FC Dallas dropped their first match of the 2005 season by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night at The Home Depot Center.
Despite the loss, the team still woke up in first place in the Western Conference with 10 points in five matches. The Galaxy are second with nine points through four matches and the early season showdown looked like just a taste of what could be the two best teams in the West.
FC Dallas never quit or hanged their heads as the second half of the match began. Some would say that the team this season continued to fight compared to previous Dallas teams that may have dropped the decision by more than two goals.
In fact, Colin Clarke's men played with passion, outplaying the Galaxy during the final 45 minutes. However, they could not capitalize on their chances and Los Angeles did in the first half.
Carey Talley had a brilliant opportunity that he headed just wide of the goal and Richard Mulrooney hit the top of the post on a ball that appeared to sneak under the upper right corner of the crossbar. Bobby Rhine, continuing his development at right back, had a great chance that he blasted over the goal. However, the team kept coming after Los Angeles and one could tell that this was a building block to something special down the road.
With their 3-1-1 record for 10 points, FC Dallas is off to the best start in team history. They will travel to Kansas City this weekend during a stretch that sees the team on the road for seven out of eight weeks. This road trip could tell the story of the 2005 season for FC Dallas. After this stretch, the team will play three of four at the Cotton Bowl, then they will travel for three straight matches. To close the season out though, FC Dallas will have the luxury of having 10 of 13 matches at their new home in Frisco.
Even though the squad lost on Saturday, it may be the beginning of something great for this city and for this team. The first four matches proved that this team is exciting and full of passion. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards to move forward and the 2005 FC Dallas squad might have just done that. It is still early to crown an MLS Champion, but from what this team has shown through the early stages of this season, fans should be very excited about what this team brings to the field each match.
