FCD Drops Colorado 3-0 in MLS Cup Rematch

That is more like it. After a tie and two unimpressive losses, FC Dallas came out with all cylinders firing against my new favorite rival, the Colorado Rapids. In what was surely (though they denied it pre-game) a statement match, FCD came out aggressive and shooting from the first whistle. After going up 2-0 by halftime, with goals by Ihemelu and Ferreira, FCD put the stake through the very small heart of the Rapids less than a minute into the second half with another goal by Ferreira off a lovely assist from Eric Avila. Take that comeback.

For those of you watching the game live, we had a scary moment with Marvin Chavez after the first goal, in which he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. From what I’ve heard, it was a cut over his eye that caused him problems, and he should be good to go. Whew….

So here are my game grades…should be a bit higher this week:

FCD 3 – 0 Colorado Rapids

Game grades: (FYI, I start at 5 and work up/down.)

Kevin Hartman – 7 – Had some good saves late in the game to keep it scoreless, but wasn’t required to do much overall.
Brek Shea – 7 – I really like the Brek Shea to left back experiment more than at centerback. With his ability to get forward on the wings, this could be a really good spot for him.
Ugo Ihemelu – 6 – I really prefer his intelligence in central defense. It will be really interesting to see how often he and Shea will switch spots throughout the season.
George John – 7 – I have to say, I see a future captain in George John. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a wall in the back.
Zach Loyd – 6 – A much better week from Loyd. No mistakes, but was mostly invisible.
Daniel Hernandez – 6 – Fought hard with Caleb Folan all night. Tough, solid outing.
Fabian Castillo – 7 – He’s still getting used to play in the MLS, but is showing great skill with the ball. The assist to Ferreira was right on the money.
Andrew Jacobson – 6 – I really saw this guy as a potential replacement for Hernandez, but it was nice to see him line up in central midfield next to him in the 4-4-2. Their defensive mindedness is a nice complement to Ferreira’s attacking play.
Marvin Chavez – N/A – Didn’t show much before an injury knocked him out. Participated in the action on the first goal, but unfortunately didn’t get to see it.
David Ferreira – 9 – The Rapids had no answer for him tonight. While he may have been offside on the first goal, he was still just too much for them to handle.
Milton Rodriguez – 5 – Is it just me, or does he seem to be really laboring out there? Works hard and puts himself in good positions, but just doesn’t seem to have the speed or touch we need in that spot.

Substitutions:

Eric Avila – 8 – The “super-sub” contributed on both sides of the ball tonight. Eric was instrumental on the demoralizing third goal.
Eric Alexander – 6 – Came in and contributed well on defense in relief for Jacobson.
Ruben Luna – 6 – Didn’t get to see much attacking play from Luna, as we ended up playing mostly defense for the last 20 minutes.

Overall, great win against my new favorite rival. Any thoughts?

Category: Team News