FRISCO, Texas -- When Marvin Chavez started on the right side of the midfield for FC Dallas last Saturday against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center, it was the speedy Honduran’s first start of 2010. The last time he was in FCD’s starting 11 was on Oct. 7, 2009, when his club won 2-1 at San Jose as they continued a run of good form down the stretch.
Chavez has been bothered by injuries for much of the 2010 regular season and only recently returned to fitness. Against the Red-and-White he was particularly active, showcasing his speed and creativity in the attacking third.
“I felt really good. I was happy that the coaches gave me the opportunity,” he said after training on Friday. “I just hope I can keep contributing to the group.”
About eight minutes into last week’s match, Chavez had a nice chance after a great feed from Atiba Harris, who moved from right mid to forward. His shot went just to the right of the Chivas USA goal.
“I told myself before the game that I wanted to score a goal. I couldn’t do it in that game but hopefully in the next one, I’ll be able to do it,” the Honduran international said. “I just want to score a goal because I’ve been here a while and haven’t scored it. I want to do it for myself and also for the team.”
For FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman, the win over Chivas USA not only gave his team two straight victories, but also displayed why he signed Chavez last fall.
“That’s the Chavez we recruited and brought here. When he played at Marathon in Honduras, those were the things that impressed us,” Hyndman said.
The FCD coach also liked how his speedy Honduran overcame a slow first few minutes.
“I thought he had a slow start. But as the game went on, I thought he did well,” Hyndman said. “I asked him at halftime if he could give me another 10-15 minutes, and he said yes. That’s what I was hoping for. I thought he did well and helped us with our strike force.”
Moving Harris up top and putting Chavez in his old spot on the right flank worked so well against Chivas, Hyndman could very well employ a similar look on Saturday night against Kansas City.
