FRISCO, Texas -- Since a 1-0 home loss to the LA Galaxy on May 20, FC Dallas have been downright determined to win, and after a 1-1 draw at BMO Field with Toronto FC on Saturday, they're unbeaten in seven straight matches.
WATCH:MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: TOR 1, DAL 1
With a 5-1-4 record in their last 10 matches, including an impressive 2-0 win over reigning league champ Real Salt Lake during the run, FCD are climbing the Western Conference standings and simply outmuscling their opponents on the way to getting big wins.
“I think it’s a physical thing. The guys are prepared for the contest, for the war,” FCD coach Schellas Hyndman said. “I think it’s a mental thing where every time we find ourselves coming back, it just builds confidence that we can come back. If we keep working hard, we know we’ll get the goal and the result."
FCD will look to add to their current streak on Saturday when they visit Colorado.
“We’re starting to put it all together. This is a huge game for us,” Hyndman said. “This is a really important game because Colorado just lost on the road and they’re behind us, so it’s a six-point swing. They’re looking for something to feel good about."
David Ferreira has four goals and two assists during the last 10 games, while fellow midfielder Brek Shea has three goals and one assist. And there are signs that new forward Milton Rodriguez might be ready to assume the role as FCD’s go-to guy in the attack, as he converted Ferreira’s corner into a set piece goal against Toronto.
Starting goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, a veteran who played on LA’s 2005 MLS Cup championship team, agrees this streak has been due to a complete team effort.
“I think the biggest thing is the quality throughout the team and the character. Since I arrived, I could tell the guys really wanted to play and go forward,” Hartman said. “They had this serious desire to play well. I think the character showed from the first game of the year. I think that workman-like attitude and never-say-die belief really translates into points over the season.”
“Whether it’s winning a tackle, heading something off the line, making a save or scoring a goal in the 73rd minute away from home in a hostile environment, when that happens, you begin to respect your teammates that much more," Hartman added.
