Dallas began with a healthy Ricardo Villar filling in for David Ferreira as third central midfielder (and fifth total). Against many predictions Hernan Pertuz started in place of George John for FC Dallas. For New York, a young Juan Agudelo started in place of in-form (at least according to the preseason) striker Kenny Cooper.
From the start New York looked like a team on its back heels. Despite the names (Henry, Agudelo, Lindpere) out wide and up top there was little creativity going forward really until the presence of Kenny Cooper midway through the second half. However, Dallas pressed hard and forced New York into many turnovers, especially in the middle third of the field. No matter what New York tried slipping through the FCD backline it was stunted and stopped. Hernan Pertuz and Ugo Ihemelu proceeded to play an outstanding game against a forward combination that is, on paper, one of the best in the MLS.
The 10th minute goal belonging to Zack Loyd didn’t seem inevitable, but was certainly a result of New York’s poor defensive organization. Continually the Red Bulls were incapable of moving the ball cleanly out of the back and into the midfield, forcing many errors and committing several fouls in the process. The ball that Zack Loyd found at his feet in the 10th minute was a result of one of those fouls. The right black slotted the ball home (uncontested) after a ball from Andrew Jacobson was poorly cleared out (twice over) by a disorganized New York back line. Ironically, according to the NBC Sports broadcast, New York had given up 16 goals from set pieces in the 2011 season. It was the curse of the commentator; tally number one as of today against New York.
Loyd’s goal silenced New York, who were unable to respond for the rest of the first half. Thierry Henry had a cheeky, quickly taken free kick from 22 yards out in the 44th minute that clanged off the post, but other than that New York’s pricey attack couldn’t conjure much against FCD. The Red Bulls’ sole options in attack were intermittent lobs over the top into the paths of Agudelo and Henry. These failed against the speed and pressure of the Dallas back four.
The beginning of the second half brought on more attacking from the boys from Frisco. Ricardo Villar found himself through in the 52nd minute after a great leading cross from Brek Shea, only to drill it straight at an oncoming Meara. This attempt was prelude to the symphonic goal that Blas Perez created in the 61st minute. Perez picked off a dropped ball from New York’s Miller about 40 yards out, carried it for about 10 yards, and then slotted it just to his right to a flanking Villar. Ricardo dinked it over the top of Meara for his first goal of the year. The goal was a culmination of high defensive pressure from FCD, and once again, less than desirable organization and execution on behalf of New York’s back line. Tim Ream’s absence in defense seemed to haunt the New York backline that were unbroken just four months ago in Frisco. Just as predicted, the pace and attacking prowess of the front five for Dallas easily took advantage of New York’s defensive deficiencies.
Villar’s goal was nearly the straw that broke the backs of New York, as Carlos Rodriguez found himself through 10 minutes later. This attempt saw Rodriguez slot a cross, after beating a defender on the wing, into a flying Blas Perez, who drilled it straight at Meara. By this point New York had switched to a 4-3-3, bringing in former FCD striker Kenny Cooper into the mix. It opened up the Red Bulls to more counter attacks from Dallas and freed up the wings (Shea and Rodriguez) for FCD. Hyndman chose to substitute Villar out for Bobby Warshaw in the 74th minute, a move that signified Dallas trying to lock-up the game with a more defensive posture.
Despite the more defensive-minded FCD midfield, New York pressed on and continued to attack in a direct fashion. A looping, direct ball from Henry to Kenny Cooper saw the Dallas native chip Kevin Hartman in the 78th minute. As any coach worth his sand will tell you: a two goal lead is the most dangerous in the sport. One lax moment at the back for FCD let New York back into the match. The goal brought much confidence to a New York side that had been stagnant for 80 minutes.
A 2-1 goal differential brought tons of tension to FC Dallas Stadium. New York earned a couple of set pieces in the dying minutes of the match, but were still unable to break an FCD back line that seemed to be woken up by Cooper’s goal. Hyndman brought on George John with five minutes left to solidify the FCD back line, almost opting for a 5-4-1 (with Rodriguez playing very defensively), in the dying moments of the match. The last looping overhead ball sent by Henry out the touchline symbolized the one-dimensional New York attack, and at last allowed FCD to breath a sigh of relief upon the ref’s final whistle.
Overall, it’s not easy to point out any poor performances from the Hoops. Loyd and Benitez attacked and defended well on the flanks. Pertuz and Ihemelu were a Spartan wall of shields protecting the center of the pitch (I suppose that makes Loyd and Benitez Phocian Walls). New York sent in 27 crosses from open play that were all sent back the opposite direction – that should be a testament to Ugo and Hernan’s prowess in the center. Only 2 of New York’s 13 attempts were on target.
In the midfield Hernandez and Jacobson forced much of the New York attack to the wings. Fortunately Shea, Castillo, Rodriguez, Loyd, and Benitez were all up to the challenge and rarely beaten in the wide areas. Jacobson provided well and was a source of several FCD attacks. Villar pushed high often, playing a good foil and second forward to Perez. Brek Shea was active and found himself in space often, but played more of a providing role than anything else. Much of New York’s defense was aimed at shutting the left-winger down, which fortunately opened up space for Rodriguez, Perez, and Villar at other ends of the pitch.
Perez had a solid debut. He ended with two assists and nearly two goals. Next game he’ll just half to pick corners to either side of the keeper (both of his best attempts were from close range & right at Meara) to put himself on the scoresheet. Still, he holds the ball well, plays well with his back to goal, and is active in pressing opposing back lines.
Dallas’ defensive performance won this match, and New York’s defensive woes certainly lost it for the Red Bulls. Dallas capitalized from mistakes created by New York’s back line in both situations. The match itself was a testament to the Dallas defense and the inefficiencies of New York’s attack and defense. If the numbers hold true, New York had 62% of the possession, four times as many corners, 27 crosses, and 2 more attempts on goal against Dallas, and were STILL unable to crack FCD’s back line.
Men of the Match: Perez & Pertuz. Both summer signings had the sand (this sounds like Bill the Butcher, right?) to play their roles almost to perfection today. Two assists from Perez and a shutout for Pertuz is a great, great start.
Dallas takes on Portland next on March 17th at 7:30 CST in Frisco.
Odds and Ends:
- FC Dallas Stadium has really stepped it up. Not only did the beer garden add Budweiser PoolBall (Google it – it’s a blast), but they also added field level bleachers to top it off. Electronic boards line the stadium (another upgrade), and there are even the excellent red-and-white hooped net posts behind each of the goals. It almost smacks of a professional organization.
- The mesquite-smoker to the North Gate was IMMENSE. Standing on the north end of the stadium was like bathing in barbeque for two hours.
- The crowd was excellent. Not only is a sellout nice, but also a crowd that yells and silences itself with every acceleration and break in play is even nicer.
(image courtesy of fcdallas.com)
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