Warm-ups
FC Dallas’ final training session of the 2011 season began with Michael Johnson Performance’s Daniel Torres running the group through its daily warm-up. A former MLS defender, Torres saw time in 15 games for FC Dallas during the 2009 season before transitioning into a role as a fitness coach. Torres’ session on Monday consisted of jogging with intermittent keep-away sessions of five-on-one.
Highlights
Maicon Santos netted the first goal of the day from close-range during a six-on-six drill inside a 40-yard area. Going the opposite direction, FC Dallas outside backs Jair Benitez and Zach Loyd combined to create a chance in front of Kevin Hartman, but the veteran goalkeeper denied the opportunity with a timely kick-save.
Andrew Wiedeman showed off his finishing ability when he slid to hammer a shot into the upper-90. The play began with the ball being knocked out wide to Jonathan Top. The Home Grown player controlled the pass before serving a ball to the near post for Wiedeman. A few moments later, Wiedeman smashed the crossbar with a shot from midfield. The blast was reminiscent of his goal against Tigres UANL in Monterrey, Mexico on March 23.
After 30 minutes, FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman constricted the area of play. The first goal of the drill should have come when Benitez combined with Ruben Luna to create a great scoring chance for Bruno Guarda, but goalkeeper Chris Seitz worked post-to-post to rob the Brazilian with a right-handed save while lying on his back.
Santos led the white team to back-to-back victories with three goals in two matches. Santos’ first two goals came just 27 seconds apart.
FC Dallas’ first Home Grown player, Bryan Leyva looked creative throughout the drill. He clipped the back post with a shot lobbed over the goalkeeper from tight-range before finishing his second chance of the day by picking out the far side-netting.
At the conclusion of the drill, Hyndman crowned the white team victorious.
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman
On the status of David Ferreira…
“He took some time today to continue his rehab. The last conversation I had with David, he mentioned he was staying in Dallas during the offseason to continue to work with the training staff and to be ready to go at the start of next season.”
On Andrew Jacobson…
“Andrew Jacobson was outstanding for us this season. Before Ricardo [Villar] was ready to jump into David’s spot, we used Jacobson there and he was very successful. He also filled that holding midfielder role well, which Dax McCarty used to occupy.”
On Victor Ulloa…
“Towards the end of the season, I thought Victor Ulloa came on very strong. He is at the point now where he needs more opportunities. If we were playing in [CONCACAF] Champions League again next season, Victor is a guy I would feel comfortable putting in there.”
FC Dallas midfielder Bobby Warshaw
On working with Daniel Hernandez during his rookie season…
“I cannot tell you how lucky I have been to be able to spend my rookie year learning from a guy like Daniel Hernandez. It was great just to be able to see the way he approaches the game, the way he approaches life.”
FC Dallas defender George John
On his contract situation…
“I still have a year on my contract with FC Dallas. I am here. My focus is here. I feel like I have taken strides this season in my maturity and my speed of play. During the offseason I plan on relaxing and refocusing. I want to become more of a leader. I want to step up and be more vocal.”
