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Played
September 4, 2010 8:30 PM EDT
Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas, United States
Referee: Alex Prus
September 4, 2010 8:30 PM EDT
Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas, United States
Referee: Alex Prus
47′
Jeff Cunningham
FC Dallas - Toronto FC: Head To Head Preview
By Greer Wilson-Chavez and Mike Beauvais
On Form
FC Dallas: Kevin Hartman received the MLS Player of the Month award for August and rightly so, the veteran shot stopper is a big reason why FC Dallas are unbeaten in their last 12 games. With nine wins and seven shutouts since joining the team in May, Dallas will certainly rely on the keeper's experience as the playoff race heats up.
Rookie defender Zach Loyd has taken full advantage of the injury layoff to Ugo Ihemelu. The versatile UNC standout made a great goal-line save to deny Columbus a goal that would probably have given them a win last Saturday. That save is just one example of Loyd's solid performances in the last few games, and, though he'll most likely return to the bench once Ihemelu is fit, knowing he has depth in the back line will comfort Coach Schellas Hyndman with the post-season right around the corner.
Toronto FC: While they weren't able to pull out the three points and are now winless in three league matches, a dead-tired Toronto FC put forward a game effort last Saturday versus Real Salt Lake in a 0-0 draw. Playing their third match in only eight days obviously took a massive toll on the club, but they soldiered and almost pulled out a victory against an equally exhausted, and equally game, RSL.
Individually, kudos must be given to Ty Harden, who played in consecutive matches for the first time this season. Stepping in for the suspended Nana Attakora, Harden fit seamlessly into TFC’s back line and was instrumental in keeping Alvaro Saborio and the rest of the champs' attack at bay. Win or no win, a clean sheet is always impressive.
Off Target
Dallas: Yellow-card suspensions for midfielders Daniel Hernandez and Atiba Harris are bittersweet. Hernandez is one of only five outfield players in MLS to have played every minute of the 2010 season so far. Though the team will miss his grit and veteran experience, having a night off might not be so bad for his aging legs. The downside however, is that now Dallas will have to find suitable replacements.
Toronto: Last Saturday marked two dropped points for Toronto at home. Contrary to the positive spin that Preki and the players might have tried to put on the match, a draw equaled a lost opportunity. With points growing ever the more precious by the day, full points at home must be expected from this point on. The failure to gain them last week could have serious repercussions for the Reds' playoff hopes.
Also, to the shock of nobody who follows the club, TFC once again exhibited difficulties in finishing. Dan Gargan, a guy of whom offense isn't expected, did manage to hit the crossbar on Saturday night, but the players who need to be scoring (or coming close to, at the very least), the O'Brian Whites and Mistas of the world, are not. For a team that has scored a paltry eight goals on the road all season and one that has six of its remaining nine matches on the road, this is going to be a big problem going forward.
Tactics
Dallas: The center of midfield is the biggest concern for Dallas heading into this weekends clash with Toronto. Rookie Eric Alexander is certain to retain his starting spot for the time being, especially with Dax McCarty still not ready for action, but the question is who to partner him with. Bruno Guarda seems the most likely option, though the former SMU man commits too many fouls in dangerous areas and doesn't provide the same support as Hernandez. Eric Avila has spent some time in the middle of the park this year, but he is more likely to replace Harris on the outside, if that role isn't filled by newly acquired Jackson Goncalves.
Toronto: Saturday's match with the Hoops is going to be nothing short of a selection nightmare for Preki. Chad Barrett and Maicon remain injured and all three of Dwayne De Rosario, Nana Attakora, and Julian de Guzman will remain in Toronto for Canada's friendly versus Peru. With a shortened bench, look for a very, almost overly, conservative formation to start out for TFC, but that will have to change in short order if the Reds expect to take anything away from the trip to Dallas.
The Reds must also be mindful of the threat of Brek Shea, who ran the Reds ragged in July at BMO.
Intangibles
Dallas: Toronto will be missing three key players this weekend, Nana Attakora, Julian de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario will all be on international duty. Their absences should offset the loss of Hernandez and Harris for FCD.
Toronto: Simply put, this match is going to test Toronto's mental resolve. With key players hurt or on international duty and the team playing in unwelcoming environs, this has all the makings of a bad loss for the Reds and they just cannot afford one at this juncture. You can say that a good effort in Dallas would be a moral victory, but that means nothing now. They need an actual victory and it's going to be tough to come by.
Result
Dallas: Momentum is hard to come by in MLS, but FC Dallas have found a way to keep theirs going. Despite not having a few impact players, expect Dallas to get a good result at home. FCD 2-0.
Toronto: The Hoops win 2-0 and pull even with RSL for second in the West.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
FC Dallas: Kevin Hartman received the MLS Player of the Month award for August and rightly so, the veteran shot stopper is a big reason why FC Dallas are unbeaten in their last 12 games. With nine wins and seven shutouts since joining the team in May, Dallas will certainly rely on the keeper's experience as the playoff race heats up.
Rookie defender Zach Loyd has taken full advantage of the injury layoff to Ugo Ihemelu. The versatile UNC standout made a great goal-line save to deny Columbus a goal that would probably have given them a win last Saturday. That save is just one example of Loyd's solid performances in the last few games, and, though he'll most likely return to the bench once Ihemelu is fit, knowing he has depth in the back line will comfort Coach Schellas Hyndman with the post-season right around the corner.
Toronto FC: While they weren't able to pull out the three points and are now winless in three league matches, a dead-tired Toronto FC put forward a game effort last Saturday versus Real Salt Lake in a 0-0 draw. Playing their third match in only eight days obviously took a massive toll on the club, but they soldiered and almost pulled out a victory against an equally exhausted, and equally game, RSL.
Individually, kudos must be given to Ty Harden, who played in consecutive matches for the first time this season. Stepping in for the suspended Nana Attakora, Harden fit seamlessly into TFC’s back line and was instrumental in keeping Alvaro Saborio and the rest of the champs' attack at bay. Win or no win, a clean sheet is always impressive.
Off Target
Dallas: Yellow-card suspensions for midfielders Daniel Hernandez and Atiba Harris are bittersweet. Hernandez is one of only five outfield players in MLS to have played every minute of the 2010 season so far. Though the team will miss his grit and veteran experience, having a night off might not be so bad for his aging legs. The downside however, is that now Dallas will have to find suitable replacements.
Toronto: Last Saturday marked two dropped points for Toronto at home. Contrary to the positive spin that Preki and the players might have tried to put on the match, a draw equaled a lost opportunity. With points growing ever the more precious by the day, full points at home must be expected from this point on. The failure to gain them last week could have serious repercussions for the Reds' playoff hopes.
Also, to the shock of nobody who follows the club, TFC once again exhibited difficulties in finishing. Dan Gargan, a guy of whom offense isn't expected, did manage to hit the crossbar on Saturday night, but the players who need to be scoring (or coming close to, at the very least), the O'Brian Whites and Mistas of the world, are not. For a team that has scored a paltry eight goals on the road all season and one that has six of its remaining nine matches on the road, this is going to be a big problem going forward.
Tactics
Dallas: The center of midfield is the biggest concern for Dallas heading into this weekends clash with Toronto. Rookie Eric Alexander is certain to retain his starting spot for the time being, especially with Dax McCarty still not ready for action, but the question is who to partner him with. Bruno Guarda seems the most likely option, though the former SMU man commits too many fouls in dangerous areas and doesn't provide the same support as Hernandez. Eric Avila has spent some time in the middle of the park this year, but he is more likely to replace Harris on the outside, if that role isn't filled by newly acquired Jackson Goncalves.
Toronto: Saturday's match with the Hoops is going to be nothing short of a selection nightmare for Preki. Chad Barrett and Maicon remain injured and all three of Dwayne De Rosario, Nana Attakora, and Julian de Guzman will remain in Toronto for Canada's friendly versus Peru. With a shortened bench, look for a very, almost overly, conservative formation to start out for TFC, but that will have to change in short order if the Reds expect to take anything away from the trip to Dallas.
The Reds must also be mindful of the threat of Brek Shea, who ran the Reds ragged in July at BMO.
Intangibles
Dallas: Toronto will be missing three key players this weekend, Nana Attakora, Julian de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario will all be on international duty. Their absences should offset the loss of Hernandez and Harris for FCD.
Toronto: Simply put, this match is going to test Toronto's mental resolve. With key players hurt or on international duty and the team playing in unwelcoming environs, this has all the makings of a bad loss for the Reds and they just cannot afford one at this juncture. You can say that a good effort in Dallas would be a moral victory, but that means nothing now. They need an actual victory and it's going to be tough to come by.
Result
Dallas: Momentum is hard to come by in MLS, but FC Dallas have found a way to keep theirs going. Despite not having a few impact players, expect Dallas to get a good result at home. FCD 2-0.
Toronto: The Hoops win 2-0 and pull even with RSL for second in the West.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
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FC Dallas 2-1 Toronto FC
- 25 %
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FC Dallas 2-0 Toronto FC
- 25 %
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FC Dallas 0-1 Toronto FC
- 16.67 %
| CCL (CCL) | Oct 18, 2011 | FC Dallas 0 - Toronto FC 3 |
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| CCL (CCL) | Aug 25, 2011 | Toronto FC 0 - FC Dallas 1 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Jul 20, 2011 | Toronto FC 0 - FC Dallas 1 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | May 11, 2011 | FC Dallas 1 - Toronto FC 0 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Sep 4, 2010 | FC Dallas 1 - Toronto FC 0 |
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FC Dallas
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| May 26, 2012 | Real Salt Lake 3 - FC Dallas 2 | MLS |
| May 23, 2012 | Chicago Fire 2 - FC Dallas 1 | MLS |
| May 19, 2012 | FC Dallas 1 - Philadelphia Union 1 | MLS |
| May 12, 2012 | Columbus Crew 2 - FC Dallas 1 | MLS |
| May 9, 2012 | FC Dallas 0 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 | MLS |
Toronto FC
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| May 26, 2012 | Toronto FC 1 - Philadelphia Union 0 | MLS |
| May 23, 2012 | Toronto FC 1 - Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 | NCC |
| May 19, 2012 | D.C. United 3 - Toronto FC 1 | MLS |
| May 16, 2012 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1 - Toronto FC 1 | NCC |
| May 9, 2012 | Toronto FC 2 - Montreal Impact 0 | NCC |
| 1 | Kevin Hartman | Goalkeeper |
| - | Heath Pearce | Defender |
| 19 | Zach Loyd | Defender |
| 24 | Eric Alexander | Midfielder |
| 20 | Brek Shea | Defender |
| 6 | Jackson | Defender |
| - | Marvin Chávez | Midfielder |
| 5 | Jair Benítez | Defender |
| 14 | George John | Defender |
| 10 | David Arturo Ferreira | Midfielder |
| - | Jeff Cunningham | Striker |
| - | Dario Sala | Goalkeeper |
| 15 | Kyle Davies | Defender |
| 27 | Edson Edward | Defender |
| 21 | Bryan Leyva | Midfielder |
| 8 | Bruno Guarda | Midfielder |
| 8 | Eric Avila | Midfielder |
| 34 | Ruben Luna | Striker |
| 24 | Stefan Frei | Goalkeeper |
| - | Nick Garcia | Defender |
| 33 | Maxim Usanov | Defender |
| 12 | Adrian Cann | Defender |
| - | Dan Gargan | Defender |
| 20 | Ty Harden | Defender |
| - | Mista | Striker |
| - | O'Brian White | Striker |
| 25 | Martin Saric | Midfielder |
| - | Nick LaBrocca | Midfielder |
| 15 | Nane | Midfielder |
| 30 | Milos Kocic | Goalkeeper |
| - | Jon Conway | Goalkeeper |
| - | Gabe Gala | Defender |
| 34 | Raivis Hščanovičs | Defender |
| 28 | Doneil Henry | Defender |
| - | Maicon Santos | Striker |
| - | Jacob Peterson | Midfielder |
| Brek Shea | |
| Position: | Defender |
| Squad Number: | 20 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Dan Gargan | |
| Position: | Defender |
| Squad Number: | 0 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Results
Times In EST
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kenny Cooper
Striker NY Red Bulls |
11 | 2 |
|
Chris Wondolowski
Striker San Jose Earthquakes |
11 | 1 |
|
Thierry Henry
Striker NY Red Bulls |
9 | 0 |
|
Saer Sene
Striker New England |
7 | 1 |
|
Maicon Santos
Striker D.C. United |
7 | 0 |