FC Dallas vs Houston Dynamo Match Preview
FC Dallas led the league with 50 goals scored last year. Unfortunately the defense gave up 47 goals and despite a tremendous hot streak during the second half of the season they failed to make the playoffs. If FC Dallas are to be successful this year they will need another big year from Jeff Cunningham, who led the league with 17 goals. They also return David Arturo Ferreira, who finished in the top 15 in the league in scoring with eight goals of his own.
If the combination of Cunningham and Ferreira continue to put the ball in the back of the net then, with any defensive improvement at all, Dallas will have a great shot at the playoffs this year.
The key to this season will be starting the season on a good note. During the first half of the 2009 season they accumulated only 14 points, as opposed to the 25 points they accumulated during the second half. If Dallas can pick up where they left off they will surprise a few teams this year.
The Houston Dynamo finished at the top of the Western Conference last season before eventually losing in the conference final to the LA Galaxy. This year they will have to find a way to fill the void left by the departure of two of their better players in Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden, who both left to play in Europe. Geoff Cameron will most likely fill some of the void left in midfield but it will take time to gel.
The Dynamo defense was very solid last year tying Seattle Sounders FC for fewest goals allowed all year (29). Pat Onstad is still one of the better keepers in the league and will keep the back four organized. If the defense can remain solid and forward Brian Ching can continue to score goals then the Dynamo should be able to be successful as the midfield becomes a more cohesive unit during the season.
