FRISCO, Texas – One of the challenges FC Dallas will encounter on its two-game road trip to the Pacific Northwest will be transitioning from playing on turf instead of natural grass. Accordingly, FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman moved the Wednesday and Thursday sessions from the adidas (grass) field to the Dr. Pink Field (field turf) at Pizza Hut Park.
Wednesday, April 13
Wednesday’s session began with an often used drill that places three goals on each end of the field. Instead of the usual regulation goal in the center of the north and south end lines, the FC Dallas coaching staff utilized three smaller goals on each end and let the goalkeepers remain on grass on the adidas field to work on shot blocking.
Highlights
In a game of 13-on-13 in a 60-yard area, Fabian Castillo, Milton Rodriguez and Peri Marosevic scored for the green team, who demolished the blue squad 7-2.
Thursday, April 14
Hyndman opened Thursday’s training session with the same drill as Wednesday. The only difference was the return of the full-size goals to the middle of both end lines. Green won for the second day in a row, but by a smaller margin of 7-5. Andrew Wiedeman’s long-range shot on goal led to the victory. Goalkeeper Chris Seitz did well to punch the chance away, but the rebound fell to the feet of Jackson, who volleyed a second shot high over the left shoulder of Seitz.
Hyndman went straight into 11-a-side action following the warm-up game. After a long talk with his first team, Hyndman patrolled the midfield, tightening up his formation when needed.
Highlights
Ugo Ihemelu escaped three defenders with a skillful spin move after saving a ball just before it crossed the touch line near his own corner flag.
Quotes of the Day
“With Portland coming off a game tonight, they may be a little tired on Sunday. We need to come out fast and establish our game on Sunday.”
“Portland plays with the same mentality as Houston, very close to the same formation as well.”
- Eric Avila