Reporter’s Notebook — Dallas FC

An unfiltered look at exactly what I was thinking during the 1-1 draw between the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas.

On FC Dallas Right Back Jackson:
•Overwhelmingly active. Is he going to make it to halftime without being gassed? (5′)
•Seriously, this guy’s heat map will be absurd. (8′)
•How is he not tired? How have the Fire not exploited his free-wheeling ways? (30′)
•Yellow card — maybe he’s tired. (33′)
•The governments of Brazil and the United States should get together and study Jackson, because I am fairly certain he is a short-circuited robot. Studying his internal processors and energy sources might help solve the world’s energy crisis. Looking for renewable energy sources capable of consistant high-level power output — the answer is Jackson. (78′)

On FC Dallas’ new centerback Brek Shea.
•I thought it would be difficult for Shea to look at ease on the backline immediately. I was right. Shaky early. (12′)
•That straight red card was questionable to say the least. That’s about all I have to say about that. (56′)

•Is this Fire offense only going to be opportunistic? Initial reports indicate that they will have a tough time creating from nothing — rather only capitalizing on the failures of the other team. (15′)
•Fire goal (17′) — Well, if FC Dallas is going to make mistakes like that, opportunistic might be victorious. Nice service by Pappa, but everything was sloppy after that. Terrible clearance followed by a terrible volley, followed by a late reaction save by Hartman. Diego Chavez had no choice but to score, Hartman gave the ball right to him.
•Chavez deserved the goal, I noted in the 12′ that I liked his tenacity. Five-foot-ten, 150 lbs, but the man plays huge on the pitch. A few inspired runs in the middle of the field makes me think he’s the man for the striker job.

On Fire rookie rightback Jalil Anibaba
•He’s no Jackson… (5′)
•Looking shaky early — Ferreira and Rodriguez exploiting him early. (10′)
•Beaten out wide by Loyd, and that mistake leads directly to the FC Dallas goal. While the Fire goal was luck and helped by poor play, FCD’s looked to be all class. Loyd beats two defenders wide, cuts in and is able to find the feet of his striker Rodriguez, who finishes with a classy back heal. Fire goaltender Sean Johnson angry with defense. Frankly, he should be — lax effort wide led to problems inside. (18′)

•It should come as no surprise that Carlos de los Cobos has admitted defeat and moved the Fire into a 4-4-2 formation. Segares steps back, taking some pressure off Anibaba. The move only took 30 minutes and proves that the 3-5-2 doesn’t work without strong play from the rookie.

•Fire have a great counter and Daniel Hernandez quells it. A smart yellow card. End the attack, regain positioning. Hernandez shows why he’s one of the most underrated players in MLS. (36′)

•Gibbs looking solid on left, Mikulic has not been a factor thus far — both of these are good things for the Fire. (40′)

•Logan Pause is as cool, calm and collected as anyone on the field. Man of the match form thus far. (45′)
•This might be the best opposing central defending midfielder both teams see this side of Seattle. (45′)

•The opportunistic attitude I’m claiming the Fire have — I don’t know what better opportunity there is than having the opposing team a man down. (56′)

•Pappa and Chavez showing good chemistry in the box. Crossbar still ringing from that shot. (50′)

•Support on attacks looking weak for Chicago. They realize they are a man up, right? (59′)

•Oh, hello Mr. Puerari, you are remarkably fast. Jackson can attest to that when he finds his jockstrap. (60′)
•The play started off after Daniel Hernandez couldn’t keep the ball on the attack after a FCD setpiece. Opportunistic. (60′)

•Sean Johnson has poise beyond his years and athleticism that’s outside this realm. He’s young and aggressive, but there’s not a save he cannot make. (70′)

•Mikilic is fantastic in positioning. Even with Anibaba struggling, he was able to maintain poise and position while covering up for the rookie. The young kid is starting to look comfortable and is excellent with the ball on his foot. (74′)

•Orr Barouch seems like a solid talent, but the Fire are going to want Calen Carr to recover quickly. (88′)

•FC Dallas dominating before stoppage time — the Fire realize they have an extra man on the pitch, right? (88′)

•The Fire start turning it on late. Hartman is better. Where was this effort for the past 30 minutes? (90′)

•It’s a draw, both sides shaky in opening game. Both sides answered some questions about their rosters. I’m fascinated to see how they stack up against established teams with expectations. The experiment continues. (FT)

Fire man of the match: Logan Pause

Category: Team News