FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas returned to the training grounds at Pizza Hut Park today in preparation of Friday’s rematch of the 2010 MLS Cup final against the Colorado Rapids (8 p.m. on FOX Soccer).
Defense took precedent today as both Schellas Hyndman and Marco Ferruzzi led separate defensive drills on opposite ends of the field. Breaking down the field into three separate levels, Hyndman’s group focused on defending at the first (FC Dallas’ offensive third) and second (middle third of the field) levels on the north side of the field. Ferruzzi and goalkeeper coach Drew Keeshan focused on defending at the third level (FC Dallas’ defensive third of the field).
Highlights
Going at a backline that consisted of Ferruzzi, Brek Shea, George John and Bobby Warshaw – David Ferreira picked out Fabian Castillo, who was making a far-post run. Castillo brought down the pass with his first touch before slotting a ball back across the goalmouth for Milton Rodriguez. With plenty of time to break down goalkeeper Chris Seitz, Rodriguez lifted the ball to the back post from close range for a crafty goal.
Moments later the Colombian connection struck again when Castillo came free with the ball at the near post. Seitz charged off his line to take the initial shot off the foot of Castillo, but the 18-year-old knocked a lateral pass across the six-yard box for Rodriguez, who finished with his first touch.
Kevin Hartman alternated with Seitz in goal. The veteran served as much as an organizer of the defense as he did goalkeeper, helping Shea and John to solidify the middle of the back line.
On the opposite end of the field, Hyndman had his forwards and midfielders buzzing around the field in a full-press defense. After winning the ball back deep in enemy territory, Ruben Luna went straight to goal. Running at the near post, Luna drew goalkeeper Josh Lambo off his line. Lambo did well to deny Luna, who put a hard shot on goal from close range. Lambo looked to have taken the shot on the chin and stayed down for a few seconds following the play. The sturdy goalkeeper returned to action shortly after a quick look from FC Dallas athletic trainer Josh Watts.
Throughout the drill, Hyndman remained close to FC Dallas captain Daniel Hernandez. The two conversed on many topics during the prolonged organization exercise.
Ricardo Villar looked strong during Hyndman’s drill. The veteran midfielder looked faster since fully recovering from his preseason injury. His aggressive defense forced a turnover near the end of the exercise, earning a chance on goal for Andrew Jacobson, who fired a shot low to the near post. Also fully recovered, Lambo got down in time to make a clean save at the front post.
The team ended training with a strenuous fitness drill. Starting on the top of the 18-yard box on the north side of the field, the team ran three 100-yard sprints is succession in less than 50 seconds. After finishing the third, the team was given two minutes to recover before running another three sprints in under 50 seconds. The team repeated the cycle five times. Shea and Zach Loyd led the pack consistently.
