By Will Martin
Going into Sunday night’s matchup with the Chivas USA Roji Blancos a few additions were welcomed along with a new addition by subtraction.
We first go back to July 28 when FC Dallas made a trade, saying goodbye to Captain Andrew Jacobson as the midfielder will now be a part of the expansion NYC FC in 2015.
In return FC Dallas will acquire the New York City FC’s highest third round SuperDraft pick in 2016.
Jacobson came to Dallas from Philadelphia via trade February 18, 2011. 98 matches, 85 starts, over 7,200 minutes of playtime logged in with five goals and seven assists.
With Andrew now heading elsewhere this means the role of Captaincy shall now fall on the broad shoulders of Matt Hedges. A challenge that Matt more than welcomes.
“It means a lot to me,” Hedges stated on July 31. “It took a lot of faith for Oscar to put me in this position and I’m excited and ready to lead the team for the rest of the year.”
Knowing how vocal and passionate AJ would lead the team on the field can we expect more of the same?
“There’s a few ways to lead, I think I’m more of a lead by example type but at the same time you have to be vocal so I’m working on that,” said Matt.
Of course in addition to getting three points each game there is also the issue of a Semi-Finals game August 12 with the Philadelphia Union in Frisco. Any doubts at all that FCD can prevail?
“I absolutely think we can win. They’re teams we’ve played before so we know what to expect,” he said. “Just two more games and we have the trophy.”
We’ll find out soon enough. When the NYC FC starts play in 2015. They will be coached by one time Dallas Burn star Jason Kreis.
FC Dallas also welcomed the return of Fabian Castillo. Away for four games due to a suspension. His presence was timely and welcomed as the Red For 90 Team Pareja Brigade successfully earned another three points in an entertaining 1-0 win at the StubHub Center.
Out crossed (29-16) and out tackled (16-9) it was a set of passes by Blas Perez and Fabian Castillo in the 49th minute that allowed red hot striker Tesho Akindele to blast the only goal of the night past Dan Kennedy for a 1-0 lead.
Fabian Castillo Castillo had a chance to make the score 2-0 in the extra minutes at games end after getting behind Dan Kennedy only to hit the post.
In the 78th minute Erick Torres had an opportunity to hit an equalizer by way of a header, only to sail it over the crossbar.
The lead held up as FC Dallas extended its game streak to seven without a loss. With the win Oscar Pareja’s group improved to 9-7-6 33 points and a tie for third in the Western Conference. With the loss Chivas USA now falls to 6-10-5 23 points.
The Goats have dropped four in a row after enjoying a three game win streak. The loss marked six times Chivas has been shut out while FC Dallas enjoyed its second road win of the season.
FC Dallas will now host a home match with the Colorado Rapids on August 9 with an 8pm start time. Chivas USA is off to Portland that same day.
Lastly it was announced on the morning of July 31 (at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Southlake) defender George John underwent successful-technically an osteoplasty of the medial femur-surgery to his ailing right knee.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Michael Nguyen. John has now been placed on Injured Reserve as he starts the healing process. Here’s hoping 2015 treats George John a lot more favorably.
Seven in a row for FC Dallas. In the playoff hunt and now a rematch with the team Oscar Pareja used to coach. May the momentum continue as we inch closer to October and (maybe) the playoffs.
Upcoming Schedule
8/9 vs Colorado Rapids 8:00 p.m.
