FC Dallas will be trying to add just their second domestic title to the club resume on Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final against the Los Angeles Galaxy. The last time that Dallas won a championship was 1997, back when they were called the Burn, when they defeated D.C. United on penalty kicks to win the Open Cup.
Over the course of the first nine seasons of the club, there's been more tough times than not. Of the 10 non-expansion teams in MLS this year, they are one of three never to play in the MLS Cup Final. And each of the last two years the team failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Then in their 10th season, the club changed names to FC Dallas, changed their look and now has a new home in Frisco, Texas, just outside of Dallas. With all the changes going on within the team, FC Dallas are looking to build towards the future rather than reflect on the past -- beginning with Wednesday's Open Cup Final.
"We don't just look at (Wednesday's game) as what it's going to establish. We're trying to establish as a group how to play good soccer," said FC Dallas goalkeeper Scott Garlick. "That's what we're trying to do, and hopefully (Wednesday) will be an extension of that."
The turnaround in Dallas has been something special. In just one season, the Hoops have gone from last place in the West to a solid playoff team and championship contender.
"It's a testament to the people who put this team together. They knew what they were doing," said Dallas midfielder Ronnie O'Brien. "They brought in a lot of new players here. We've got out own stadium now. To get into a final of this magnitude is a testament to everybody."
Some people might downplay the turnaround in Dallas, pointing to the two expansion teams that reside in the Western Conference along with them. FCD head coach Colin Clarke is quick to point out that two Western Conference rivals will play out the Open Cup Final.
"I think it's a feather in the cap of the Western Conference that both finalists come from the Western Conference. I'm looking forward to the game," Clarke said. "I know it's going to be a good game. It's very important for us because (the tournament) holds our owner's name."
That Lamar Hunt, for whom the U.S. Open Cup was named for in 1999, also owns FC Dallas adds extra significance to the Wednesday night's clash. Not that Dallas needs any extra incentive to motivate themselves for the game. The Galaxy is also the team the Hoops would face in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs were the season to end today, and establishing a positive record against their conference rival makes Wednesday night that much more important.
"At the start of the year we set our goals and this was very high on the list," said Clarke. "The MLS Cup is the No. 1 goal. We take the Lamar Hunt Open Cup second to that. We've had a great run at it. We're looking forward to the game on Wednesday. We're looking forward to bringing home the trophy."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
