During his 12 appearances with FC Dallas last fall, Jackson Goncalves showcased his incredible versatility for the eventual MLS Western Conference champions.
But with the trade of 2010 regular-starter Heath Pearce to Chivas USA last week, it looks like Jackson will now replace Pearce on the right flank and settle into that role in 2011.
And it’s clear the versatile South American is ready to make that leap.
“I know it’s a big responsibility,” Jackson said through an interpreter shortly before the team left for Florida to continue preseason. “I’m ready to take that position for the team on the right side. I’m also ready in case the coach needs me in different places like he did last year during the season.”
Before Jackson's arrival late last summer, 2010 draft pick Zach Loyd was FCD’s backup right back and even started there while Pearce was away with the US national team or injured.
However, FCD fans who expect Loyd to battle Jackson for the right to start on that side of the pitch in 2011 might be sorely disappointed.
“I would really like to leave Zach in the center,” Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman said last week. “I think he’s a better player in the center. I don’t think his passing ability and services are to the level since we attack so much out of the flanks. I think he can grow there and become one of those players, but right now, I think Jackson is a little bit better there.”
And even though Pearce is now plying his trade for the Red-and-White, his influence remains as both young defenders learned a great deal from the versatile veteran.
“What I learned the most is that he’s a very composed player on the field and very focused. He’s strong defensively and is always working hard,” Jackson said. “Coming from Brazil, my focus was more on going forward and not so much on defense. But seeing him there, I learned that I had to change that and be stronger defensively.”
MLSsoccer.com's unprecedented preseason coverage rolls on with live streams from the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. Check out the semifinal matches on Thursday when FC Dallas take on Orlando City (6 pm ET) and the Houston Dynamo take on Toronto FC (8 pm). Only on MLSsoccer.com!
