FRISCO, Texas – There was no anger in his voice, nor regret in his answers. In postgame interviews following the team’s 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman seemed calm, confident and even proud.
WATCH: Full Match Highlights
"I thought we did everything we possibly could,” Hyndman said. "No excuses, they came in and beat us on our field."
It did take some doing, though. Dallas appeared the more dangerous team in the first 30 minutes of play, putting New York on the back foot from the start. But once again FCD’s Achilles heel appeared, as they squandered several scoring chances. Forward Jackson and midfielder Marvin Chávez both had early opportunities to give Dallas the lead, but the team was unable to break through the RBNY defense.
“I thought we put some very good pressure on New York, but we just couldn’t get on the end of some of the services, or we couldn’t get the shot on the frame,” said Hyndman.
New York began creating chances in the latter stages of the first half, particularly in the 38th minute, when Kevin Hartman saved a powerful shot by Tim Ream. Despite numerous chances for both teams, the game remained scoreless heading into half.
“Around 60 to 70 minutes into the game, I thought it was pretty even,” said Hyndman. “And then, we turned too many balls over in the back with our distribution coming out and probably gave them their better chances.”
New York capitalized on such a chance in the 61st minute, when Dallas defender George John turned the ball over in the midfield. Joel Lindpere redirected a low cross from substitute Mehdi Ballouchy to give New York the lead.
“A good shot on [Lindpere’s] part,” recalls Hyndman. “Dane Richards gets to it, [Ballouchy] knocks it across, and we had it covered, but they just got to the ball first.”
Even with a man advantage — Red Bulls defender Jan Gunnar Solli was ejected for a hard tackle on Daniel Hernandez in the 79th minute – Dallas could find little purchase. But the 11-vs.-10 situation was short-lived because Zach Loyd suffered an apparent head injury off a set piece after Hyndman had already used all three subs.
“They’re a hard team to break down when they are winning,” said Hyndman. “Even though they were down a man, we’re just not experienced enough. We made some really poor decisions under pressure, and that comes through a lot with our youth. It’s not because of a lack of effort.”
