FC Dallas have gradually crept into the group of favorites for MLS Cup 2010, sporting the fewest losses in the league and the longest current undefeated streak.
They now stand 10 points from league leaders LA Galaxy with a game in hand, but FCD owner Clark Hunt believes his club is capable of catching Bruce Arena’s side.
"The Supporters' Shield is within reach for this team," Hunt told the club’s season-ticket holders at a meet-the-team event on Tuesday night.
Hunt is not known for making bombastic statements, but the expectations would seem to be high given the fact that FC Dallas are the only of the league’s original clubs never to make it to an MLS Cup final in 14 seasons.
“I don’t push that, to be honest,” FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman told ExtraTime Radio on Monday. “Our goal is getting ourselves into the playoffs and try to be like what Real Salt lake was last year.”
LISTEN: Hyndman on ExtraTime Radio
The club’s only two losses this year came at the hands of the Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, the latter on a stoppage-time Juan Pablo Angel PK. FC Dallas deserved more out of that match at Red Bull Arena and several other early-season draws.
Regardless of their success this season, Hyndman is not getting talking MLS Cup just yet.
“Our goal is to keep it quite simple,” Hyndman said. “Whether [the players] have those thoughts or they talk among themselves, it’s something we don’t bring up.”
