So here it is: FC Dallas, one of the strong clubs in the league — nevermind the conference — will be kicking off in the Rio Tinto in only a few short hours, and it’s a match that is nothing but essential for our boys in Claret and Cobalt. Sadly, I’ve had to call a whole slew of games essential, and that only because we’ve fallen from grace and form a bit (a lot) since our domineering start to the season.
If we are to knock FC Dallas off their pretty little throne the press has put them on, we must start now, and we must take that momentum into the US Open Cup tie at their ground, and we must win that too. It’s another point our season hinges on — let it run free, and we’ll be chasing the entire season. Win tonight, and it’s a chance to kick-start our second half of the season.
If we can avoid a shambolic first few minutes against FC Dallas and, perhaps, keep to 11 men, that would be quite good, wouldn’t it? But there’s no reason yet to blame the referee for anything, and while I’m sure that has already started, there’s nothing done yet — get on with the match, friends. There could be a very real problem brewing where the referees are blamed for non-problems, for non-issues, and for correct calls. If it’s anything like the furor that’s built up around them in the MLS over recent weeks, we could have a big, big problem on our hands. It could, I think, be the point where keeping even the good referees we’ve seen recently is untenable. Let’s hope that’s all sorted out soon.
So we’ve won only one of our last six and two of our last 10 — a bad run of form if there’s ever been one. In fact, the last time we strung together even two league wins was April 9 and 13 against Revolution and Rapids, respectively. Indeed, we strung together four MLS wins at that time. It’s time to return to that form, isn’t it?
But FC Dallas has failed to pick up three points only once in five league games, and though they had a string of draws, have largely been dominant. I know LA Galaxy are called the best in the league, but if FC Dallas is allowed a win tonight, they’ll be a point at the top of the standings with a game in hand.
Now, we have our own games in hand that could be our saving grace, and we absolutely must start winning for those to mean anything. We can’t keep letting this gap grow between the clubs above us — we are a club that can challenge for the regular season title, and we should be. It’s time to show our true colors.
So, a predicted lineup, now that I’ve rambled about the importance of this game:
Rimando
Beltran - Schuler - Olave - Wingert
Beckerman - Johnson - Grabavoy - Warner
Gil - Espindola
There are still some question marks over Wingert, but I expect he’ll be handed some time — though it’s important to note that Will Johnson was dropped into the right and Tony Beltran retained on the left against New England. But with Russell subbed at the half, inevitably with a recurrence of his calf problem, I expect we’ll hand a start to Chris Wingert, even if there are a few question marks.
Now, I’ve thrown a few surprises into the mix because I expect a few surprises — these may or may not be those surprises, but we’ll find that out tonight. We have an Open Cup match that the club have deemed very important, and I expect a rest for some players as a result. The unchanged midfield seems unlikely, and that may depend on injuries and fitness.
So, that’s that. Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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