FRISCO, Texas – After a 2009 season when FC Dallas failed to land a single player in the MLS All-Star Game, Schellas Hyndman’s club has been rewarded for a strong 2010 campaign headed into the midseason break.
Midfielder David Ferreira and defender/midfielder Heath Pearce were both selected to their first All-Star game on Monday, picked by Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena to help round out the club’s 23-man roster against Manchester United on July 28 in Houston.
Ferreira is one of three FCD players to start all 15 games this year. His four goals and four assists are among the leaders on the team, and he’s been the catalyst for the FCD attack since coming over on loan from the club’s South American partner Clube Atlético Paranense before the 2009 season.
“I’m very happy they have recognized all my work here with FC Dallas,” he said through an interpreter on Tuesday. “I’m going to give my best. I’m very happy to be going there.”
Pearce, a regular with the US National Team, joined FCD last September via the allocation process. He has played in 14 games this year, including 13 starts. He leads the team with five assists, including one in the team’s 2-0 win over reigning MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park.
“I’m really excited," Pearce said. "I think that it’s not so much a result of my play but the team’s play that’s gotten me selected for the all-star game. We’ve had a lot of guys who I think are good enough to be there this year. It’s an honor to be selected.”
The selections are also recognition of the work of Hyndman, who failed to land a player on the All-Star team during his debut season in 2009.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Hyndman said. "We’ve also got a group of players that could be on there like Kevin Hartman and Daniel Hernandez. I’m happy to have two. I think it’s a statement for both of those players and FC Dallas. There are probably more that are being considered.”
Both FCD fixtures are looking forward to taking in the event with one another.
“It means a lot not only just to play with Heath Pearce but also for Colombia and FC Dallas,” Ferreira said. “I’m going to give my best if I play.”
Pearce agrees.
“I think David’s one of the best players in the league this year," he said. "He’s our go-to guy on the attack and he’s able to create a lot of chances out of nothing for us."
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