FRISCO, Texas – When the 2011 MLS schedule was released in early February, savvy fans circled Friday’s 2010 MLS Cup rematch between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas on their calendars.
But less than a month into the 2011 season, last year’s finalists have been moving in very surprisingly different directions. While Colorado are undefeated through their first three games, FC Dallas are still searching for their first win.
FCD star David Ferreira spoke with tranquility as the team prepares for Friday’s showdown (9 pm ET, Fox Soccer).
“The team is good,” said the 2010 MLS MVP, who scored FCD’s lone goal in last year’s championship match. “We are calm and trying to get a good result.”
Personally for Ferreira – who has had a large “X” on his back as opponents have closely followed his every move – his attitude has not changed.
“I am trying to work hard, keep improving in training and trying to help the team get the first victory of the season,” he said.
FC Dallas will need Ferreira to kick the offense into high gear as the unit has only scored once through its first three games – a first in the team’s 15-year history.
However, history with Colorado at Pizza Hut Park favors the home side. FCD have scored 49 goals against the Rapids in Dallas, the most against any visiting team, and hold a 17-5-4 all-time home record against them.
But Ferreira knows that the game is just as much mental as it is physical.
“I think that we need to be calm and create space,” he admitted. “We know that this moment isn’t very good and the pressure increases, but we have to stay calm because we have been through this before.”
For Colorado, they bring one of the best midfield tandems in the league in Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz. FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman calls them “two hard and very disciplined players.”
Addressing the media after practice on Wednesday, Hyndman spoke about a number of team topics but wouldn’t put words into his player’s mouths about the pending MLS Cup rematch.
“I can’t speak for the players,” he said, “but for me, it’s an opportunity to get a win and I’m focusing on getting our first win and not really thinking about last year’s championship game because I think this is more important for us right now.”
Hyndman did admit the 2011 Colorado team is much improved over the championship season. Improvements have specifically come from within their striking force, with the acquisition of Hull City forward Caleb Folan. The Irish international scored a brace in Colorado’s 4-1 win over D.C. United last weekend and Hyndman is keenly aware of big forward.
“He’s got good size, good athleticism and is a good finisher,” said Hyndman. “I think it’s going to be a good matchup.”
