such heady praise thrown his way by Hyndman, Ferreira offered a pretty businesslike response.
“I’m very flattered that the coach thinks of me that way,” said Ferreira. “Now, there is more responsibility on my part because I have to prove to the coach that I am one of those players.
“I’m really happy playing here. Hopefully I can stay here longer. Now, I am focused on helping us keep winning so we can make the playoffs and win the [MLS] Cup, which is the main objective this year.”
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