By Will Martin
In what would be the final regular season home game for the 2013 season for FC Dallas there was a matinee affair in Frisco before 15,017 rabid fans.
Many of whom donned jerseys paying homage to both Russell Wilson and Clint Dempsey.
The Seattle Sounders are a team headed for the MSL playoffs who were in the middle of a three game skid and hopes of getting the Supporters Shield. An award given to the team with the best record in the conference. A win would have given the Sounders the inside track for that.
Thanks to Chris Seitz, Michel, and one hell of a defensive effort none of that came to pass.
A scoreless affair until the 65th minute featured lots of scoring chances in the first half. One sure shot looked to be on the foot of Clint Dempsey and a pass to Brad Evans. One on one with Chris Seitz, the goalie charged Evans and pushed a shot attempt wide of the net.
A term we haven’t mentioned in some time-set piece-was the start of a good afternoon when Michel planted a nice corner kick that landed on the head of Matt Hedges. The header ricocheted past Marcus Hahneman for a 1-0 lead. This was the story in wins back in March and April for FC Dallas.
FC Dallas would make this game theirs in the 87th minute when Michel caught a Patrick Ianni deflection and fired a shot past the Sounders goalie for a 2-0 score. That would be the final tally in Schellas Hyndman’s last home game as FC Dallas coach.
With 2013 coming to a close it should be noted that Michel (with his goal and assist) was involved in 20 of 47 of FC Dallas’ goals. A testament to his leadership when playing.
As the afternoon wound down the PA announcer took a moment to recognize Schellas Hyndman at the center circle with players and coaches as the crowd broke out with a chant of ‘Thank You Schellas’. You could see the emotion on the coach’s face postgame.
One final road game in San Jose for FC Dallas on October 26. It was an absolute blessing to cover the FC Dallas team in 2013. On behalf of long time friend Chip Kisabeth, Jason Minnick, Leigh Anne Gullett, Clark Hunt, Coach Schellas, George John, Raul Fernandez, and the rest of the FC Dallas staff, a moment to say ‘THANK YOU!’ A pleasure to serve.
See YOU in 2014!
