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August 1, 2009
DALLAS HOST WIZARDS TONIGHT
In 1st match of post-Kenny Cooper era
By Phil Stephens
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Kyle Davies should get an opportunity to help shore up Dallas' much maligned defense tonight.
Photo by Michael Stephens |
FRISCO, TX---Though the shock of Kenny Cooper’s transfer hangs over tonight’s game like a fog, it is a reality the team has been playing through since June 24, the last time Cooper wore his FCD kit. He has been playing in the Gold Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team since then. The task at 7:30 p.m. is the Kansas City Wizards, in the first meeting between the teams this season.
Dallas must also shake off a stunning 4-2 loss at Real Salt Lake last week, a loss that may have shoved the playoff possibilities beyond reach. Dallas is 1-2-0 since Cooper’s absence, not counting a victory over CSD Comunicaciones in an exhibition International game at PHP, so the players know victory is a possibility. Really, the team’s biggest downfall has been on the defensive end, allowing a late game surge by the opponent, or making a crucial mistake that ends up stinging FCD.
Unfortunately, the defense will be under a burden, missing the dependable Drew Moor, out to a suspension for a red card after last week’s collapse at Real Salt Lake. Center back George John is also out, disabled by a hamstring suffered last week. The rookie has looked good every chance he has been able to play, but various injuries have allowed him to play in just eight games and only 507 minutes.
This will be a good time for Kyle Davies to get back to action in the back after missing the last game to a training injury. He could play in the center, or possibly the right side, replacing Moor. Steve Purdy is likely to step into the center of the back line, or could also play on the right. Daniel Torres, playing at less than 100 percent last week (when he scored a crucial own goal) should be close to 100 percent tonight and is a viable option in the middle.
Dallas fans will get to see new acquisitions Atiba Harris at right wing and Jair Benitez at left back for the first time.
On the attacking end, Jeff Cunningham has scored three goals in Cooper’s absence and he is a proven goal-getter and will now be the featured piece on top. David Ferreira is a potential strike partner, or could stay in midfield, opening the door for the fast-paced Brek Shea or even Rocha as a possible off-striker.
Kansas City is a former Western Conference team and has always been a tough game for Dallas. The Wizards lead the all-time series with Dallas 17-15-8. KC is struggling in the East, in sixth place at 5-6-6 and 21 points. Dallas is still in seventh in the West with a record of 4-9-5 and just 17 points.
The Wizards haven’t won in the last seven games and have scored just one goal in four games, their last game, a 1-1 tie against Los Angeles. Dave Arnaud and Josh Wolff lead the KC attack. Wolff has six markers on the season and Arnaud five. Arnaud is fresh off an MLS All-Star game appearance and getting more recognition. Claudia Lopez, midfielder, is another dangerous player for the Wizards. He scored his fifth goal of the season last week in the tie against LA, a strike that earned Goal of the Week honors in the MLS.
Tonight’s game is an important step for Dallas. It is the beginning of the post-Kenny Cooper era and a victory would be a huge mental boost. It would also help with some momentum as FCD hosts powerful conference and league-leading Houston next Thursday at PHP.
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