With preseason in full swing and FC Dallas preparing to travel to Mexico for a week of training, the steam is starting to build toward the 2012 Home Opener vs. the New York Red Bulls.
BUY TICKETS: FC Dallas vs. New York Red Bulls, Sunday, March 11
This week's Morning Clippings features George John scoring in his first competitive match in a West Ham kit, the announcement of the 2012 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Gordon Jago Super Group participants, Zach Loyd making a guest appearance on ESPN's Soccer Today and more.
Read last week’s edition of Morning Clippings
Thursday, January 19: Table Tennis Titans (USsoccer.com)
While in camp with the USMNT, some players like to spend their downtime playing table tennis for bragging rights. Check out this video USsoccer.com put out of FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea playing against New York Red Bull forward Juan Agudelo and Chivas USA defender Heath Pearce.
Tuesday, January 24: John scores on Hammers bow (WHUFC.com)
George John saw his first competitive action in a West Ham kit last Tuesday when he played for the Developmental Squad against Gillingham. The result was a 1-1 draw that saw John score the lone goal for the Hammers. John joined West Ham on a two-month loan earlier this month. West Ham will have the option to complete a full transfer for John when the loan ends on March 5.
Wednesday, January 25: Shea blossoming with steady U.S. duty (SoccerAmerica.com)
Ahead of the USMNT's match against Panama last week, Ridge Mahoney took note of the fact that Brek Shea was the only player to appear in all eight (now nine) matches since Jurgen Klinsmann took over as head coach. In addition to that consistency, Shea also played the full 90 in the last two USMNT wins over Venezuela and Panama. Mahoney writes that Shea's development as a player has accelerated in conjunction with his time with the USMNT.
Read the SoccerAmerica.com article
Wednesday, January 25: Garcia, newest FC Dallas Academy scoring phenom (SoccerAmerica.com)
Danny Garcia has been a scoring machine for the FC Dallas Academy this season. With 16 goals through 14 appearances, SoccerAmerica's Paul Kennedy took notice and give you four things to know about Garcia, including where he'll be playing his college ball, his strong connection to his former coach, and the freind he dedicates every goal he scores to.
Read the SoccerAmerica.com article here
Wednesday, January 25: 2012 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Gordon Jago Super Group (DallasCup.com)
With Dallas Cup XXXIII just two months away, tournament officials announced the full list of participants for this year's Gordon Jago Super Group. The Group is highlighted by European powerhouses Manchester United, Everton, Paris Saint-Germain, and Eintracht Frankfurt, and, of course, FC Dallas.
Saturday, January 28: Zach Loyd on Soccer Today (ESPN 103.3 FM)
Just two days after returning from the USMNT's January camp, FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd was a guest on ESPN's Soccer Today radio show broadcast live from the Allen Wickers in Plano Saturday morning. Joining hosts Marc Stein and Steve Davis, Loyd discussed what he learned at camp both on and off the field, facing off against his new Panamanian teammates, and his expectations for 2012.