Dallas Marches On
due to previous time constraints this reaches back a little
In conjunction with the deal with San Jose, involving Brad Davis going in return for Pat Onstad and Eddie Robinson, Dallas made other key personnel moves...
The trade conincided with the immediate release of popular back-up keeper Garlick, and of Internationally renowned Cdn striker Carlo Corrazin.
"It hurt to let those boys go,"Stu confirmed,"They were an immense part of the spirit and soul of this clubhouse. They're both quality players, but with constraints what they are in the MLS, (financial and roster limit), I had to let them go."
The moves freed up valuable salary cap room for the Dallas squad, and a priceless senior int'l place.
Stu went on to cement his reputation as a player's coach, by immediatley going out of his way to find the pair continued playing employment.
"I talked to the New England coach and mentioned Garlick's new found freedom and his quite substantial talent level. I hope he'll be very happy there, and be able to make hay of his new opportunity. I wish him and Carlo nothing but the best in the future."
Hours after the personnel moves were finalized, Dallas found themselve in a death match against bitter rivals, Eastern Conference bottom-dwellers, New Engalnd. To make matters worse for the Dallas side, 5 players were out due to int'l obligations including new keeper Onstad.
The circumstances allowed inconsistent keeper Cassar a chance to hold on to his starting place, and handed reserve strikers Kreis and Rhine their opportunity to shine as they replaced regulars EJ and Mathis.
It was always going to be an uphill battle, but Kreis seized his chance on a cross from Behcke, to give Dallas a 1-1 draw. Newly signed defender Robinson handled himself with aplomb, garnering himself man of the match honors for his efforts.
Next up for the courageous boys from Dallas was a tough fixture against underachieving Metrostars. Rewarded for his decent performance against NE, keeper Cassar kept his place in the starting XI. Sadly, it was not to last.
The Metros jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, before Dallas got into the game. Young superstar Eddie Johnson tied it up going into the half with two fine goals.
The second half saw a calm descend, previously unknown to the Dallas side, as Onstad replaced Cassar. The feeling of dread whenever the oppo had the ball in Dallas territory seemed to subside. The weights were lifted off of the hearts of Dallas player and fan alike.
In the end it was never a contest. A 70th minute red card to Metrostars saw Dallas through to its victory. A third goal to EJ and a second in two games for sub Kreis were enough to put paid to Metro ambitions. Robinson continued his immediate impact by playing an 8/10, and adding an assist.
Dallas third game of the session saw them up against bitter divisional rival Kansas City. Dallas struck quickly at the four minute mark from EJ again, connecting on a cross from the resurgent Quill, who's form of late has left the manager no choice but to keep him in the side.
Dallas jumped two in front in the 78th minute thanks to substitute Kreis third goal in three games, slotting home a penalty after EJ was brought down in the box.
With the game all but over, Dallas put on the cruise control, almost costing them three points. Preki brought KC within one immediatley after the restart, and only a Josh Wolff howler in the 88th minute, (missing the net undefended from the top of the box), enabled Dallas to escape. KC's penchant for coming back late in games, and Dallas for losing, is becoming a worriable trend for the Dallas manager.
The last game of the session saw Dallas in LA against a quality if boring side. In a dour, boring, game there wasn't much to choose between the sides. Nobody was likely to score unless someone conceded a silly penalty. Which someone did. Stu had this to say...
"I hate to blame Ronnie O'Brein for what happened. He's been really patient after losing his place in the side due to injury. He's always been the linchpin of the side, but with the team performing so well, I'm hesitant to break them up in order to give him back his place. But, he's a team player and understands the situation, which has made it much easier for me."
"I had already made 3 substitutions, including Ronnie, when he picked up a niggling injury. Anyone else I would have pulled off the field immediatley and gone on with ten men, but you just don't do that with O'Brein. Ronnie was beat tired and maybe shouldn't have been out there, but...hindsight is 20-20 and all that. The worse part of it, is I've lost Ronnie for two more weeks on top of losing the game!"
Other news saw a rumoured potential blockbuster with NE develop in a straight swap for high profile strikers.
"It's a dangerous game I'm playing,"Stu confirmed,"Mathis is the most popular man in the clubhouse. But, he's only averaging 6.8, which is low for a player of his quality, Twellman is doing the same in NE. Maybe a change in scenery could be beneficial to all parties concerned. It's a gamble and something we'll all have to think on, certainly."
That said, Stu decided a vacation was warranted. It had been a tough spell for the volatile manager, and his seaside villa was calling him home.
His decision appeared validated as his side immediatley embarked on a three game winning streak in his absence, until the cahirman threw in his two cents...
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