There wasn't much expected from FC Dallas when the 2010 season began, but by the end of that surprising season, Dallas had finished one of the best and most entertaining seasons in team history.
FC Dallas eliminated the top two teams in the 2010 MLS Playoffs and came within overtime of a championship, doing so with a young and deep team that seemed capable of challenging for titles for years to come.
Here is my Fox Soccer Preview on an FC Dallas side that could once again be dangerous come playoff time, a team that lost some key players from 2010, but still boast the depth to offset those losses.
Here are some more thoughts on the 2011 FC Dallas:
2011 FC DALLAS
They'll win because: Fabian Castillo is a star, Eric Alexander makes people forget Dax McCarty and Kevin Hartman has another amazing season.
They'll lose because: Daniel Hernandez can't stay healthy, Castillo struggles to adjust to the physical play in MLS and the defense takes a step back after a strong 2010.
Player who could break out: Eric Alexander
Player who could regress: George John
Player who needs to improve on 2010: Brek Shea
Newcomer to watch: Fabian Castillo
Projected Finish: FC Dallas lost four starters in Heath Pearce, Dax McCarty, Jeff Cunningham and Atiba Harris, but there is plenty of talent left and Fabian Castillo could be a star. With Hartman in goal, David Ferreira as a playmaker and Daniel Hernandez providing leadership, FC Dallas should stay close to Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles near the top of the Western Conference, and could put together another deep playoff run.
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What do you think of FC Dallas' chances this season? Who do you see scoring the goals? Think Dallas can make it back to the MLS Cup Final?
Share your thoughts below.
