Over the past few months there has been a major overhaul of the FC Dallas roster, but one unexpected benefit has been the stellar play of Bobby Rhine and David Wagenfuhr as the outside defenders.
With the solid play from central defenders Greg Vanney and Clarence Goodson, the outside backs have had more freedom to move up in support.
"The biggest thing for us is that we're able to keep possession of the ball which allows those guys to get into the attack," said Vanney. "Any time you can get your backs attacking it's difficult for the opposing defense to organize and it forces their attacking players to defend."
Wagenfuhr has proved to be another great find from the 2004 SuperDraft when he was the 31st overall pick. Goodson was also a member of that draft class (seventh overall) while Ramon Nuñez, a creative spark off the bench for FCD, was selected with the sixth pick.
The move to turn Rhine into a defender after six years as a forward has worked out very well, similar to that of Chris Albright with the Los Angeles Galaxy when he switched from forward to right back a few seasons ago -- and has now begun to fill the same role for the U.S. national team.
Albright and his skill at pushing forward will make Saturday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy all the more interesting as both teams employ a similar strategy with their fullbacks.
"The boys have come on great -- it adds different dimension for us," said Ronnie O'Brien. "If the ball is coming up the field, as forwards, we know we can just take off and let the boys have the ball."
The tactic has a great upside by putting pressure on the opponent but it has its risks. If both backs push up at once it leaves just two men back to handle any counterattacks, which could cause trouble against the more potent teams in the league.
"That's all a part of our plan," said Goodson. "We try to get as many players into the attack as possible and have the outside backs tucking in when the other one is gone, so the more people we get into the attack the better."
The added players makes life easier on the midfield and the forwards as they know Rhine and Wagenfuhr are making runs to provide an outlet to pass out of trouble and maintain possession.
"They're making some good runs, they're two fit players who can whip in some great balls. It just adds an extra dimension to our attack," O'Brien said.
Scott Joiner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
