FC Dallas (9-4-4) will hosts the Columbus Crew (6-4-6) in the second leg of the 2011 Pioneer Cup this weekend at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas rolled over the Portland Timbers last week in a convincing 4-0 victory. The Columbus Crew are also coming off a convincing 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids.
FC Dallas has been employing the 4-4-2 formation since losing MVP David Ferreira in April to a broken ankle. I think this formation better suits FC Dallas as it allows them to use their speed on the outside. They are also 6-1-3 since losing their MVP and making adjustments to their lineup.
FC Dallas will have to adjust to a few more losses in their lineup this week. They have lost striker Fabian Castillo who was called up to the Columbian U-20 National team last week, and just today it was announced that midfielder Eric Avila may go on loan to CF Atlas Guadalajara for up to 6 months.
A player to watch for the Columbus Crew will be their forward Andres Mendoza who has 6 goals in his last 6 games. After a slow start to his 2011 season Mendoza has put up numbers worthy of a DP.
This weekend’s matchup in Frisco is more than just a game, both teams are paying tribute to the sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, who initially invested in the Columbus Crew and then later invested in his hometown team FC Dallas. Lamar Hunt was an integral part in bringing professional soccer to the U.S. and both clubs honor him by wearing “LH” on the back of their jerseys.
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