Please let Dallas savor it for a bit. You detractors, you thugs that seek to diminish the quality of this victory probably only see one thing on the score line: that bottom-of-the-league Portland is in it. Despite that small fact, FCD is certainly not far from that basement, but the performance given on Saturday night was the nearest to perfection we have seen from Dallas in all of 2012. Let me explain.
First of all, the only minor blip on the match plan – the missed note in the symphony – was Fuctio’s shot that redirected off Kevin Hartman’s post within the first fifteen minutes. It was smooth sailing for Dallas beyond that. For one, it was due to Portland deficiencies. However, FCD was in all aspects just “that good” on Saturday night. And a bit lucky. That helps, too.
Confidence In Defense & A Man Redeemed
Not only did FCD shutout Portland to record its fourth shutout of the season, but center backs Hedges and Pertuz did so with a commanding performance (this is the third shutout the pair can call their own). Portland managed a solitary shot – Fucito’s redirection – on goal. Pertuz and Hedges gave up the ball twice in possession, putting both their pass completion rates in the upper 90’s. The duo is no stranger to a few launches, a few long balls into space, or a few desperate balls threaded through opposition midfields. This is expected from most center backs.
Yet the two simplified their play against Portland, and merely shuffled the ball wide and to the feet of Hernandez and Ferreira. Hernan and Matt didn’t even manage a single ball dumped into the final third the entire match. It is clear that Dallas’ commanding performance started with composure and clean play between their center halves.
Play is always a bit more complicated for outside backs. Under Hyndman’s system Loyd and Benitez are expected to push high and wide, contributing to the attack, and also allowing FCD’s wingers to push even higher on the opposing defense. Portland made a fatal mistake and sat back too deep. It was a “blood in the water” situation for Loyd and Benitez, as both confidently marauded up the line time and time again.
Let’s clarify these forward runs by Loyd and Benitez, though. Neither suddenly transformed into Lionel Messi and attempted cutting up the Portland back line single handedly. Instead they nibbled away at Portland, small combination after small combination, overlapping run by overlapping run. Look no further than Loyd and Benitez’s assists on FCD’s first two goals as your proof. Jair, seeking redemption for his penalty miss in San Jose, accounted for nearly 20% of FCD’s passes on Saturday.
The Ferreira Effect & A Dominant Jackson
Let’s flip the headline at first and start with Jackson’s performance. Many would’ve given Ferreira “Man of the Match” Saturday evening, that is until Jackson managed to rack up a goal and two assists. His consistency in play has slowly built since the Houston match, where he nabbed his first goal of the year. Given the assist he tallied in San Jose, plus the goal and two assists on Saturday against the Timbers, his performances are on an upward climb of late. Against Portland he was particularly great one on one, on the wings, and in the attack buildup. Opta’s chalkboard shows his preference to find Ferreira’s feet, which in turn allowed him to move and run off the ball more frequently, rather than holding back.
Jackson’s budding relationship with Ferreira is indicative of what DF10 evokes from the rest of FCD: confidence. Dumping a ball to David’s feet always opens up possibilities in attack, especially the possibility of that ball being threaded back to you, splitting a few defenders along the way.
But the “Ferreira Effect,” if that is what it is to be called, is much more than new confidence found for FCD. The diminutive Columbian’s presence allows the team to play as it should. For one, it takes an offensive burden off of Hernandez and Jacobson. Look no further than their chalkboards for the past three matches. Less forward balls are attempted, and the two concern themselves more often with their true roles: ball winners. It’s the role Claude Maukelele made so famous at Chelsea in the early 2000’s: get the ball and give the ball. The role is uncomplicated, yet sophisticated in the bigger scope of things.
The exact effect of Ferreira’s presence is letting the other moving parts of the FCD machine act as they should. Brek Shea, Castillo, Benitez, Jacobson, and even Scott Sealy can compartmentalize their actions on the field, and play their positions as they should be played. There is a reason that Hernandez and Jacobson didn’t attempt as many long balls, through balls, or risky passes the past three matches: DF10 was doing it for them, and with more accuracy and efficiency.
Hacking Through The Timbers
The Timbers were first-hand witnesses to the best, most complete FCD performance of the season. The team’s most telling stats of the evening were the number of passes attempted (495), and their accuracy (89%). FCD has barely sniffed the 80% accuracy mark on two occasions this season, the most recent being against Chivas USA, other only other moment of proficient passing being at Houston.
Not only was the passing accurate, but also the movement off the ball was the best it has been all campaign long. There were no reservations about getting forward and attacking, despite Portland’s singular strength in the counterattack. Again, the push forward is brought on by Ferreira’s presence on the pitch. The Timbers didn’t give themselves a fighting chance by sitting deep and attempting to absorb pressure, either.
Two men who must feel a little vindicated are Scott Sealy and Brek Shea. For one, Sealy was overlooked constantly as the target, Hyndman favoring Brek Shea, despite Brek’s declining performance in a position that was clearly uncomfortable for the winger. The Caribbean target man plays his position well, and did wonderfully against Portland by holding up play when necessary, and gaining the occasional ball through.
His hard work culminated in his first professional goal since 2009. In fact, Sealy’s movement on the first two FCD goals was as crucial as the passing that preceded it. His run on the first goal towards the back post allowed Jackson to flood into open space on the front post; Sealy’s back post run before Jacobson’s strike opened up a massive five yard window for the midfielder to freely hit the ball. Speaking of excellent movement off the ball, it was brilliant to see Ruben Luna get on the scoresheet (or even on the roster, for that matter).
Dallas put on its most convincing, complete performance of 2012 against the Timbers. Effort and execution was at an optimal level across the pitch. For the first time this season the Dallas faithful could sit back and actually watch the team display soccer it look comfortable playing. The effects of healthy, creative players like David Ferreira returning to first team action are finally being realized. That, and Hyndman can hang his hat on finally getting the most out of his squad. Once this potential has been unlocked, however, it’s going to be difficult not to demand the same out of FCD for the remainder of 2012.
(image courtesy of Rick Yeatts)
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