TORONTO – Kevin Hartman has been around MLS long enough to know what it takes to win a title. After all, he has started in five MLS Cups, more than any goalkeeper in league history.
And he didn’t beat around the bush on Sunday after George John's own-goal ended up being the match-winner in the 2010 edition of the title match, sending Colorado out as champions and favored FC Dallas left to rue what might have been.
WATCH: John's own-goal
“Unfortunately tonight, the bounce goes against you and you realize how difficult it is to win a championship,” the 14-year veteran told MLSsoccer.com in a hushed, gutted FC Dallas locker room. “Maybe a deflection here a missed clearance there and, before you know it, it’s beyond reach.”
The 36-year-old goalkeeper has been on both the winning and losing ends of MLS Cups. He started in nets for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 1999, 2001, ’02 and ’05 editions of the big game, losing the first two before striking paydirt in his third and fourth shot. That kind of varied experience in the title match has made him appreciate how much sweat equity it takes.
[inline_node:323607]“The most frustrating thing is that I thought this was one of the best teams I’ve ever played on,” he added. "You do nine-and-a-half months' work to put yourself in a position to win."
Hartman was among the throng of FCD players who came to one conclusion after the painful MLS Cup loss: The game just didn’t go their way, despite being perhaps the better team on the night. Colorado’s pair of fluky goals were good enough to beat favored Dallas, and the Philip F. Anschutz trophy was on a plane back to Denver on Monday.
WATCH: Full match highlights
The good news is that Hartman believes in the nucleus of this Dallas team. He set a record 0.62 goals-against average this season after being rescued by FCD from contract limbo after his last club, Kansas City, didn’t pick up his option.
FC Dallas now have the option to bring Hartman back in 2011, and it’s a no-brainer for Schellas Hyndman to retain his starting netminder. Former No. 1 Dario Sala was left unprotected for Wednesday’s Expansion Draft, though it’s doubtful the Argentine will be back in MLS next season.
But despite the surprise omission of Dax McCarty from the protected list, the nucleus of Dallas’ roster should remain intact. That gives Hartman hope that FCD can make another run next season and have their turn at hoisting the trophy in 12 months.
"I think we all realize how difficult [winning the title] is to do," he said Sunday. "It’s not really easy [to reconcile those feelings] yet, but I think we’ll look back on this season as a success and certainly a stepping stone. ... I’m sure of the fact that we have all of the assets to win a championship.”
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