By Will Martin
Nearing the halfway point of August, the team from Frisco was able to exercise one demon at home by way of securing a lead and then avoiding the loss albeit a draw with the Galaxy.
Saturday night marked a return to the city where the fan base is vocal, proud, and passionate, the Portland Timbers.
In case you weren’t keeping track, not since March 30th has FC Dallas been successful in attaining a road win at New England.
Coming into play Team Schellas has been unsuccessful at getting a win in ten games.
It appeared that FC Dallas might catch a break in Portland who were without captain and midfielder Will Johnson in addition to first-choice fullback Jack Jewsbury and forward Frédéric Piquionne due to injury. The winless count now extends to 11 games.
Diego Valeri would provide two key assists in the 26th and 33rd minute to Ryan Johnson and Darlington Nagbe for a 2-1 Timbers victory. FC Dallas got their score in the 28th minute on two asissts from Fabian Castillo and Blas Perez to allow Mauro Diaz his first goal of 2013. 25 scoring chances in all for both teams combined. 13 for FC Dallas to Portland’s 12.
The loss continues to sink FC Dallas’ chances at a playoff spot after a great start. 33 points in 24 games (8-7-9) while the Portland Timbers (9-3-11) now inch closer to 1st place with 38 points in 23 games. Three back of Real Salt Lake. Diego Valeri’s corner kick to Ryan Johnson in the 16th minute was spot on as Johnson banged a header on home for the early lead.
Seven minutes later and five after FC Dallas’ Diaz knotted things up at 1 again Diego Valeri would lead Darlington Nagbe on the right side for a perfect shot attempt that was a true Jimmy Buffett top shelf shot and a Timber victory.
Back to the issue of demons and futility for FC Dallas. Not since May 25th has the team won a game (against the San Jose Earthquakes). Furthermore fans of the FCD are none too happy with the following.
On Wednesday night when traveling to play Chivas USA if FC Dallas fails again on the road it will tie the all-time mark for consecutive road losses (11). Not since 7-31-11 has FC Dallas defeated a Rojiblanco squad. A span of 751 days and three coaches ago. Credit writer Steve Hunt with that golden nugget of trivial pain AND the following:
Wednesday night will also mark 77 days since that last win on May 25th at home. Which means that if the pattern of play continues there is the possibility that a futility streak from last year-13 games-will have been matched.
Time after time Schellas Hyndman has discussed the importance of winning at home and being competitive on the road. Since March 30th that hasn’t happened for the local guys. Against all odds here’s hoping that the fates of FC Dallas can turn a corner this Wednesday night before the Earthquakes return for a visit on the 24th.
