Only four members from FCD’s 2010 MLS Cup run remain in what has been an awfully active offseason. Changes have abounded, from Doug Quinn’s arrest in NYC, to the unexpected-yet-feasible transfer of Brek Shea to Stoke City, to the signing and releasing of Brazilian-talent-and-also-bust, Pipico.
Supporters, writers, and the MLS world were most astounded by the sale of Shea (for a more-than-reasonable $4 million). Many, however, welcome the team’s most recent signings due to the influx of Brek Shea cash and need of a facelift in multiple areas across FCD’s lineup.
In all reality, the greatest impact of the team’s changes will be up top. Former hometown hero Kenny Cooper and Frenchman Eric Hassli will provide what could be the most formidable strikeforce in the Western Conference, if not all of MLS. Cooper has shown he’s capable of netting 18 goals in an FCD shirt; Hassli is no slouch, either, despite his injury woes of 2012.
Defensively and throughout the midfield, almost the same starting lineup from a majority of 2012 returns. To all those Shea-lots (I’m reaching) who want to point out “BUT BREK SHEA ISN’T THERE AND HE WAS A STARTER AND WAS THE TEAM AND IN ADIDAS COMM….(and so forth),” please restrain yourselves. Given the quakes in San Jose in the Hyndman-Shea relationship, the multiple past offers received, and his general unhappiness residing in North America, it was time for Brek to go. A single tear falls; angels weep. Two regrets remain, nevertheless, with Brek’s departure: an impactful replacement and a lesser-jammed front office wallet in Frisco. Why not cash in on better offers made in 2012 just to let him go for cheaper, later?
But, Brek’s departure will actually be a blessing. His sale will make competition even more possible, position by position in 2013. Dallas didn’t have it amongst the squad in 2012. Benitez will now be pushed by Michel. Woodberry and Acosta will challenge Loyd. Warshaw will be healthy, challenging Jacobson and Luccin. Eric Hassli, Kenny Cooper, and Blas Perez will all have to make a case for a handful of minutes allotted to two of three talented forwards (the main area, financially speaking, where Brek’s sale is most felt). Even Stephen Keel, a veteran, will push Hedges and John for minutes. Only Ferreira, Jackson (pending any signings on the wing – Nunez?), Fernandez, and Castillo may be invulnerable going into the beginning of 2013. Competition in soccer, like that in capitalism, will foster a greater perfection and streamlining of 7 of 11 positions on the pitch.
Early offseason signings and news did not instill hope in many of the FCD faithful. The front office seemed to be a mess. Daniel Hernandez’s coaching resignation, possibly triggered by the signing of another aging, injury-prone defensive center midfielder didn’t reflect well. Despite these ailments, new woes like the coming-and-going of Pipico can almost be glossed over now. Three weeks’ time has proven how sharply things can change. I can’t believe we have three quality strikers (and legitimately can’t remember a similar situation in Dallas). 2010 was three years ago: the boys of old, for the most part, have left. FCD must take a new shape to foster a better charge to the top in 2013. It seems that the front office has taken heed.
Current depth chart:
(image courtesy of fcdallas.com)
