FRISCO, Texas – Julian de Guzman’s game-winning goal last Saturday night wasn't just hugely significant for Dallas in pulling them back into the playoff race, it also set a new franchise record.
The Canadian international became the 17th player to score a goal for FC Dallas this season, the most in MLS by a two-player margin and the most to get on the scoresheet in a single season in franchise history.
The new record highlights just how many players Dallas has been forced to give significant minutes in this injury-riddled season, but it also shows the diversity of players Schellas Hyndman targets. In general, if you want to play for Hyndman, you need to be able to fill multiple positions when the need arises.
“The obvious thing is the number of different players we’ve had in the lineup to give more people a chance to score,” Hyndman said when asked about the record. “I think probably that our goals come from different places whether it’s a defender scoring from a free kick that gets himself up there or it’s like Julian’s goal.”
The only outfield players with at least 500 minutes played for Dallas this season that haven’t scored this season are Daniel Hernandez, James Marcelin and George John, who scored in a friendly against Liga MX side Club León less than two weeks ago.
Another weekend off
After playing 11 games in July and August, FC Dallas are enjoying the luxuries of a light schedule this week with some relatively casual training sessions before taking the weekend off. It’s the second of three weekends Dallas will have without an MLS game in an eight-week span through September and October.
FCD don't take the field again until Sept. 29, when they travel to San Jose for the second time this season. For Hyndman, one great aspect of the light week is having the chance to relish last week’s victory, something that you normally don’t get.
“It’s an opportunity for us to really embrace what we just did, because a lot of times you don’t have a chance to appreciate it,” Hyndman said. “You move right on again to the next game, but right now we’re not thinking about the next game we’re thinking about recovery, and getting through this week of training. Next week, we’ll start focusing on San Jose.”
For Zach Loyd, a player who was relegated to the bench last weekend with a minor back strain, it’s a chance to work out any lingering injuries.
“Obviously we’d like to have another game because of the point situation, but unfortunately we don’t have that so it’s good for all the guys that have nicks,” Loyd told MLSsoccer.com “It’s a long season so to have this weekend off to spend with your family and friends to just get your mind relaxed and off things is good.”
