TORONTO – FC Dallas’ recently crowned MLS MVP, David Ferreira, was expected to be the star of MLS Cup. And when he scored in the 35th minute to give FCD the lead, the story seemed to be following the script.
But after the goal, Ferreira largely—and inexplicably—disappeared, rarely seeing the ball and, other setting up Ugo Ihemelu for a decent chance, failing to threaten as much as anticipated.
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The Colorado Rapids, however, had an explanation.
“I thought the midfield boys and the back four did a wonderful job of keeping their distances right to limit David Ferreira, who’s an exceptional player,” Rapids coach Gary Smith said. “He drifted a little bit wider. When he starts going wider and deeper, you know that you’re job properly.”
Before the match, most observers pointed to Colorado midfield tandem Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz as the keys to stopping Ferreira. This proved correct, though Mastroeni spread the credit for the defensive effort.
WATCH: Smith's postgame interview
“The key was the two guys up front took away that deep-lying midfielder, Daniel Hernandez, allowing us to get screens,” Mastroeni explained. “Then when Ferreira got on the ball, it was easy to step up and press, knowing that their outlet was going to be to their center backs and not necessarily to Daniel because he was marked by their two guys up front. The backline did a fine job of holding their line. We made the field awfully small for those guys.”
