Oct. 31 - Halloween Practice

Another great day of training, with the team going through a few different variations of what could be the starting XI on Friday for a good amount of time...Pablo worked out on the side of the field with the trainers (though he did try to get out on the field when the trainers first weren't watching)...

Just as practice was ending, the FO staff started their Halloween lunch...each department 'decorated' their own pumpkin, and then prizes were awarded to the best costume and department decoration...Top prize went to this one below...

FCD fans can have some fun on Houston radio tonight...Steve Morrow and Chris Gbandi are expected to be guests on Glenn Davis's ESPN Radio show (790 am) between 7-9 pm CT...if you want to call in with questions for Steve, Chris, Glenn (or any of the Houston Dynamo players / coaches), dial 713-212-5790...fans can also listen to the show on www.790thesportsanimal.com or MLSNET.com...

Oct. 30 - The Defense's Turn

Last week, we brought you a video with the 51 goals scored in all competitions during the season...Today, we bring you some of the best defensive highlights of the season, including goalkeeper saves...click here for the high-res version, or the video below for the YouTube clip...

Oct. 30 - Ummm...Peanut Butter and Chocolate

With the weather comfortably staying at 65 degrees, and barely any clouds in the blue sky, no wind, and the guys going through a great workout, the best part of practice for us here at the blog took place on the sidelines...

Long-time passionate FCD fans Travis and Mason stopped by today...the players enjoy having them around - they always brings signs and banners with positive messages, and always have encouraging words for the boys...Another reason the guys enjoy having the kids around - the treats!

Mason and Travis brought the guys Resees Peanut Butter Cup Cookies today...AND...they even gave a dish of cookies to the seven members of the local media that were in attendance (from which we here at the blog took a cookie, or two)...Thanks guys - the positive energy you guys bring is appreciated by the team...

Back to training - today's was very similar to last

Tuesday's practice...in fact, it was basically the same practice...small-sided games followed by a larger field one...before the guys came outside, they had their own meeting inside the locker room...taking time to comment about last week's practice and how that led to the effort put forth in Saturday's game...then, they got out to the adidas Field and tried to replicate it...Pablo did not practice today as he stayed inside to get treatment on his hamstring and groin...

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In the warmup juggling game prior to practice, if you mess up the 'phrase' of the cycle, you get flicked, hit, poked, etc - all in fun of course...Below, Carlos, Dario, Andrew, Scott, Ray, Chase, and Adrian take turns on Dominic...the game finally ended when both Dario and Carlos messed up together - causing both to run from the others before it was their turn...

Oct. 29 - Season Ticket Holder Autograph Session

The team held an autograph session for all FC Dallas Season Ticket holders this evening...we attempted to do this back on Oct. 22, but had to re-schedule to do weather that day.

First, the guys came in for a training session...those that played significant minutes on Saturday had a light session, with the rest of the team going through a more intense small-sided game.

Down the other end of the field, three teams were created for a soccer-tennis competition: Carlos, Dario, and Juan...Clarence, C. Gbandi, and Arturo...and Bobby, Drew, and Kenny...the first group claimed the tourney for the day, not even needing a championship match after Clarence's team defeated Bobby's team (had Bobby's team won, they would have been equal in number of wins with Carlos' team would have needed to face each other to determine the winner)...they'll all be back out for 10 am practice on Tuesday...

InterLiga 2008 Kicks off at Pizza Hut Park on Jan. 2

The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), together with Soccer United Marketing, today unveiled the official groups, venues and schedule for the 2008 edition of InterLiga™ at a press conference held at the FMF headquarters in Mexico City.

In its fifth anniversary, InterLiga will kick off on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at Pizza Hut Park with a Group B doubleheader, highlighted by a duel between Cruz Azul and San Luis. Group A action hits Frisco on Sunday, Jan. 6 including a match up between Mexican powers América and Toluca (matches start at 4 p.m. local). This is the third consecutive year that Pizza Hut Park hosts InterLiga matches and the fifth consecutive year the tournament has come to the DFW area (Cotton Bowl in the first two years of the tournament - 03-04).

The eight teams participating in InterLiga™ 2008 earned berths based on their combined record in the 2006 Apertura and 2007 Clausura seasons of the Mexican domestic league.

Group A – América, Atlas, Toluca, Morelia;
Group B – Cruz Azul, Pumas, Monterrey, San Luis.

If any of the participating eight teams becomes champion of the current 2007 Apertura season, to be crowned the weekend of December 8, that club will be replaced by Atlante. The champion of the 2007 Apertura is required to participate in the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

While InterLiga™ 2008 will determine two Mexican club births for Copa Libertadores known as “Mexico 2” and “Mexico 3”, the other spot, known as “Mexico 1,” has been determined according to the regulations set forth by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol. Given Pachuca’s required participation in the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup due to its status as the champions of Mexico’s 2007 Clausura, CD Guadalajara, the 2006 Apertura champions, have been selected as “Mexico 1” and will participate in the 2008 Copa Libertadores.

Oct. 29 - Practice Schedule for the week...

The guys will come in to practice at 3:30 pm today, then have morning sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, and an afternoon practice on Thursday...the team will fly to Houston Thursday afternoon following training, arriving down there around 6:30 pm...today we learned the referee crew for the game: Baldomero Toledo, assistant referees Adam Wienckowski and Nate Clement, and 4th official Richard Heron.

For information on how you can join other FCD fans for the game in Houston, click on the image.

Also, all FC Dallas season ticket holders are invited to a private meet & greet and autograph session tonight from 6-8:30 pm here at Pizza Hut Park with the entire team.

Check- in will be located at the North gate. Please arrive accordingly to ensure your time with the team.

Starting @ 5:45 PM - FULL SEASON Plan Holders
Starting @ 6:30 PM - HALF SEASON Plan Holders
Starting @ 7:00 PM - FIVE GAME Plan Holders

If you don't have season tickets and would like more info, please contact the office at 214.705.6700.

Oct. 27 - FCD 1, Houston 0

Mission 360: the first 90 minutes are complete, and Dallas has a 1-0 advantage on the total goals, home-and-home series after tonight's win over Houston at Pizza Hut Park.

Clarence Goodson, who earlier in the day was named the team's Defender of the Year, scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute. Adrian Serioux took a long throw-in that bounced off a Dynamo player in the box and fell to Clarence, who shot past Onstad for the tally. It was FC Dallas first ever playoff win at Pizza Hut Park. The teams will complete the series next Friday at Houston's Robertson Stadium. Recap, box score, highlights at www.fcdallas.com.

Other Notes:

• Prior to the game Juan was named the team MVP, and Bobby won the team's Humanitarian of the Year award, to go along with Clarence's Defender of the Year honor.
• The back line of Gbandi, Moor, Goodson, and Rhine started for the second time this year. The only previous time they started as a defensive unit was on Aug. 19 in a 1-0 loss at Houston.
• In his fifth MLS season, this was Arturo Alvarez’s first-ever playoff appearance.
• FC Dallas was whistled for 23 fouls, compared to eight for Houston.
• Any player that received a yellow card in tonight’s game is on warning for the second game. Under MLS playoff rules, if a player receives a caution in two consecutive games, he would be suspended for the next playoff game if his team advances.
• Tonight was the 8th anniversary of the last time Dallas won a playoff series. On Oct. 27, 1999, Dallas defeated Chicago 3-2 at the Cotton Bowl to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
• Couple notes that relate to 1997 - This was the team’s first playoff shutout victory since Oct. 8, 1997, a 3-0 win over Los Angeles in game two of that series...also, Dallas did not take one corner kicks today - the last time that happened in the playoffs was in game one of that 97 series...Dallas won that game in a shootout after the team's tied 0-0.

Oct. 26 - The Mission Starts on Saturday

After practice ended on Thursday, the guys ate together in the lounge and then the players organized their own group outing - they went bowling together - on their own - no coaches, staff, trainers, etc...just the guys...

This morning's session was light, as is normal the day before a game...Steve pulled the starters, and after a light warm up and jog, they went off to one corner of the adidas Field and sat huddled together...we didn't get close, so we don't know what the talk was about...after short time, the group got up and had a fun and light-hearted game of keep away...

Lunch was again served in the lounge, and then some players went to run some errands before meeting up with the rest of the team at the hotel later in the afternoon...they'll sleep good, eat at the right times and the right foods, spend time together, and put their full attention and focus on the Mission - 360 starts on Saturday...

Oct. 26 - The Fans' Vote - MVP, Goal of the Year

The final two results from the fans' votes...

Team MVP (fans voted for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place)
Juan Toja: 70 percent
Arturo Alvarez: 8 percent
Clarence Goodson: 7 percent
Carlos Ruiz and Pablo Ricchetti: 5 percent each

Almost every other FCD player received at least one third place vote..

Goal of the Year
5/22 Chris Gbandi vs. RSL – 21 percent
10/3 Arturo Alvarez vs. NE (U.S. Open Cup) – 19 percent
6/9 Clarence Goodson game-winner vs. CLB - 13 percent
6/9 Juan Toja vs. LA - 13 percent
7/14 Juan Toja at DC (2nd Goal) - 9 percent
5/22 Kenny Cooper at KC – 8 percent

The other goals that also received votes...
5/20 Arturo Alvarez line drive strike vs. RSL
6/14 Dominic Oduro stoppage time game-winner at RSL
7/24 Arturo Alvarez chip vs. Chivas de Guadalajara (SuperLiga)
9/20 Carlos Ruiz late equalizer vs. CHI

Fans' Votes - Midfielder, Defender, Newcomer

More results from the fans' votes...

Midfielder (all midfielder, including Defensive mids, eligible):
Juan Toja – 70 percent
Arturo Alvarez – 14 percent
Dax McCarty – 9 percent
Pablo Ricchetti – 6 percent

Defender (includes goalkeepers):
Clarence Goodson – 56 percent
Drew Moor – 20 percent
Ray Burse – 6 percent

The following players received the remaining percentage of votes: Aaron Pitchkolan, Michael Dello-Russo, Dario Sala, Chris Gbandi, David Wagenfuhr, Bobby Rhine, Adrian Serioux, and Alex Yi.

Newcomer of the Year (all players new to FCD in 2007):
Juan Toja – 79 percent
Pablo Ricchetti – 11 percent

The following players received the remaining percentage of votes: Denilson, Ricardinho, Scott Jones, and Andrew Daniels.

Oct. 25 - Goals, Goals, Goals..

While fans had the chance to recap the season by voting, we put together this video - showing you all the goals scored so far this year...51 goals, from 12 different players, in three different competitions, in order...Click here for the high-res version, or watch the YouTube version below...

Wednesday Practice

For the first time all year, all 28 eligible roster players took part in practice this afternoon (and so did Ibee)...20 players trained inside the stadium with Steve and Oscar (including Dax, but not the keepers), while Marco kept the other guys sharp with a session out on the adidas Field.

At the end of practice, a group went to the side to play their keep-away game, while Carlos and Kenny practiced freekicks from different points in front of an empty goal...later, Carlos gets in goal for a couple of Kenny blasts, and then, one of our blog photogs tries the same thing...we'll let the photos below tell you who was braver.

The Fans' Vote - Fan Favorite and Forward

As we mentioned earlier, FCD Season Ticket Holders and FCD Hoops Nation Members had a chance to vote for their favorite player in a few categories...below are the first two top-vote getters...

Fan Favorite (all FCD players eligible):
Juan Toja – 53 percent of total vote
Kenny Cooper – 17 percent of total vote
Dax McCarty and Bobby Rhine – 6 percent each

The following players shared the final 18 percent: Carlos Ruiz, Dario Sala, Denilson, Aaron Pitchkolan, Abe Thompson, Anthony Wallace, Arturo Alvarez, Clarence Goodson, Adrian Serioux, Dominic Oduro, Drew Moor, Michael Dello-Russo, Pablo Ricchetti, and Ray Burse.

Forward (all forwards eligible):
Carlos Ruiz – 37 percent of total vote
Abe Thompson – 34 percent of total vote
Dominic Oduro and Kenny Cooper – 13 percent each

Oct. 24 - The Fans' Votes

Last week, we emailed FC Dallas Season Ticket Holders and FC Hoops Nation Members an online link, providing them a chance to vote for either who they consider the best or their favorite FCD...

Fan Favorite (among all players)
Forward (among all forwards)
Midfielder (among all midfielders, both defensive and offensive)
Defender (among all defenders and goalkeepers)
Newcomer (all players new to the team in 2007)
MVP (among all players)
Goal of the Year (we let our blog staff pre-select their 10 favorite goals among all competitions - regular season, Open Cup, SuperLiga - fans could vote for one of those goals)...

We also said that we'd be posting the results on this blog in the days leading to the first playoff game...we'll be back in a few with the first couple 'winners'...

UPDATED: Prior to the game on Oct. 27, we will present the team awards for: Budweiser Golden Boot Winner (an easy one, as Carlos had the most regular season goals); the Honda MVP, the Defender of the Year, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year. Media in the press box on gamedays and other local media that regularly follow the team voted for the MVP and Defender of the Year awards.

Oct. 23 - Intensity at practice

The morning rain and unusual mid-40 temps did not keep the guys from getting a good outdoor session on Monday...temps were much better on Tuesday, and the intensity on the field was as strong as we've seen it for a practice this year...

Guys were taking hits and dishing them out...nothing dangerous, but the intensity was definitely elevated at practice...we were talking with some office staff about the session, when one mentioned that today's practice looked like a SuperLiga game...no ball was left unchallenged...if you had the ball, you better find an open man, quick...if you didn't have the ball, you were making the challenge to get it back or force a bad pass...of course this happens at every practice, but today's just seemed like it had much more bite to every play...

28 guys trained today, including Alex, who is no longer listed on the injury report...Dax was out for personal reasons but will re-join the team on Wednesday...Marcelo and Roberto are the only two out with injury, but even Roberto tried to get involved...as he was working on the side with a trainer, a lose ball rolled to him, and he hit a one-time pass, 35 yards right to the goal...

The practice was divided into two...first, six teams were created...two faced each other on two separate small-sided field, with the third teams being the 'extra man' on the edges...it was a game intended to maintain quick possession, using the outside players for additional touches as well as one neutral player in the middle...stringing together as many consecutive passes got you points, so if you didn't have the ball, you were running everywhere making sure the others didn't put together too many in a row...

Later, a bigger-size game developed, with three teams facing each other (the third would spread out on the perimeter and be the 'extra' players for the team with the ball)...among the challenges - Ibee and Juan, Dominic and Alex, Pablo and Denilson, Bobby and Arturo, Clarence and Carlos...Adrian and Scott...Carlos looked the dangerous up front, three times getting on the end of plays to knock one in...Bobby and Chris were the most vocal, heard offering both constructive criticism or reps...Dario and Ray controlled their area...we could go on, but we think you get the picture...

They'll be back at work at 3:30 pm on Wed, followed by 10 a.m. sessions on Thursday and Friday...

Mission 360: FCD vs. Houston - Oct. 27 and Nov. 2

Fans may have already seen the colors, slogan, and images for Mission 360, which refers to total minutes necessary in order play in the MLS Cup final = four 90 minute games. The first step in Mission 360 will see FC Dallas face the Houston Dynamo in one of two Western Conference Semifinal Series. FCD will host the first-leg on Sat. Oct. 27 (7 p.m. CT) at Pizza Hut Park (click here for ticket info), with the second-leg scheduled to be played at Houston's Robertson Stadium on Fri. Nov. 2 (7:30 p.m. CT).

The other Western Conference Semifinal Series pits Chivas USA versus the Kansas City Wizards, who move over to the Western Conference Playoffs after finishing 5th in the East and claiming the final playoff spot (top two in each conference automatically qualify, as do the next best six teams regardless of conference).

MORE ON THE PLAYOFFS:
Conference Semifinal series are conducted under a home-and-home, aggregate-goal format, with single-game Conference Championships determining the MLS Cup Finalists. For each Conference, the 1st seed plays the 4th seed, and the 2nd seed faces the 3rd seed in the Conference Semifinal series, with the lower seeded team hosting the first game.

The team that scores the most goals in the home-and-away series advances to the single elimination Conference Championship. If the teams are tied after 180 minutes in the Conference Semifinal series, a 30-minute extra time period (divided into two 15-minute periods) would be played followed by a penalty-kick shootout, if necessary. The team with the higher seed between the two Conference finalists will host the Conference Championship game.

Oct. 20 - FCD 0, KC 2

Not the way the team wanted to finish the regular season, a 2-0 home loss to KC, who needed the win in order to clinch the 7th of 8 playoff spots...

• FC Dallas finishes the regular season with a record of 13-12-5, 44 points, and in third place in the Western Conference. FCD will host the first game of the Western Conference Semifinal Series against the Houston Dynamo on Oct. 25 (8 pm CT) or Oct. 27 (7 pm CT). The date will be determined on Sunday, following the Chicago vs. LA game. The return leg of the series will be played at Robertson Stadium in Houston on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 pm CT.

Couple other notes...Michael Dello-Russo made his MLS debut tonight, starting at right back...Dario and his wife Margot had their baby on Friday - Alexandra Victoria Sala was born on Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces...we weren't sure if Dario would be available today, so we added MLS pool keeper Boris Pardo to our roster yesterday just in case...the evening began out at the Texans Credit Union Walk of Fame, where Schellas Hyndman and Kenny Cooper Sr. were inducted today...Kenny (Jr.) and Drew ran out just in time to catch Mr. Cooper's speech, take a quick photo, and then get back in the locker room before warmups...

Oct. 19 - The Playoff Picture

Following last night's LA vs. NY 1-1 game, there are still four team's fighting for the final two playoff spots, though only KC and Chicago control their own destiny. While FCD has already clinched a spot, we need to (1) wait for the result of the Houston at Chivas USA game to know which team we'll face. And (2), we need to wait to see if Chicago makes the playoffs to know when our first game will be.

First: Chivas has a one point lead on Houston in the West, but they face each other on Saturday night in LA. If the game ends in a tie, or if Chivas wins, then FCD will face Houston in the Western Conference Semifinal Series. But, if Houston defeats Chivas USA, then FCD will face Chivas in the opening series.

Second: We know we are hosting either Chivas USA or Houston in the first game of the Conference Semifinal Series. And from reading above, you know how that opponent will be determined. Now, we need to finalize when we'll play the game, which depends on....the Chicago Fire. Here's what we mean...

If Chicago makes the playoffs, then they would host a game on Thursday, Oct. 25 live on ESPN2 (8 pm CT); which means, FCD would host HOU/CHV at 7 pm CT on Sat. Oct. 27 (on HDnet, though not exclusive). For Chicago, they could host D.C. if they finish fourth in the East, or host Chivas USA or Houston if they finish 5th in the East and therefore move over to become the 4th team in the Western Conference bracket.

If Chicago does not make the playoffs, then FCD would host HOU / CHV on Thur. Oct. 25 live on ESPN2 (8 pm CT).

Chicago can clinch spot on Saturday, without even playing. If Colorado loses to RSL, and FC Dallas defeats KC, then Chicago is guaranteed a playoff berth. If Colorado and / or KC wins on Saturday, then Chicago needs to defeat LA to ensure a spot.

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The possible scenarios in which each team could clinch are as follow:

Chicago Fire (37)
1. Clinches with a win Sunday vs. LA Galaxy
2. Clinches with a tie and either one of the following:
- KC fails to win
- COL fails to win
3. Clinches with a loss Sunday and both of the following:
- KC loses
- COL fails to win

Kansas City Wizards (37)
1. Clinches with a win Saturday at FC Dallas
2. Clinches with a tie and either one of the following:
- LA fails to win
- COL fails to win OR wins by less than a three-goal margin
3. Clinches with a loss and both of the following:
- LA fails to win
- COL fails to win

^Note: Because Colorado and Kansas City tied both times they met this season, their placing will be determined by goal differential if they finish the season tied in points.

Colorado Rapids (35) – Must win vs. RSL on Saturday.
Clinches with a win and any one of the following:
- KC loses
- KC ties and COL wins by 3 goals or more
- Chicago fails to win

LA Galaxy (34) – Must win at Chicago on Sunday.
Clinches with a win and either one of the following:
- KC loses
- COL fails to win

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With the addition of Toronto as the League's 13th team, MLS slightly changed the playoff format for this year. The qualification and seeding are as follow:

• Eight teams qualify for the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs
• Playoff berths will be determined by points in the standings upon the completion of the regular season on Oct. 21; all 13 teams will have played 30 games.
• If two teams are tied on points, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head results, the second tiebreaker is goal differential, and the third is goals scored for the season.
• The top two teams in each conference qualify and are seeded 1 & 2 in their respective four-team playoff conference brackets.
• The four MLS teams with the next most points, regardless of conference, receive “wildcard” berths.
• The four wildcard teams will be seeded according to conference first.
• If more than four teams qualify from one conference, those finishing lower than fourth in their conference will shift over to the other conference bracket.
• A team switching conference brackets will be seeded below all other teams in its new conference playoff bracket.

Oct. 19 - Experience MLS

Under a sunny and blue sky, the guys underwent their last regular season practice session this morning...all healthy players participated in the small-sided games, which today pit the 'older guys' versus the 'younger guys' (and reminded us yet again of pre-season in Brazil, when the 'young' faced the 'old' in the Survivor Challenge)...

These mini-games have the look of a fun drill, which of course, when guys are grouped in 'assigned' teams, they become really competitive games (most noticeable when Juan scored a winning goal and was mobbed by his teammates)...Carlos arrived from LA on Thursday afternoon and was fully involved in today's session...

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Also attending today's practice were the '96 Boy's and '96 Girl's teams from FC Memphis (Tennessee), which are led by former MLS midfielder Ross Paule (formerly of the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew and MetroStars / NYRB).

Former Dallas player Mark Santel, who now lives in St. Louis, is the MLS Ambassador for the midwest region. In his role, he worked closely with Ross and FC Dallas to give the Memphis FC teams an opportunity to "Experience MLS."

The MLS Experience provides club teams in non-MLS markets with the opportunity to visit an MLS market, play against MLS youth academy teams, meet MLS players and watch a live MLS game. The objective is to provide these youth soccer players with a memorable soccer experience, connect them with the league and MLS teams and demonstrate the benefits of having a professional soccer league in the United States.

The Memphis teams will play the FC Dallas Youth team's on Saturday on the adidas Field (3 pm) and then attend the FC Dallas game later in the evening.

Oct. 18 - Congrats to Cooper Sr. and Schellas

We'd like to congratulate former Dallas Tornado goalkeeper Kenny Cooper Sr. (Kenny's father) and Schellas Hyndman, SMU's head soccer coach, who will be inducted together into the Texans Credit Union Walk of Fame here at Pizza Hut Park on Sat. Oct. 20 (the event begins at 6 pm). They join Lamar Hunt, Jeff Agoos, Ron Newman, Gordon Jago, Bill Kinder, Carla Overbeck, Kyle Rote Jr. and Tatu as inductees....

The Texans Credit Union Walk of Fame is a stretch of soccer history at Pizza Hut Park that spans approximately 1,400 linear feet and includes commemorative markers with plaques recognizing members of the soccer community and key events that have been instrumental in helping build the sport of soccer in Texas. Situated just north of the Pizza Hut Park stadium, this unique landmark is not only a tribute to those who have dedicated much of their lives to the sport of soccer, but is also a point of historical interest for all fans visiting the facility. Formal nomination applications were accepted from the general public in June. Thereafter, the Nomination Committee and then the Selection Committee reviewed and voted on all the nominees and selected this year’s inductees.

We also want to thank the National Soccer Hall of Fame and SMU for providing these photos .

Oct. 17 - Midweek practice

The coaches created a few different combination of 'teams' for today's practice, mixing groups of midfielders /defenders and midfielders / forwards as they faced off against the other...

As we approach the last game of the season, one thing stuck out more today than in recent few weeks - this appears to be as close to a full compliment of available players as the team has had in a while...of course Marcelo (who's back in Brazil) and Roberto are out with injuries, and Bobby is suspended, and we're still uncertain about Alex's back (he spent the majority of the practice on the sidelines with the trainers), but the rest of the guys trained fully today (except for Carlos, who's with the Guatemala team for tonight's game versus Mexico)...

After practice, we caught up with Clarence, Pablo (our first chance to test how well his English classes are going), and Steve...(NOTE: on Thursday morning, we noticed the video was not working correctly so its been re-uploaded)

Oct. 16 - Last Regular Season Week

At times, at least for some of us up here in the office, it seems incredible to realize we're in our last week of the 2007 regular season...we could sit here and reminisce about the season, from the preparation that began in Florida at January's MLS Combine, to the SuperDraft in Indianapolis, to the trips to Phoenix, Brazil, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico...we'll leave this for another day...

Anyway, the guys had the weekend off, and were back at training on Monday...with all the rain that started off the week, the coaching staff called for an afternoon session....and - as we've seen previously when the guys have a couple of days off - the first session back was plyometrics work (a bunch of exercises - see video below)

Then on Tuesday, they came back at the regular 10 am start, this time, back out there with the soccer balls, working on tactics, game shape, etc...looking at the overcast day, with temperatures in the low 60s, some guys in warmup tops, and with the dew keeping the grass wet, it did kind of remind of us of those early February practices...

One promising note - neither Pablo nor Clarence are listed on the injury report that was turned in to MLS today...while neither worked with the team on plyometrics on Monday (worked on the side with the trainers), they both were involved in today's session...Alex, however, is still questionable with back spasms...Carlos is in LA with his Guatemala National Team, ready to face Mexico on Wednesday...

Oct. 15 - Casino Night

While the guys had the weekend off from playing soccer, the majority of them participated in other games - casino games, that is...The FC Dallas Foundation hosted the second annual Casino Night on Saturday in the Verizon Wireless Club, with fans getting the opportunity to 'gamble' with the players and coaches. Over 200 people attended, getting to see Dominic 'win' big, as he claimed over $100,000 in Foundation money on Blackjack (Dom, by the way, was recently selected as the Dallas Observer's "Best FC Dallas Player" in their annual 'Best of' edition)...

Fan Will Shore was the winner of the Poker Tournament, taking home a Mahogany Poker Chip set valued at $500...in all, the event raised over $12,000 for the Foundation, which will continue to put the money raised back into the DFW community (next event, Boo at the Zoo for underpriviledged kids)...

Oct. 12 - Recapping Wig Night

As we head to a weekend off, we wanted to recap some of the fun this Toja Wig Night seemed to bring out...

We received a lot of positive feedback on the video promo, with links sent to us showing that it was posted the duNord blog, on the Washington Post Blog, the Chicago Tribune blog, Sideline Views Blog, 3rdegree, and many other sites...by midafternoon on Thursday, it was the 47th top viewed sports YouTube clip of the day...

The guys also had fun doing their ESPN intros with the wigs on (for those that were at the game and didn't see it on TV - Adrian, Denilson, Arturo, Ray, and Bobby wore the wig when introducing themselves)...today, we received noticed that Toja Wig Night and Denilson's first-half back-heel play were selected as the Play of the Day on CNN International's World Sport program, which we're told has a reach of 200 million people in over 200 countries...

In closing, here's a short video showing fans, police, cameramen, staff, and players sporting the wig...

Oct. 11 - FCD 0, Chivas USA 0

Despite the energy of the Toja wigs, neither team could find the back of the net in the 0-0 tie today...FCD finished with 10 men after Bobby Rhine was shown a red card for what the ref said was an inappropriate comment...Ray only had to make one save to earns his his second shutout of the season, bringing his record in all competitions to 4-2-1 (six total goals allowed)..
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Oct. 10 - News, Notes, and Wigs...

The guys held their last session today, leaving the wigs inside...

ESPN was already in town, with the producer and one of the talent taking in practice and then talking to Steve...they also set up one of the auxiliary locker rooms to tape some intros for tomorrow's broadcast (you know, similar to the ones we did back in April)...we can't say now, but those that watch the game on TV will be able to see which players wore the wigs (hint, most that wore them today did not appear on the Toja Wig video)...

Fernando Palomo will be on the ESPN show along with Eric Wynalda, Rob Stone, and Allen Hopkins...Fernando, who is a regular on ESPN Deportes, did an at-length sit down interview with Denilson for their player profile show "Perfiles"...they touched on MLS, his career, and the Brazilian national team; past, present, and future...

We've also had a TV crew from BBC-Northern Ireland in town, filming a show on Steve and the team...they've been here since Monday, and have some good behind the scenes footage (most of which fans that follow the blog have already been privy to)...their goal is to show viewers back home that this team, and this league, is very much like what they have there...

Univision was also here, having caught on to the Toja Wig phenomenon...as you see above, long-time Univision sports 'celebrity' Mario Montez wears the wigs as he interviews Juan (Mario is in red)...

Couple other notes:

* Carlos will join his Guatemala National Team for their game against Mexico on Oct. 17...he'll join them Monday in LA and return to Dallas on Oct. 18...he's one goal away from being Guatemala's all-time leading scorer...

* Abe Thompson was named MLS Player of the Week, becoming the second FCD player to be so recognized this year (Toja -Week 15)...

* Fans that come to the game early on Wednesday can come down to the stage for $ 1 beers from 6:30-8 pm...beside a ticket to the game, nothing else is needed...

Oct. 9 - Toja wigs

The guys had a late training session on Monday, which included a scrimmage with the FCD U-17 team for many of the players that didn't play over the weekend...following this morning practice, Bobby reminds the rest that Thursday is Juan Toja Wig Night...see the video below, featuring Bobby Rhine (as Juan Toja) and co-starring Carlos Ruiz (as Juan Toja), Chase Wileman (as Juan Toja), Sandy Gbandi (as Juan Toja), Dario Sala (as Juan Toja), Anthony Wallace (as Juan Toja), Chris Gbandi (as Juan Toja), Steve Morrow (as Juan Toja), and of course, Juan Toja (as himself)…

Oct. 6 - FCD 3, Columbus 1

UPDATED (4:30 pm CT, Oct. 7):

* With the win, FCD clinches a spot in the playoffs for the 10th time in its 12 year history...
* The win gives FCD a final road record of 6-7-2. The six road wins were the most since the team won six in 1999.
* Abe became the fourth FCD player to score two goals in a game tonight...
* This was the seventh game in which Dallas has scored a goal in the final 10 minutes of game to win or tie a game this year...
* Going into this game, FCD was 1-9-2 when the opponent scored first, and 0-5-1 on the road...
* This is the first time Dallas has won at Crew Stadium, ever (1-7-5 all-time)...
* Dallas has scored 14 goals in the last 15 minutes of games, which is most in the League.
* Tonight was only the second time this season that FCD came back to win a game after surrendering the first goal of the game – the first win was on August 11 in 3-2 over Columbus at PHP (now 2-9-2).
* It was also the first time this season to win a road game after giving up the first goal (now 1-5-1).
* Abe Thompson became the fourth FCD player to score two goals in a game this year (Carlos Ruiz, Ramon Nunez, and Juan Toja). Abe has now scored eight goals in all competitions (5-regular season; 2-Open Cup; 1-SuperLiga).
* Arturo Alvarez also scored his eighth goal in all competitions (3-regular season; 3-SuperLiga; 2-Open Cup).
* This was the fifth time this year that FCD has scored three goals in a game, and the first time since August 11 (3-2 win over Columbus).
* Ray Burse, who graduated two months ago from nearby Ohio State University, made his fourth regular season start tonight; he increased his regular season record to 3-1-0 (surrendering four goals), and overall record in all competitions to 4-1-1 (6 goals), including a 1-1 tie versus Guadalajara (SuperLiga) and 2-1 win over Charleston (Open Cup).
* Clarence Goodson, who wore the captain’s armband for the first time tonight, was replaced in the 58th minute after sustaining a strained right hamstring…Pablo Ricchetti sat out tonight’s game with a left groin strain…Alex Yi did not pass a concussion test earlier in the day and was held out of the gameday roster…Carlos Ruiz served a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
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Very different night this year, compared to the last time Dallas played at Crew Stadium...some may recall the monsoon-like conditions last year, and the result was not in FCD's favor...

Couple lineup changes today compared to Wednesday...Ray gets the call in goal, and Denilson returns to the left side of midfield...Adrian takes the defensive mid role, with Pablo out with a groin strain...he's joined in the middle by Juan, and on the right by Arturo...Abe returns to the starting lineup, combining with Dom up top...Pitch fills in at center back, next to Clarence (who is wearing the captain's armband for the first time tonight)...they are flanked by Wags on the left, and Drew on the right...

Oct. 5 - The last regular season road trip...

The last trip of the regular season, and what fun it was (at least the first leg)...delays, name changes, security screening for the entire group, and of course, a lost bag...

Training ended on Friday at about 11:45 am, with lunch served in the player lounge inside the locker room right afterwards practice...the bus left PHP at about 12:45, but upon arriving at DFW, a few guys had to wait some time before checking in...see, names for tickets are submitted in advance...in this case, with regular guys like Pablo and Carlos not traveling, and Kenny making his first trip since early June, we had a few names to change to the originally issued tickets (this is very common - FCD, and most teams, make a player change or more ahead of just about every trip, especially since the original names are always submitted many weeks in advance)...for some reason, today, things did not go as smooth...

First, however, as the group approached the self check-in terminals, an AA attendant told us that someone in the group had a name that was similar to one on a 'watch list'...not knowing who it was, all the names in the travel party were blocked from checking in - which meant everyone would have had to check in at the counter...realizing there was some type of mistake, another attendant cleared all the names, allowing some guys to get out of the counter line and go try to check again on their own ...

We're now about 45 minutes from takeoff, and still needing to get Kenny, Alex, and Dom checked in...knowing it would be cutting it close (we didn't even know why a couple of the guy's names weren't showing up on the records), we started trying to get their bags checked in under other's names...Kenny had to carry his on since we could only add one more bag to both Steve and Oscar's names (we moved Kenny's personal stuff into Dom's checked-in bag)...about 30 minutes out, we had all the names in the system, and boarding passed printed...

Quickly get through security, and see the rest of the team in line at the gate - but not boarding...

Once again, names started coming across on the security list - which meant our boarding passes weren't scanning...we quickly gathered all the boarding passes and ID's, and handed them to the two attendants behind the desk (the rest of the passengers were on board)...in about 20 minutes, clearing each person one at a time, they had us all on board...

Two hours later, we're in Columbus...for some of us, it was great to see the OSU gear throughout the airport and the Tribe game on the TVs...our bus was there, and the bags started coming out in about 20 minutes...all but one...another 15 minutes, and the final bag is brought to us, not through the carousel...

The hotel was only about 15 minutes away, here in downtown Columbus...unlike other trips this year, the team had a team meal ready at the hotel (along with the excellent chocolate chip cookies that come with the rooms keys at Doubletree hotels)...after dinner, the guys went to their rooms and the staff stopped at the hotel bar to watch the KC vs. DC game (as well as the Indians' 11 inning win)...

Before we left PHP, we talked to Adrian, Kenny, Juan, and Steve about Saturday's game...

Oct. 5 - Casino Night next weekend

The team will be leaving for Columbus this afternoon, following a practice session here at PHP...this is the second to last weekend of play for the boys, who get next weekend off - kind of. While they won't play soccer next week, the team will be taking part in the FC Dallas Foundation Casino Night on Oct. 13 in the Verizon Wireless Club here at the stadium.

You can join them in this benefit drive.

For $80 each (or four for $300), fans can 'gamble' with the players, get free hor d'oeuvres and drinks, and get $1000 in 'FC Dallas Dollars' to gamble with...at the end of the night, you get to keep a set of cards, in which the numbers/faces are that of FC Dallas players and coaching staff...Among the games are blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas Hold 'em tables...fans can win a variety of prizes, while spending time with the players and helping contribute to the success of the FC Dallas Foundation.

Click here to register or call the FCD Foundation at 214.705.6704 if you have more questions (tell them you read about it on the blog).

Oct. 3 - FCD 2, New England 3

The guys fought hard, but it didn't happen for them...we'd like to thank the fans for your support...we know you care as much for this team, and it showed throughout - and of course, especially at the end, staying around and applauding the boys for their effort...

New England gets their first title of any kind, having previously lost one Open Cup and three MLS Cups title games...

As always, you can find a recap, box score, and highlights on www.fcdallas.net... also, since this was a U.S. Soccer event, they'll have a recap and notes at www.ussoccer.com.

The guys get a quick turn-around, as the team departs for Columbus on Friday afternoon for Saturday's game...we hope to know more on Pablo and Alex in the next couple days (Pablo left at the half with a left groin strain, and Alex, who had replaced him, left with a concussion)...

Oct. 2 - The last practice...

The guys are back at work, holding their final practice this morning at 11 am here at PHP...following training, 22 players and the coaches will be off to a nearby hotel, where they will stay tonight - clearing as many distractions as possible in order to stay completely focused on Wednesday's game...only 18 may dress on Wednesday, and only 5 of those can be international players - which means the coaching staff will leave some decisions for tomorrow (notice the Nike ball, which will be used tomorrow since this is a U.S. Soccer event, instead of MLS)...

Oct. 2 - Wednesday's Game

The tollway is now open past the Pizza Hut Park exit, so fans can arrive at the game early and enjoy $1 beers in the Beer Garden down on the stage from 5:30-7 p.m (during team warm ups). Following the game, we'll have an on-field trophy / medal presentation, and then all fans are invited to the Verizon Wireless Club for a post-game Open Cup party (win or lose). It's been 10 years since the team's last U.S. Open Cup Championship title...Tickets are still available and start at only $9 (888.FCD.GOAL).

Oct 1 - Two Days to Go...

The guys had two sessions today...with the entire team playing on Sunday, the morning session consisted of video work...the group gathered in the lounge, with the coaches and players themselves talking about the good, and not so good, of Sunday's game...

At a little after noon, Steve and Carlos were on the U.S. Soccer conference call talking U.S. Open Cup (along with the Revs Steve Nicol and Jay Heaps)...the Spanish speakers then made the regular 1 pm English classes up here in the front office conference room...

The entire group came back for a 6 pm recovery session, held inside the stadium...the field players stretched out and jogged around the field, while the two keepers went through more intense drills with the coaches...a large goal was positioned near the center of the field, with a long rope tied to the top and stretched to the sidelines, anchored at about the third row of the stands...then, some pennies were hung from the rope, making an easier 'net' for the large soccer/volleyball game that was about to take place...

Teams were split to about 15 per side, with Oscar yelling out the instructions...after the serve, the sides were to keep the ball in the air, with a minimum of six passes around before it could go back over - no hitting the ground...first it was regular volleyball like play...then, it switched to left foot only, one touch...then each had two touches...then head ball passes only...and so on...Dario had the play of the day, when on the two-touch rotation, his teammates lined him up perfectly in order for him to lightly lift up a pass to himself, and 'spike' the ball with a full bike over the net...the entire team jumped on him in celebrating his execution of the play...however, the other side won the match, taking the final five points...

Later, the guys had their own 'cool' down, come playing a large group juggling game...on a smaller field, Oscar and Denilson faced off against Carlos and Dario in the two-man soccer tennis game...Oscar and Denilson won the first set...Carlos and Dario the second...and, well, you can see from the photos below how long they played...Oscar and Denilson claiming they could no longer see the ball or the sidelines, and walked off after a 'certain' number of points in tie-breaking game...the four bantered all the way up the tunnel, so we're not sure if anyone really won that game...