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MLS Preview: FC Dallas v. Columbus Crew
For the second time in three weeks Dallas and Columbus square off, this time in the heart of Texas with the Hoops out for revenge.
29-Aug-2008 11:51:49 PM
FC Dallas v. Columbus Crew
When: 9 pm ET
Where: Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX
The Gist: The Crew took the first meeting between these two, handing the Hoops their only loss in their past seven league games in a come-from-behind win at Crew Stadium just two weeks ago.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto was the key man on that day, as he has been for most of the year for Columbus. The Crew have now won three of four games and are currently tied with New England for first in the East. And as one of three teams without a losing record on the road, the Crew could be the ones to break Dallas’s six-game unbeaten home run.
To extend that streak, oddly, Dallas may want to think about giving up the first goal. The Hoops have scored first in their past two games, but have only taken one of six possible points in those games, one of which was the 2-1 loss at Crew Stadium two weeks ago. However, that strategy could easily backfire since Columbus have won all nine games in which they have scored first. Either way FCD coach Schellas Hyndman needs his defense to hold tighter once they have the lead or not.
Why You Should Care: Both teams need points coming into this game, but Columbus have more room for error. They could potentially move atop the MLS standings but regardless, their playoff hopes are pretty much set. Dallas need a result to potentially move into second place in the West should Real Salt Lake lose on Friday evening.
For FCD to make that move, they will have to find a way to shut down Barros Schelotto, something they were unable to do in the last meeting. The Argentine playmaker was dangerous all over the field and set up both goals. With Dallas lacking centerback Duilio Davino (injury) and midfielder Pablo Ricchetti (suspension), the likelihood of Barros Schelloto wreaking more havoc is almost a sure thing.
Dallas were equally as dangerous two weeks ago in a game that could have been higher scoring as the woodwork was hit three times and two goals were saved by defenders on the line. Kenny Cooper will shoot from anywhere, but he and partner Jeff Cunningham need to start working together more to make their attack even more dangerous.
Columbus, for as good as they have been, can be more dangerous as well. Pat Noonan is still looking for his first point since his return to MLS. The former New England striker will find the going tough against Dallas who recently moved Adrian Serioux to right back, where the Canadian international feels more comfortable. Noonan will also be asked to pull his weight defensively, as Serioux can get into the attack, as he showed in assisting Cunningham’s goal two weeks ago.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Chad Marshall. The Crew central defender scored the game winner last week on a Schelotto free kick. Columbus has kept two clean sheets in their past four games and Marshall has been a key factor in both results.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 3, FC Dallas 1
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com
When: 9 pm ET
Where: Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX
The Gist: The Crew took the first meeting between these two, handing the Hoops their only loss in their past seven league games in a come-from-behind win at Crew Stadium just two weeks ago.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto was the key man on that day, as he has been for most of the year for Columbus. The Crew have now won three of four games and are currently tied with New England for first in the East. And as one of three teams without a losing record on the road, the Crew could be the ones to break Dallas’s six-game unbeaten home run.
To extend that streak, oddly, Dallas may want to think about giving up the first goal. The Hoops have scored first in their past two games, but have only taken one of six possible points in those games, one of which was the 2-1 loss at Crew Stadium two weeks ago. However, that strategy could easily backfire since Columbus have won all nine games in which they have scored first. Either way FCD coach Schellas Hyndman needs his defense to hold tighter once they have the lead or not.
Why You Should Care: Both teams need points coming into this game, but Columbus have more room for error. They could potentially move atop the MLS standings but regardless, their playoff hopes are pretty much set. Dallas need a result to potentially move into second place in the West should Real Salt Lake lose on Friday evening.
For FCD to make that move, they will have to find a way to shut down Barros Schelotto, something they were unable to do in the last meeting. The Argentine playmaker was dangerous all over the field and set up both goals. With Dallas lacking centerback Duilio Davino (injury) and midfielder Pablo Ricchetti (suspension), the likelihood of Barros Schelloto wreaking more havoc is almost a sure thing.
Dallas were equally as dangerous two weeks ago in a game that could have been higher scoring as the woodwork was hit three times and two goals were saved by defenders on the line. Kenny Cooper will shoot from anywhere, but he and partner Jeff Cunningham need to start working together more to make their attack even more dangerous.
Columbus, for as good as they have been, can be more dangerous as well. Pat Noonan is still looking for his first point since his return to MLS. The former New England striker will find the going tough against Dallas who recently moved Adrian Serioux to right back, where the Canadian international feels more comfortable. Noonan will also be asked to pull his weight defensively, as Serioux can get into the attack, as he showed in assisting Cunningham’s goal two weeks ago.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Chad Marshall. The Crew central defender scored the game winner last week on a Schelotto free kick. Columbus has kept two clean sheets in their past four games and Marshall has been a key factor in both results.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 3, FC Dallas 1
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com
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